The Best Times to Visit Belize and Guatemala for LGBTQ Travelers
Belize and Guatemala are vibrant, diverse, and culturally rich destinations that offer stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, lush jungles, and warm hospitality. However, if you’re planning a group adventure with other LGBTQ travelers, such as those who join our trips at Pride Adventures, timing your visit can make or break the experience.
Whether you’re hoping to snorkel the barrier reef in Belize, explore Mayan temples in Tikal, or immerse yourself in culture-rich Antigua, the season you travel in affects everything: weather, crowd levels, pricing, and even how comfortable you feel as a queer traveler.
Let’s explore the best times of year to visit Belize and Guatemala for LGBTQ travelers, as well as how to make the most of each season.
Belize: A Tropical LGBTQ Paradise, Best Enjoyed at the Right Time
High Season (December–April): Best Time for Sun and Socializing
Why It’s Great
This is the dry season in Belize, expect clear skies, warm breezes, and little rain. It’s also peak travel season, which means more events, open businesses, and opportunities to meet fellow LGBTQ travelers (especially in places like San Pedro or Placencia).
Gay Travel Perks
- Ideal weather for island-hopping, snorkeling, or joining a curated gay group travel experience.
- High season often coincides with holiday breaks in the U.S., making it easier for travelers from New York, San Francisco, or Chicago to join a group retreat.
- LGBTQ-friendly beach bars, boutique resorts, and dive operators are in full swing.
Things To Consider
- Prices are higher, and places book quickly, especially for popular retreats or gay men’s travel adventures.
- If you’re traveling solo and hoping to meet others, joining a trip organized by an LGBTQ-focused operator like Pride Adventures ensures connection from day one.
Shoulder Season (May & November): Balance Weather and Affordability
Why It’s Great
You’ll still enjoy decent weather, especially in May, without the high-season crowds or costs. It’s a sweet spot for LGBTQ travelers looking to experience Belize more authentically.
Gay Travel Perks
- Ideal for community-driven retreats where the emphasis is on connection, not nightlife.
- May offers excellent underwater visibility for diving.
- November begins the ramp-up to high season, as some businesses reopen with special offers or events.
Things To Consider
- Occasional rain, especially later in May or November.
- Fewer tourists means fewer LGBTQ-focused events, so choosing a curated group trip makes a big difference in social experience.
Rainy Season (June–October): Quieter, Less Reliable
Why It’s Great
This is hurricane season. Some areas, especially the cayes and southern coastal regions, see frequent downpours and unpredictable weather.
Why It Might Still Work
- Great for budget-conscious LGBTQ travelers or remote workers who don’t mind a slower pace.
- Jungle lodges and inland regions, such as San Ignacio, may still offer great experiences, especially in early June or late October.
Gay Travel Pro Tip
If you’re considering a low-season escape, look for an LGBTQ group travel retreat with backup plans, local guides, and flexible itineraries. These elements can turn a rainy day into a waterfall hike or chocolate-making workshop.
Guatemala: Culture, Coffee, and Connection—Timing is Everything
Unlike Belize, which is primarily flat and coastal, Guatemala is mountainous and has a diverse climate. That makes timing even more crucial, especially for gay travelers hoping to explore safely and comfortably in a group.
Dry Season (November–April): Ideal for Cultural Exploration
Why It’s Great
- Comfortable temperatures, sunny skies, and ideal conditions for hiking volcanoes, exploring colonial cities, and photographing ancient ruins.
- This is when many gay men’s trips and LGBTQ travel experiences take place, especially in spots like Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Tikal.
Gay Travel Perks
- Better infrastructure and road conditions for travel between cities.
- December and March often feature cultural festivals that feel magical but are even more enjoyable with a guide or group.
- Safer and easier to explore as a queer traveler when traveling with a trusted LGBTQ travel company.
Things To Consider
- It can get cold at night in the highlands, so pack layers.
