A complete year-round fishing calendar
Intro
Every month is fishable in southern Belize. The best time depends on what you're after. Some months have calmer weather. Others have more permit activity. A few bring massive tarpon. There's no single "best" time, just tradeoffs.
Use this Belize fishing calendar as a guide. Each month is broken down by weather, species, and what to expect when fly fishing on the flats.
Quick picks:
Best permit fishing: April-June
Biggest tarpon: May-September
Fewest crowds: October-November
Calmest weather: February-April
January
Cooler mornings, dry conditions. Northeast winds pick up occasionally but rarely blow the flats out for more than a day or two.
Permit are active year-round. January sees good numbers on the flats, especially midday when the water warms. Look for them tailing on sandy edges and cruising turtle grass beds.
Tarpon slow down in cooler water but residents stick around. We'll find fish in the 20 to 40 lb range in the mangroves and deeper channels.
Bonefish stay active all month. They don't mind the cool water. Schools move through sandy flats and mangrove edges throughout the day.
What to expect in january:
Good permit activity. Comfortable weather with occasional wind. Fewer anglers than peak season. Bring a light layer for early mornings.
February
Dry season continues. Calm mornings, light winds, excellent water clarity. One of the most pleasant months to be on the flats.
Permit activity picks up as water temperatures start climbing. More tailing fish on the sandy flats, especially during afternoon high tides when the shallows warm up.
Tarpon numbers are still low but resident fish are active in protected areas. Target river mouths and mangrove channels during the warmer parts of the day.
Good bonefish numbers. Schools cruise the flats looking for small crabs and shrimp. Good month for beginners learning to sight-fish.
What to expect in february:
Excellent weather. Good permit activity. Clear water makes fish easier to spot but also more spooky. Prime conditions for sight-fishing.
March
Warm days, light winds. Water temperatures climb and fish activity picks up across all species. This is the transition into prime season.
Permit show up in bigger numbers. Tailing fish are common on sandy flats during high tides. Cruisers work the edges looking for crabs. Multiple shots on most days.
Tarpon start moving in from deeper water. Early migrants push into the channels and mangroves. Fish range from 20 to 60 lbs with occasional bigger ones mixed in.
Bonefish are active all day. Schools are easy to find and they're aggressive. Good month for your first bonefish if you're new to sight-fishing.
What to expect in march:
Comfortable weather. Increasing permit activity. Tarpon numbers building. Water clarity excellent.
April
Prime permit season begins. Warm water, light winds, excellent visibility.
Flats fishing is at its peak. Dozens of fish on good days. Tailing fish on the pancake flats, cruisers in the drop-offs and the occational school showing up. This is the month if permit are your priority.
Tarpon numbers increase. Bigger fish start showing up alongside the residents. Expect 60 to 100 lbs and bigger. We'll target channels, reef edges, and river mouths. Action picks up throughout the month.
Bonefish are active and aggressive. Easy to locate and they eat well. Good option between permit shots.
What to expect in april:
Best overall conditions of the year. High permit activity. Good tarpon fishing. Clear water, light winds.
May
Hot days with occasional afternoon showers. Water temperature climbs. Big migratory tarpon arrive in numbers outside Placencia.
Permit stay active. Numbers are high and fish are feeding hard. Tailing activity continues on sandy flats during high tides.
Tarpon fishing explodes. The big migratory fish push into southern waters. We're talking 80 to 120 lbs and bigger. They show up along the reef, in deep channels, and around river mouths. If a trophy tarpon is the goal, this is your month.
Bonefish are everywhere and they eat. Schools cruise the flats all day. Easy fishing between tarpon and permit sessions.
What to expect in may:
Hot weather. Brief afternoon showers. Excellent permit fishing. Peak tarpon season begins. Bring rain gear.
June
Rainy season hits but fishing stays strong. Afternoon showers are common. Mornings are usually clear. Water stays warm.
