What To Wear In Belize: 10 Tips + My Exact Packing List!

Bordering Mexico and Guatemala is the second smallest country in Central America, Belize.

Don’t be fooled by its size, this tiny country packs a serious punch. It’s diverse with lush jungles and Mayan ruins to the west and sun-drenched Caribbean Islands to the east. 

What to wear in Belize will depend on which region of the country you plan to visit, excursions, time of year, etc.

I visited inland Belize and two different islands, participated in various excursions, and experienced a variety of weather. I’ll do my best to pass along what I learned to you.

Below is everything you need to know about what to pack for Belize, plus my exact 7 day packing list!

What To Wear In Belize

Casual Outfits

Belize is a laid-back country where simplicity and practicality win out over more exciting fashion choices. It’s quite hot here, especially in summer. Look for light, breathable clothes made of either linen, cotton, or rayon.

In larger cities, such as Ambergris Caye, there are some upscale restaurants so a nice shirt and pants or casual dress could be utilized. Although there’s certainly no dress code you need to adhere to.

In terms of everyday footwear, comfort is important and you should expect your shoes to get dirty. During our time on the islands we walked a lot of dirt roads, our sandals were coated in dust and mud at the end of each day. While inland I toggled between cozy sandals and basic tennis shoes.

During my February visit the islands got hit with a storm, making it a little cooler than usual. I certainly wouldn’t use the word cold, but we experienced low 70°F’s combined with wind. At night it was great to have light jacket, linen pants would’ve been nice too.

Below are some casual outfit ideas for low-key excursions such as exploring town or going out to eat. All outfits are linked in the captions below and most are available in various colors and styles.

Beachwear

If visiting Belize it’s very likely you’ll plan for a beach day or two!

Basic beach essentials are all you need here: Swimwear, coverup, sun protection, waterproof shoes, and a beach bag with water and snacks will work for most.

Plus a microfiber towel and casual clothes to replace wet items if you wish.

Below are a few swimwear and swim accessory ideas.

What To Pack For Excursions In Belize

There are so many exciting excursions and activities in Belize! Many of which require specific clothing or gear. Below I’ve listed out what you’ll need to pack for some of the most popular adventure tours in Belize.

Snorkeling

Spending a day at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve? Lucky you!

The Belize Barrier Reef is part of the second largest barrier reef system in the world, only behind Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. It’s home to hundreds of fish, sea turtles, nurse sharks, even manatees!

It’s no surprise snorkeling is one of the most popular things to do when visiting Belize.

A few essentials when snorkeling are a sturdy swimsuit, rash guard, and reef safe sunscreen.

It can be very easy to burn while snorkeling thanks to the water’s reflection and Belize’s already intense sun. A rash guard and reef-safe sunscreen are great ways to combat this. Please remember regular sunscreen should not be used while snorkeling as it damages the coral reefs.

Additionally you may want water shoes, a wind resistant hat, and waterproof bag for the boat ride. Plus your own snorkel gear if you don’t want to borrow any.

I’m a big fan of swim shorts over my regular swimsuit when doing water sports. The pair I’ve linked below are very similar to ones I’ve used for years. Quick drying, athletic shorts work great as well.

Last, also consider a waterproof case for your phone or camera. Be sure to get a case that floats or purchase a float wristband.

Below I’ve included a couple items for your snorkel excursion, all items are linked in the caption below. Most products come in various colors and styles.

Cave Tours

A cave tour in Belize, whether cave tubing or exploring the famous ATM cave, will require tossing fashion out the window. Certain practicalities are required when hiking to, and then navigating, rocky, wet caves.

If your cave tour involves swimming, many do, you’ll need the following items: swimsuit, water shorts, tank top, proper shoes, and for some, a rash guard.

Other items worth considering include hat or sunglasses for the walk to and from the cave, waterproof bag, waterproof phone case, micro fiber towel, and change of clothes for the trip home.

If doing the ATM Cave tour you’ll also need quick drying socks. No shoes are allowed in sacred areas but socks are strictly required.

In regards to shoes, you must protect your toes from sharp rocks. Average waterproof sandals won’t do. Conversely, regular tennis shoes or hiking boots will be very uncomfortable when wet. Water shoes or sandals with toe protection are best.

If visiting a cave but not going in water then shorts, tank top, water resistant hiking shoes, sunscreen, hat/ sunglasses, and backpack will do for most.

Below are a few essentials:

Mayan Ruins Or Jungle Hikes

One of the most incredible things about Belize are the Mayan ruins. Did you know Belize has the most known Mayan sites of any country? Truly remarkable considering it’s roughly the size of Massachusetts.

The Mayan archeological sites are scattered throughout the country with some of the largest sites located in dense jungle. In these areas the air is dense and heavy with humidity. For most it’ll feel much warmer than the thermometer indicates.

Proper clothing, lightweight athletic wear and breathable fabric, is important. Additionally closed-toe shoes are best.

You’ll also want a backpack to carry snacks, water (lots of it), and bug spray/ mosquito repellent!

My Belize Packing List

Below is my packing list for Belize, this was for a 7 day visit in February.

If visiting in winter know it can get somewhat cool when the sun goes down, the islands in particular can be windy. At night it may be nice to have long pants, a long sleeve shirt, or light jacket. This won’t be necessary for everyone.

