The climate in
May moves towards its hottest phase, recording high temperatures and humidity levels. Despite this,
Belize City manifests itself beautifully under clear blue skies that dominate most days. An increase in average rainfall to 105mm (4.13") revitalizes the city's natural beauty and ensures the flora thrives. Evening showers offer respite from the day's heat, setting the stage for pleasant, cooler nights. The weather becomes stirring, with vibrant city life amplified by the tropical climate.
Temperature
In Belize City, temperatures reach their average annual highs in May, measuring 31.8°C (89.2°F) and a minimum average of 24.2°C (75.6°F).
Heat index
May's heat index is evaluated at an extremely hot 43°C (109.4°F).
Prudent: Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely. Heatstroke becomes imminent with sustained exertion.
One should consider that heat index numbers are for shaded settings and light wind. Exposure to the direct sun could elevate the heat index by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees.
Note: The heat index, also known as 'felt air temperature' or 'feels like', offers an insight into how hot it feels when we factor in moisture content. The influence of weather can be personal, changing with an individual's body mass, height, and level of physical exertion. Direct sun rays can make one feel hotter, potentially raising the heat index by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees. Heat index values are particularly important for children. Kids often lack the knowledge about the necessity to take breaks and consume liquids. Thirst, as a late symptom of dehydration, necessitates the maintenance of hydration, particularly during enduring physical activities.
Through perspiration, the body has a natural mechanism to eliminate excessive heat via sweat evaporation. An elevated level of relative humidity hinders evaporation, leading to decreased heat elimination from the body, inducing a sensation of excess heat. When the body's heat gain surpasses its removal capacity, body temperature starts to climb, leading to potential heat-related ailments.
Humidity
In Belize City, the average relative humidity in May is 79%.
Rainfall
In Belize City, during May, the rain falls for 6.1 days and regularly aggregates up to 105mm (4.13") of precipitation. Throughout the year, there are 136.2 rainfall days, and 2014mm (79.29") of precipitation is accumulated.
Sea temperature
May through
November, with an average sea temperature of 29°C (84.2°F), are months with the warmest seawater.
Note: For any water activity, the surface water temperatures in the range of 25°C (77°F) to 29°C (84.2°F) are deemed excellent and incredibly pleasant for longer durations.
Daylight
In May, the average length of the day is 12h and 58min.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 05:26 and sunset at 18:13. On the last day of May, sunrise is at 05:17 and sunset at 18:23 CST.
Sunshine
In May, the average sunshine is 8.3h.
UV index
March through
September, with an average maximum UV index of 12, are months with the highest UV index. A UV Index of 11, and more, symbolizes an ultimate health vulnerability from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation for ordinary individuals.
Note: The maximum UV index of 12 during May translates into these guidelines:
Take all necessary precautions, as unprotected skin can burn in minutes. Minimize exposure to direct sunlight and seek shade from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when UV radiation is most intense, but remember that shade structures may not offer complete protection. To cut down UV radiation exposure by about half, sport a wide-brim hat. A sunscreen with at least SPF 30 should be used liberally and reapplied frequently on cloudy days, especially after swimming or an outdoor workout. Be attentive! The UV exposure is heightened with reflections from sand and water.