Temperature

Being a large property, there is some local climate variation between the inland and coastal areas, as well as between the north and south of the area, though overall the influence is primarily coastal, with the ameliorating effect of the sea breezes. Temperature varies throughout the year from 15°C to 36°C, corresponding to the change in dominant wind direction, with northers bringing colder temperatures during January/April, and hottest temperatures occurring during the short dry season in August. This can be seen in the figures from Tower Hill, 25km to the west of the Property.

Water temperatures of approximately 30°C were recorded in the shelf lagoon and bay with daily warming of 2°C.

Wind patterns

The prevailing winds, the trade winds, come from the east and northeast throughout much of the year, rarely exceeding 15 knots.  During November through to March, periodic ‘northers’ (strong, cold, north fronts) interrupt the regular wind patterns, bringing strong northerly winds of up to 30 knots and, at times, heavy rain.  These north winds affect the water table by creating currents that take water from the semi-enclosed Chetumal Bay and push it southwards, reducing both the level of Chetumal Bay and wells further inland. These northers are countered by stable south-easterly winds produced by strong anticyclones during this dry season period.

Hurricane Season begins in June, and extends until November, bringing both tropical storms and the potentially damaging hurricanes. Even though Belize has escaped the majority of hurricanes spawned within the Caribbean, hurricanes have had an impact in the past.

The Property’s coastline is quite well protected from the danger of storm surges by the presence of the Belize’s Great Barrier Reef, Ambergris Cay and the expanse of shallow water over Bulkhead Shoal; 3 solid lines of defense.