October 2026 on Ambergris Caye, Belize: Weather, Events and CONCH!!!

September and October are the slowest months of the year for travel to Ambergris Caye and the rest of Belize. Kids are back in school, and everyone is getting back into the “summer’s over” groove. The weather in the US/Canada can be gorgeous. So tourism is quite slow.

All the weather talk this year is about the SUPER EL NINO. And the predictions – that may have seemed far-fetched a few months ago – are true…so far. It is hurricane season and Sept 11th, the peak of the season has come and gone and…in the Caribbean so far…nothing.

Apparently the last time this happened – no hurricanes as of Oct 2nd – was 1914. 1914 was also an El Nino year and the 1914 hurricane season ended with ZERO hurricanes. Nuts.

That does NOT mean that our guard is down. October can be a stormy month for Belize…but the long-term forecasts show nothing. See the National Hurricane Center here.

All that being said… If you don’t mind some rain and want to experience a quieter, more local side of the island, October can be a gem. Especially if you plan on moving here and/or working here.

Ambergris Caye Weather in October

October is firmly rainy season in Belize. August to December is a time when it’s a possibility. Expect hot, humid days with a chance of scattered downpours, sometimes heavy, but usually short-lived. Mosquitoes are out this time of year – especially in the early morning and the evening.

We’ve had a dry year so far…rains didn’t start until the end of September. El Nino!

Generally, the storm systems in the Caribbean can suck up all the wind in the Caribbean and leave the water FLAT. It’s called the October Doldrums for a reason.

But again…who knows! El Nino!

Average temps: high 80s°F during the day, though the real feel can be well into the low 100s, and mid-70s°F (24°C) at night. I like to check Weather-atlas.com this time of year. My thermometer says 85 degrees, but it’ll feel like 110. That site gives you the details on real feel temperatures.

Sargassum in October

Usually, October has always been part of the “lull” for sargassum in Belize, especially compared to the spring and early summer invasions. But this year has been the worst year so far. And heavy mats of sargassum keep coming in. The town and resorts are doing their best…and many are headed to Secret Beach to enjoy the seaweedless shore line…but it is still coming in.

Seafood in October

CONCH SEASON OPENED OCTOBER 1st!!!!

October is a wonderful month for seafood. Lobster season is open until mid-February, so you can still enjoy grilled lobster, lobster ceviche (it can be so sweet and delicious when done correctly!), and all the island classics. But forget lobster, I say, because CONCH is what makes Belize special. And it is SO delicious.

Conch fritters, conch chowder, conch ceviche…you’ll see it popping up on menus as soon as the season officially opens. Here are some of my favorite ways and places to get conch.

Let’s bring out the Venn diagram for all you (fellow) nerds!

Quick Travel Tips in October

• Pack light rain gear: A small umbrella or light rain jacket is handy. Also, a sandal you can wear in the rain (I’m devoted to the plastic Birkenstocks. If it starts to rain and you need to make a run for it, you won’t slip on wet tiles in these.)
• Check for hotel specials: Many resorts offer big discounts this time of year. I find it best to contact the hotel directly if you see something great out there.
• Bring bug spray: Rain + puddles = more mosquitoes. I’ve tried ALL the bug sprays and lotions, and far and away the best of the best is Sawyer. I’ve never seen it for sale on the island, so bring it with you!
• Keep an eye on the weather: The National Hurricane Center. And for daily weather, Windfinder is the best I know.

Holidays & Special Events in October

October is not as packed with holidays as September, but there are some dates to know:

• Monday, October 12th – Indigenous Peoples’ Resistance Day: A public and bank holiday in Belize. Schools, banks, and government offices close, though most larger restaurants and tour operators remain open.
• Halloween: San Pedro loves Halloween, and San Pedro throws some of the best parties (for adults and pets) in the country. Expect elaborate costumes and themed events at bars and restaurants. October 31st falls on a Sunday this year, so the big Holiday Hotel bash (usually the last Saturday of October) will be October 30th. I’ll share the parties here as I see them!

October might not have the parades and fireworks of Independence month, but Halloween in San Pedro is one of the biggest (and latest nightest 🙂) parties of the year.

Often, businesses will close for a bit of R&R and renovation in September and be open in October but some will close for a bit in October. Make sure you check to see if your fave restaurant is open as planned or that your favorite karaoke spot is doing karaoke that night…

Just in case!

Additional dates for fun:

October 16th and 17th: Croc’s Sunset Bar is hosting the annual Croc-tober fest but this year – it is going to be bigger…2 days. You can follow them on Facebook and Tiktok for more information…

October 25th: SAGA Humane Society’s big Halloween party. Dogs in costumes! The best!

And then some of the Halloween parties…

And then…coming up in November…a bit of culture! Make sure to get your tickets.

In some parts of Belize, the first days of November are a time to remember loved ones and welcome their spirits home. In Mestizo and Maya communities across the country, including here in San Pedro, families build altars with photos, candles, flowers, trinkets and the favorite foods and drinks of loved ones who have passed. The Yucatec Maya call this Hanal Pixan, “food for the souls.” It isn’t a sad time…it’s a joyful reunion between the living and those who came before us.

Join us Sunday, November 1st, 11 AM to 6 PM at Eco Museum Belize for a cultural celebration with traditional altars honoring our ancestors, our beloved pets, and the Maya, plus traditional food, dessert, drinks, and face painting. Tickets are $20 BZD for adults, $10 BZD for kids, and $70 BZD for premium with a Paint & Splash session. Get them at Eco Museum Belize, Tres Cocos Resort, or Belizean Melody Art Gallery, or WhatsApp 672-4526 or 614-3340.