Where Is Belize Located?
Belize is a small, English-speaking country on the Caribbean coast of Central America—but it feels like nowhere else you’ve visited.
From the reef to the rainforest, Belize offers a blend of cultures, landscapes, and rhythms that set it apart from better-known neighbors like Mexico or Costa Rica.
Let’s look at where Belize is—and why it feels so unique.
🌎 So, Where Is Belize?
Belize borders:
- Mexico to the north
- Guatemala to the west and south
- The Caribbean Sea to the east
It’s about the size of Massachusetts, with a population of around 400,000 people.
Most travelers are surprised how easy it is to get here.
- Flights from Miami take about two hours.
- From Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta, it’s about three hours.
- Belize is on Central Standard Time year-round, so in winter, it’s the same as U.S. Central Time.
Fun fact: If you leave Miami at noon, you often arrive around noon Belize time—like gaining an hour of vacation.
See my Belize Travel Planning Guide for more arrival tips.
✈️ What Makes Belize Feel Different?
You might expect Belize to feel like Cancun or the Caribbean, but as soon as you arrive, you’ll notice small things that make it special:
✅ No mega-resorts or high-rise hotels—most places are small, family-run, and personal.
✅ English is the official language, but you’ll hear Belizean Creole, Spanish, and Maya languages mixed into daily life.
✅ There’s no McDonald’s or Starbucks anywhere—just local sodas, street food, and seaside shacks serving fresh-caught fish.
✅ Shops often close for lunch, and on Sundays, the whole country slows down. Fewer buses run, many stores close, and everyone makes time for family.
✅ The sun sets early—around 6 PM all year—so people start their days early.
✅ Nature is never far, even in towns. It’s common to see iguanas, toucans, or pelicans while you’re out for a walk.
✅ You can go from the jungle to the reef in the same day, something few countries offer.
These are the details that make Belize feel real, relaxed, and different from anywhere else.
Read Things Belizeans Know That Visitors Don’t for more local insights.
🌞 Climate and Seasons
Belize has a warm, tropical climate all year:
- Dry Season (November–May): Sunny skies, cooler breezes, less rain.
- Green Season (June–October): Lush jungle growth, short tropical showers, and fewer crowds.
Even during the rainy season, most rain falls in bursts rather than all day. Some of the most beautiful sunsets happen right after an afternoon downpour.
See my Belize Seasons Guide to plan the best time for your trip.
🌴 What Can You Do in Belize?
No matter when you come, Belize offers something unique:
- Snorkeling and diving the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world.
- Exploring ancient Maya ruins like Xunantunich and Caracol.
- Tubing or canoeing through caves used by the Maya for ceremonies.
- Relaxing on quiet beaches in Placencia or Caye Caulker.
- Sampling local food—from fry jacks and stewed chicken to fresh lobster in season.
✨ Why Visit Belize?
Many countries are beautiful on a postcard. Belize is beautiful when you’re here.
It’s not just about where Belize is on the map—it’s about how it feels.
Here, you’ll find:
- Small towns where everyone learns your name.
- Early evenings when the sky turns gold.
- No big chains or billboards to block the view.
- A pace of life that gives you room to slow down and breathe.
Discover more in my Complete Belize Travel Guide.
👋 From Me to You
“I’m Alvin, a licensed Belize tour guide. I grew up exploring these rivers, reefs, and backroads. If you have any questions about planning your visit—or just want to know what Belize is really like—feel free to get in touch. I’d love to help you discover the country I call home.”