Permit numbers remain high. Fish are active despite the heat. Target sandy flats during high tides and turtle grass beds when water is moving.
Tarpon fishing is at its peak. Big fish are everywhere. Channels, reef edges, river mouths. Multiple shots at triple-digit fish if we're targeting them.
Bonefish stay active. Rain doesn't slow them down. Schools are easy to find all month.
What to expect in june:
Hot and humid. Afternoon rain. Excellent tarpon fishing. Good permit activity. Fish early before weather builds.
July
Hot with regular afternoon rain. Morning sessions are most productive.
Permit activity slows slightly in the heat but fish are still around. Focus on early morning and late afternoon when temperatures drop.
Tarpon are everywhere. Big migratory fish stick around through July. We'll target deeper water during midday. Early mornings and late afternoons are best for surface activity.
Bonefish don't care about the heat. Schools cruise the flats all day. Reliable fishing when you need a break from hunting tails.
What to expect in july:
Hot and humid. Afternoon storms. Good tarpon fishing. Permit slow down in the heat but are catchable. Early fishing = best conditions.
August
Rainy season continues. Hot days with regular afternoon storms.
Permit numbers drop slightly but fish are still catchable. We'll target them early mornings and in specific areas with moving water. They're more active on a pushing tide.
Tarpon fishing remains strong. Big fish are still around and feeding. Morning sessions before the heat builds are most productive.
Bonefish are reliable. Schools are easy to find on the flats regardless of weather. Good option when storms cut afternoon sessions short.
What to expect in august:
Hot and wet. Frequent afternoon storms. Good tarpon fishing. Permit require more effort. Plan for morning fishing.
September
Rainy season peak. Storms are frequent. Hurricane season is active. The slowest month for fly fishing.
Permit are around but less active. We target flats with moving water and focus on mornings. Numbers are lower than spring.
Tarpon are still present but big migratory fish start leaving. Residents stay in the channels and mangroves. We'll target deeper areas during storms.
Bonefish are the most reliable species this month. Schools stay active regardless of weather.
What to expect in september:
Wet. Storms. Hurricane risk. Fishing is possible but weather is unpredictable.
October
Transition month. Rain tapers off toward the end. Weather improves. Fewer visiting anglers.
Permit activity picks up as water cools slightly. Fish start showing up in better numbers. Tailing activity increases.
Tarpon numbers drop as migrants leave. Resident fish stay in protected areas. We'll find 20 to 40 lb fish in mangroves and channels.
Bonefish stay active. Schools cruise the flats and eat well all month.
What to expect in october:
Weather improves toward month's end. Fewer crowds. Flats fishing picks up. Good month if you want the water to yourself.
November
Dry season returns. Cooler mornings, pleasant afternoons. Light winds. Excellent conditions.
Permit fishing is strong. Numbers increase as fish push onto the flats. Tailing fish on sandy edges, cruisers on turtle grass. A sleeper month with good fishing and no peak season crowds.
Tarpon slow down as water cools. Resident fish stick around in the mangroves but numbers are lower than summer.
Bonefish are everywhere. Schools are easy to find and aggressive. Great month for consistent action.
What to expect in november:
Pleasant weather, good permit numbers, and almost no one else out here.
December
Dry season with cool mornings. Comfortable fishing weather. Occasional cold fronts can bring cooler winds for a day or two.
Permit are active. Numbers are good and fish are feeding. Target midday when the water warms. We'll find them tailing on the flats and working the edges.
Tarpon retreat to deeper, warmer water. Residents stay in the mangroves but overall numbers are lower. We will be targeting the channels during the warmest parts of the day.
Bonefish don't mind the cooler water. Schools cruise the flats all month. Reliable when permit aren't showing.
What to expect in december:
Pleasant weather. Good flats activity. Lower tarpon numbers. Holiday crowds pick up toward month's end. Book early.
Guiding articles
Multiple shots guaranteed — 400+ permit landed —
