Mid-November through May are the driest months of the year. The rainy season starts in June and ends in mid-November. High tourist season starts in December and continues through April. The rest of the year is less crowded. Belize has a subtropical climate, with an average annual temperature of 80 degrees. The temperature can reach the mid-90's in the summer. Trade winds flow through the coastal and island properties most of the year, keeping temperatures enjoyable even throughout the hottest months. Hurricanes occasionally occur in summer or falls months. Water temperature averages between 79 and 83 degrees. Rainfall is heavier in the jungles and southern Belize and lighter in the north and on the islands.

Stores, banks and government offices are closed in observance of the following holidays:
New Years Day - January 1
Baron Bliss Day- March 9
Good Friday
Holy Saturday
Easter Monday
Labour Day-May 1
Commonwealth Day- May 24
St. George's Caye Day- September 10
Independence Day- September 21
Columbus Day- October 12
Garifuna Settlement Day- November 19
Christmas Day- December 25
Boxing Day- December 26

When hiking, bring hiking boots or sneakers with good treads, long pants and long sleeves for evening hikes, short pants and cool cotton clothes, bathing suits and sun hats, sunglasses, prescription drugs, lightweight raingear with a hood, scuba diving gear with certification card, dive log, snorkeling gear, fishing tackle (scuba diving gear as well as fishing tackle may be rented), sun screen, sun burn cream, insect repellent, binoculars, camera and film, batteries, a flashlight or headlamp for evening hikes or caving, and do not forget your passport or visa (if applicable), as well as cash, credit cards and/or travelers' checks.

The dress code in Belize is shorts and t-shirts. Except for hiking into the thick jungle areas, the dress is casual, informal and light. Leave expensive jewelry at home for you will not need them. Should you need a watch, bring one that is suitable for diving and hiking. If you are visiting Long Caye, bring shorts, T-shirts, and bathing suits, along with deck shoes. The sun is more intense than what you are probably used to at home, so bring a hat to protect your head from the tropical sun and biodegradable sun screen for the rest of your body. Do not forget to bring a pair of "polarized" sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun and to remove the reflective glare from the water. When exploring mainland Belize or hiking through the rain forest wear loose fitting, light colored cotton pants and shirts, along with a comfortable pair of hiking shoes or boots.

Hotels, restaurants and stores in the tourist areas accept all major credit cards. Smaller vendors and storekeepers in rural areas may accept only cash (US currency or Belize currency US$1 = BZ$2) or travelers' checks. All major credit card companies may be contacted at any of the commercial banks in Belize City.

Local currency is the Belize dollar. One U.S. dollar (US$1.00) is equivalent two Belize dollars (BZ$2.00). U.S. dollars are accepted countrywide. Major credit cards accepted at hotels and shops.

Four commercial banks in Belize City are:
Atlantic Bank Limited, Albert Street, Belize City
Phone: 011-501-227-7301
Bank of Nova Scotia, Albert Street, Belize City
Phone: 011-227-7027
Barclays Bank PLC, Albert Street, Belize City
Phone: 011-501-227-7211
Belize Bank Limited, Market Square, Belize City
Phone: 011-501227-7132

Banking hours are usually Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 1 PM and to 4:30 PM on Fridays; and Saturdays, 8 AM to 11 AM. Many of the banks have branches within the other districts.

If you have a car, a great way to experience the country is driving yourself. Always keep in mind not to leave valuables in view in the vehicle, keep the doors locked, keep the gas tank filled, do not pick up hitchhikers and try not to drive a night. It is recommended, whether or not it is rainy season to have a four wheel drive vehicle. Belize is only 68 miles wide and 180 miles long, so it is not too far to get anywhere. The main highways in Belize are:
Northern Highway from Belize City to Corozal and the Mexican Border.
Western Highway from Belize City to San Ignacio and the Guatemalan Border.
Hummingbird Highway from Belmopan to Dangriga.
Southern Highway from Dangriga to Punta Gorda.
Manatee Highway from Belize City to Dangriga.

To rent a car, or a golf cart on mainland Belize, a valid driver license is required. Driving laws are like the rest of the world. Also, to ride a bike at night, you must have a bright white light on it. A list of car rental companies may be found in the Getting To Belize section of the website.

The bus lines in Belize are:
Battys 011-501-207-4924
Venus 011-501-207-3354
Departure is out of Belize City for most of the major towns (Punta Gorda, Corozal, Orange Walk, San Ignacio, Belmopan, Dangriga).

Gas costs about US$3.00 to $3.50 per gallon.

Travelers flying into the Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize City may connect to various destinations within Belize including: Corozal, Caye Caulker, Caye Chapel, Dangriga, Big Creek, Ambergris Caye, Placencia and Punta Gorda.

Airlines serving destinations within Belize:
Tropic Air: (800) 422-3435 (from U.S.) or 011-501-226-2012 email tropicair@btl.net. Belize International, Belize Municipal, Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Caye Chapel, Corozal, Placencia, Punta Gorda, Flores (Guatemala).
Island Air: 011-501-226-2435. Belize International, Belize Municipal, Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Corozal.
Caribee Air Service: 011-501-224-4253 for private charters.
Javier's Flying Service Ltd.: 011-501-223-5360 for private charters.

Travelers on a budget can vacation for as little as $30 a day on mainland Belize. Transportation will be extra. Room and board in upscale jungle lodges and good hotels can run from $80 to $150 a day. Outfitted group adventure trips at upscale all-inclusive lodges range from $100 to $150 a day. Reservations are always a good idea. Do not forget to ask about group discounts everywhere they are available.

Yes, Belize has a value added tax of 15%. It is levied on all goods and services except hotel accommodations, where there is a 7% tax. Some hotels have a 10-15% service charge, be sure to inquire about this when checking hotel prices. These taxes are subject to change.

Tips of 10% are acceptable, with more for outstanding service.

There are numerous local fish, fruit and vegetable markets. Meats, rice, corn and beans are the regular diet for locals. Other foods and manufactured goods are usually imported and sold through small stores and supermarkets. Just keep in mind that certain products cannot leave the country, such as unprocessed coral, turtle shells, pre-Columbian articles and marine products (unless permission is granted).

You have to be in the country for at least three days before you can apply for a marriage license, with one day notice. You must have proof of citizenship such as a certified copy of a birth certificate, notarized, with father's name, proof of divorce, if necessary, certified copy or original of divorce certificate and a copy of the death certificate for widow or widower, if necessary. You can be married by either a Justice of the Peace or Registrar General (Phone 501-227-7377) in Belize City.

911 is the emergency number to connect you to the local police, who will be able to assist you. The fire department or ambulance can be reached through this number also. The Belize Telephone Directory would have a list of doctors, and very serious medical problems are cared for in Belize City at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.