Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Cayo, Belize is classified under the Koppen-Geiger system as Am, indicative of a tropical monsoon climate. This region experiences a diverse temperature range, with minimum recorded temperatures dipping to a cool 11°C (51°F) in February, while summer months can escalate to sweltering highs of 43°C (109°F) in April. The average annual temperature harmoniously settles around a pleasant 26°C (80°F), making Cayo a unique blend of warmth and refreshing cooler periods, ideal for diverse ecological and human activities.
Cayo, Belize exhibits distinct seasonal temperature patterns throughout the year, characterized by warm to hot conditions. The year begins with mild temperatures in January, where the minimum reaches 13°C (57°F) and averages around 23°C (74°F). February shows a slight cooling with minimums dropping to 11°C (51°F), while the average climbs to 25°C (77°F). As spring advances into March and April, temperatures rise notably, with April peaking at a scorching 43°C (109°F), marking the height of the heat. The transition into the summer months of May through September maintains comparable average temperatures, remaining steady around 28°C (82°F), yet the maximums hover between 39°C (102°F) and 41°C (107°F). The year gradually cools down in October and November, with average temperatures settling back to the mid-20s, only to dip slightly again in December. Overall, Cayo’s climate is defined by a warm tropical environment, marked by a hot dry season and a more temperate wet season.
San Ignacio experiences a diverse temperature range throughout the year, with February seeing a minimum of 11°C (51°F) and April reaching a maximum of 41°C (107°F). This variation underscores the region's distinctive climate, making it a unique destination to experience both cool and hot periods. For more details, visit monthly temperatures in San Ignacio.
Cayo, Belize experiences a variable precipitation pattern throughout the year, with a clear distinction between the dry and wet months. The first quarter of the year is relatively dry, with January receiving 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain over 10 days, and February slightly lower at 38 mm (1.5 in) across 11 days. March continues this trend with a modest 29 mm (1.1 in) in just 9 days, while April sees a slight increase to 38 mm (1.5 in) over 7 days. This early part of the year paves the way for a gradual uptick in rainfall beginning in May, as the wet season approaches.
As the wet season sets in from May through October, precipitation significantly intensifies, peaking during the summer months. May marks a substantial rise with 77 mm (3.0 in) falling over 16 days, while June experiences the highest monthly total of 171 mm (6.7 in) across 23 days. July and August follow closely, accumulating 96 mm (3.8 in) and 107 mm (4.2 in), respectively. September sees a further increase with 130 mm (5.1 in). The trend continues into October, reaching 172 mm (6.8 in) before tapering off in November with 118 mm (4.6 in), and concluding the year with a drier December at 55 mm (2.2 in) over 14 days. This clear seasonality highlights Cayo's tropical climate and its propensity for significant rainfall in the mid-year months.
Cayo, Belize experiences a delightful progression of sunshine hours throughout the year, with a noticeable increase as winter transitions into summer. Starting with 213 hours of sunshine in January, the days slowly begin to lengthen, reaching 261 hours in February. The trend continues in March and April, where sunshine hours peak at 310 and 311 hours, respectively, signaling the approach of the summer season. May marks the apex of sunshine, with an impressive 317 hours, showcasing Cayo's vibrant climate and providing ample opportunity for outdoor activities.
As the summer months carry on into June and July, there is a slight dip to 273 and 303 hours, yet the sunshine remains abundant. August sees a rebound in sunlight with 307 hours, making it a favorable month for beachgoers. However, the latter part of the year witnesses a gradual reduction in sunshine hours, with September recording 281 hours, followed by 261 hours in both October and November. December's 271 hours hints at a return to brighter days as the year wraps up. Overall, the data reveals a strong seasonal rhythm in Cayo’s sunshine patterns, with late spring and early summer serving as the peak period for sunlight availability.
Cayo, Belize exhibits a notably high UV Index throughout the year, reflecting its tropical sun's intensity. Starting in January with a UV Index of 9, categorized as very high, sun exposure becomes a concern with a burn time of just 15 minutes. The intensity escalates quickly in February, reaching a peak of 11—an extreme exposure level that requires even more vigilant sun protection. This extreme level persists through the following months, with March and April recording values of 13 and 14, respectively, emphasizing the necessity for protective measures as burn times drop to 10 minutes.
As summer approaches, the UV Index remains consistently high, predominantly around 13, making June, July, and September equally critical for sun safety. Interestingly, August marks another peak at 14, reinforcing the notion that exposure risks are rampant during this season. The UV Index slightly recedes in October with a value of 12, but the pattern of extreme levels returns to a very high status in November and December, with indices of 9 and 8 respectively. Overall, the persistent high UV ratings throughout the year serve as a reminder for residents and visitors alike in Cayo to prioritize sun safety practices to prevent harmful UV damage.
UV Risk Categories
In Cayo, Belize, daylight duration exhibits a consistent pattern throughout the year, with subtle variations that correspond to seasonal shifts. January and February each offer 11 hours of daylight, establishing a stable and comfortable light period at the start of the year. As spring arrives, March introduces a slight increase to 12 hours, a trend that continues through April and May, providing longer days that are perfect for outdoor exploration and activities under the sun.
The peak daylight duration occurs during the summer months of June and July, each providing 13 hours of sunlight, creating ideal conditions for visitors and residents to enjoy the vibrant natural scenery. However, as the year begins to transition back toward winter, daylight hours gradually decrease. August and September return to 12 hours, followed by a reduction to 11 hours in October, November, and December. This cyclical pattern highlights Cayo's approach to daylight variation, offering ample sunlight for the majority of the year while ensuring a predictable rhythm between longer and shorter days.
San Ignacio, Belize experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round. Monthly average temperatures range from a low of 23°C (74°F) in January to a high of 29°C (84°F) in May. The wet season peaks in June and October, producing the highest rainfall of 173 mm (6.8 in) and 167 mm (6.6 in), respectively. Sunshine is abundant, particularly from March to May, with April averaging 311 hours. For more detailed information, visit San Ignacio climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Cayo, Belize, showcases a captivating interplay of temperature, precipitation, sunshine, UV index, and daylight duration, creating a unique tropical environment that evolves throughout the year. With high temperatures peaking in the summer and significant seasonal rainfall, Cayo provides a diverse landscape for ecological and recreational pursuits. The region's abundant sunshine, coupled with elevated UV indices, underscores the importance of sun safety measures for both residents and visitors. As daylight durations shift across the seasons, the inviting weather patterns contribute to Cayo's reputation as a tropical paradise, making it an appealing destination year-round for those seeking adventure or relaxation in a beautiful natural setting.