August is indeed hurricane season in Belize and the rest of the Western Caribbean, but since 1889 only one hurricane has hit Belize in August (that was Dean last year, which came ashore in northern Belize). There also have been five tropical storms to hit Belize in August during that 119-year period.
But ... there is usually a dry period in part of August, sometimes called the mauger.
Here's some data:
Number of storms making landfall in Belize since 1889
In the past 119 years since weather records in Belize were first formally maintained, Belize has seen the following storms make landfall:
• 21 hurricanes -- average of about 1 hurricane every 5.7 years
• 32 tropical storms – average of 1 tropical storm every 3.7 years
• 53 total hurricanes and tropical storms – average of 1 hurricane or tropical storm every 2.2 years
Of the 21 hurricanes:
• 9 or 43% were in September
• 8 or 38% were in October
• 2 or 10% were in July
• 1 or 5% was in November
• 1 or 5% in August
• 0 or 0% in June
Of the 53 total hurricanes and tropical storms:
• 19 or 36% were in September
• 14 or 26% were in October
• 8 or 15% were in June
• 6 or 11% were in August
• 4 or 8% were in July
• 3 or 6% were in November
(Figures rounded)
Most powerful hurricanes to hit Belize:
• Unnamed hurricane, September 9, 1931, Belize City and Northern Cayes, 110 mph, estimated 2,500-3,000 deaths
• Hurricane Janet, September 28, 1955, Northern Belize, 165 mph, 16 deaths in Belize
• Hurricane Hattie, October 31, 1961, Belize City, 140 mph, estimated 225-310 deaths in Belize
• Hurricane Carmen, September 2, 1974, skirted Northern Belize, 120 mph
• Hurricane Mitch, October 27, 1998, skirted Belize to the south, 155 mph
• Hurricane Keith, October 1, 2000, Ambergris Caye 120 mph, 2 deaths in Belize
• Hurricane Iris, October 9, 2001, Placencia & Southern Belize, 145 mph, 21 deaths in Belize
• Hurricane Dean, August 21, 2007, Northern Belize, 165 mph at landfall in Mexico, lower in Belize
Source; Belize National Meteorological Service, NOAA and other weather records
Tropical Storm Arthur in early June of this year produced heavy rains and flooding that killed 7 and did tens of millions of dollars in damage to crops and roads.
Yes, as #1 said, you can get to Belize City and on to Caye Caulker in one day. Take the San Juan or Linea Dorada (the better choice) tourist bus from Flores to Belize City for US$15 to $20 -- these minibuses stop mainly at the border. It's maybe a 5-hour trip. You'll be dropped at the Marine Terminal, and from there you can take a water taxi to Caulker (45 minutes, US$7.50). The last boat is at 5:30 p.m.
--Lan Sluder
http://www.belizefirst.com