To be clear, it was only chilly 1 or 2 nights during our entire trip. Most nights were pleasant and day time temperatures were very warm.

We visited both inland Belize, Caye Caulker, and Ambergris Caye. Our excursions included visiting Mayan ruins, snorkeling, canoeing the Macal River, and lots of beach/ pool time.

• 3 t-shirts
• 4 cotton tank tops
• 2 cotton shorts
• 1 pair of athletic shorts
• 1 summer dress
• 4 bathing suits
• Swim shorts
• Beach cover up
• Microfiber towel (medium size)
• 2 pairs of water proof sandals
• 1 pair of tennis shoes or comfortable walking shoes
• Ball cap
• Sunglasses
• Water resistant drawstring bag
• Waterproof phone case and floating wrist band
• 1 pair of athletic leggings (only used for airport travel day)
• 1 cardigan (only used for airport travel day)
• 1 lightweight windbreaker/ rain jacket (used one cool, windy night when a storm passed through)

When traveling somewhere tropical I pack a few extra undergarments and basic t-shirts/ tank tops. I change my clothes more often, due to heat and humidity, than I would at home.

In addition I also packed basic essential items such as:

• PJs/ loungewear
• Socks
• Undergarments
• Toiletries (TSA approved travel size containers)
• Deodorant
• Sunscreen
• Face Sunscreen
• Lip balm with SPF
• Sunburn relief (natural Aloe Vera gel)
• Bug spray
• Mosquito bite relief
• Hand sanitizer (travel size & natural)
• Phone charger / charger for any electronics / multi-devise charging station / plug adapter

Note: Belize uses 110 volt, 60 cycle electricity, same as the United States and Canada.

Packing & Airport Essentials

Below are my travel basics and airport essentials.

Note: During my Belize vacation I brought a rolling suitcase, same as the one linked below. It worked fine most places but a backpack would’ve been easier, especially in Caye Caulker where there were only dirt roads. Both backpacks linked below are a great option if looking for an alternative to standard luggage.

Can You Drink The Water In Belize?

No, tap water is not safe in Belize.

My friends and I were careful to not drink tap water in Belize, cautious of the food we ate, etc. and still got sick by the end of our 7 day trip. Did we have mild food poisoning? Montezuma’s Revenge? I don’t know, I will spare you the details, but we were sick with a stomach bug on our last day of vacation.

What did we do?

We ate Pepto Bismol tablets and sat around the hotel room in pain.

Thankfully we were able to find Pepto Bismol in Ambergris Caye. And, in our case, it controlled the symptoms.

I will now never travel to Central America without chewable Pepto Bismol tablets. I buy the chewable tablets, not liquid, because you can’t carry liquid through airport security.

I prefer to use natural remedies when possible, but in this case nothing helped aside from Pepto Bismol.

Having said that, I once got a stomach bug in Mexico and nothing, including Pepto Bismol, soothed the symptoms except diluted apple cider vinegar. Conversely, this bug we got in Belize did not react to apple cider vinegar and only Pepto Bismol relieved my symptoms.

On future trips I plan to try activated charcoal and get a Life Straw filtered water bottle. I’ve heard good things about using both as preventative measures.

Below are some products I’ve used with varying success rates — I’ve been to Mexico and Central America 5 times and gotten sick 2 times.

I’m not a medical professional, I’m only speaking from personal experience here. Use common sense, exercise caution, see a doctor with any severe case of food poisoning or disease. Consult your doctor before using these products.

Belize Weather 

Winter through early spring is the best time to visit Belize, this is their dry season and temperatures are warm but not stifling.

Late spring through fall is the warmest time of year. The sun here can be very intense making it feel warmer than the thermometer indicates.

If visiting summer or fall, the rainy season, expect an average of 10 – 15 days of rain per month plus high humidity. Fall is hurricane season.

Of course weather will vary throughout the country, but below are average temperatures to provide a general idea:

• January – 83° / 68° (High/ Low F°)
• February – 84° / 70°
• March – 86° / 72°
• April – 88° / 75°
• May – 89° / 77°
• June – 89° / 78°
• July – 89° / 77°
• August – 89° / 77°
• September – 89° / 76°
• October – 87° / 75°
• November – 85° / 72°
• December – 83° / 70°

Not surprisingly, winter is the high season in Belize.

Is Belize Safe?

I traveled to Belize with two female friends and felt safe. We practiced the same caution we would at home. It’s always a good idea to keep personal items such as passport, credit cards, and cash in your hotel safe and keep unnecessary valuables back at home.

We kept to tourist areas and used common sense while on excursions and when out at night.

In my experience Belize felt safe and most locals were incredibly kind and helpful.

I hope you’ve found this guide to be helpful in planning what to wear in Belize. It’s an incredible country and one I can’t wait to return to again in the near future!

Any questions? Please leave a comment below or reach out on social media!

Looking for more ideas? Below are additional Belize guides and packing guides!

More Information For Your Belize Vacation:

• Belize: The Ultimate 7-Day Itinerary
• Belize: What To Wear + Packing List
• Where To Stay In Belize?
• What Is Belize Known For? Things You Didn’t Know About Belize
• San Ignacio Guides
• Ambergris Caye Guides
• Caye Caulker Guides