- The most popular destinations will attract more tourists (although fewer LGBTQ-specific events may be available, unless you’re on a group trip).
Shoulder Season (May & October): A Slower, More Intimate Vibe
Why It’s Great
- May is warm and lush before the heavy rains begin.
- October can offer bursts of sunshine between showers and far fewer tourists.
Gay Travel Perks
- Easier to get last-minute bookings for charming lakeside hotels in places like San Marcos or Panajachel.
- Ideal for a more introspective or wellness-focused gay men’s retreat, especially if you’re looking to connect with others over mindfulness, yoga, or cultural exchange.
Things To Consider
- Rain can disrupt hiking or boat transfers.
- Some rural areas may have less LGBTQ visibility or services; again, group travel offers safety and camaraderie.
Rainy Season (June–September): Best for Adventure Lovers with a Plan
Why It’s Tricky
- Frequent rain, especially in the afternoons.
- Muddy trails and more difficult travel between destinations.
Why It Might Still Work
- Fewer crowds at top sites like Tikal.
- Lush landscapes and dramatic cloudscapes make for gorgeous photography.
- For adventurous LGBTQ travelers, this can still be a stunning time to go, especially on a well-organized group tour with contingency plans.
Safety Note
Some roads in Guatemala become impassable in the peak rainy months. Stick with trusted LGBTQ travel providers that prioritize safety and transparency.
Bonus: Cultural Events and LGBTQ Celebrations to Time Your Trip Around
While Central America doesn’t yet have the volume of gay pride parades you’d see in Europe or the U.S., there are still some key events and community moments worth syncing your trip with:
Belize
- Belize Pride Week (usually in August or September) – Small but growing, especially in Belize City and San Pedro. It includes panel discussions, art shows, and community gatherings.
- San Pedro Lobster Fest (June) – A fun, festive, beachy event popular with locals and visitors alike.
Guatemala
- Guatemala City Pride (June) – A visible, joyful celebration in the capital, with increasing support each year.
- Semana Santa (Holy Week, March/April) – While not LGBTQ-specific, it’s one of the most visually stunning and culturally rich events in Latin America. Visiting Antigua during this time (with a guide or group) is unforgettable.
Choosing the Right Time and the Right Community
While the dry season is clearly the best time for weather, LGBTQ travelers have other priorities: safety, connection, and shared experience. That’s why timing your trip with a group experience such as those curated by Pride Adventures, can turn a great trip into something truly transformative.
By traveling with a group of like-minded gay men (or on one of our partner LGBTQ trips), you not only explore the best of Belize and Guatemala, you do so in a way that’s safe, social, and deeply connected.
Practical Tips for Planning Your LGBTQ Trip to Belize or Guatemala
Pack For Layers
Even in warm months, Guatemala’s mountains can get chilly. Belize tends to stay warm, but it is also humid.
Get Travel Insurance
Especially important during the rainy season or when visiting remote areas.
Respect Local Culture
While both countries are relatively LGBTQ-friendly (especially tourist zones), they are socially conservative. Public affection should be subtle outside LGBTQ spaces.
Book Early For The High Season
Trips between December and April sell out quickly, especially LGBTQ-specific retreats.
Plan Smart, Travel Proud
Both Belize and Guatemala offer unforgettable landscapes, rich culture, and meaningful travel experiences for LGBTQ travelers. However, how you visit and travel makes all the difference.
If you’re a gay man aged 35–65 or a bit younger or older, seeking deep connection, curated adventures, and a community to travel with, check out our upcoming trips at Pride Adventures. We design journeys that go beyond sightseeing, offering experiences that build lifelong friendships.
Whether you’re snorkeling in Belize in February or hiking a Guatemalan volcano in November, your next great LGBTQ travel story starts with when you go and who you go with.
Ready to travel with your people? Browse upcoming group trips to Belize, Guatemala, and beyond at www.prideadventures.com
