Complete fishing calendar for Bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon in belize
Southern Belize is a year-round fly fishing destination, thanks to its steady climate and waters teeming with Bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon. While the best time to fish depends on which species you're after, the country's overall conditions make it possible to hook up at almost any point on the calendar.
From March through September, temperatures can climb into the mid-80s to high-90s °F (around 29–37°C). Even during the rainy season (June 1–November 30), most coastal showers pass quickly rather than lasting all day, so your fishing plans are rarely disrupted by weather.
From December 1 through May 30, Belize shifts into a drier pattern with clear skies and comfortable breezes. April and May can bring hotter days and lighter winds, often making for excellent sight-fishing opportunities. However, an occasional cold front can roll in between December and February, bringing cooler, windy, and sometimes rainy conditions.
Factors like fishing pressure, moon cycles, and seasonal fish behavior also influence your trip's productivity. For example, certain months offer more Permit or larger Tarpon, while Bonefish stay consistent year-round. In this guide, you'll find a complete month-by-month breakdown of Belize's climate and the impact of moon cycles and tides to help you better prepare and plan your trip.
Month-to-month fishing calendar
January generally brings cooler mornings and moderate winds, thanks to occasional cold fronts from the north. While temperatures still hover around the mid-70s to low-80s (°F), a sudden cold front can push the mercury down and stir up windy conditions. As a result, water on the flats can be choppier, especially in exposed areas.
From a fishing standpoint, Bonefish remains a reliable target in January. They're present all year and typically stay active despite dips in temperature. Permits are also to be found on the flats, though if the wind kicks up, we may need to hunt them along leeward flats or deeper channels where conditions are calmer. Tarpon in January usually consists of resident fish—smaller to medium-sized—in mangroves or protected areas. In January, the key is to hold a close eye on the forecast and adapt. When there's a calm, sunny stretch, sight fishing can be excellent even mid-winter.
February brings a slight warming trend and more consistency than January. Although cold fronts can still appear, they're typically less frequent. Daytime highs often settle comfortably in the upper 70s to low 80s, making it more pleasant to spend long hours on the flats.
Bonefish are still the most predictable species and will eagerly take a well-presented fly in shallow water. Permit numbers pick up when conditions are stable, but they remain cautious and easily spooked. Tarpons remain mostly resident fish; larger migratory tarpons are still a few months away. February usually holds fewer tourists, which calls for less fishing pressure on the flats.
March marks a transitional month as Belize shifts into a spring-like pattern. Temperatures rise gradually, often hitting the low to mid-80s. While prolonged cold fronts are less common, mornings can still bring brisk winds that typically ease off in the afternoon, creating more windows for smooth fishing conditions later in the day.
Bonefish thrive as warmer weather draws them onto shallower flats. Permit activity can spike around the new or full moon, and you might also spot the first signs of larger Tarpon moving in—though huge ones often appear a bit later. Overall, March offers a balanced mix of moderate winds, comfortable temperatures, and a good chance to land multiple species.
April is one of the best months to fly fish in Belize. You can expect consistent sunshine, moderate breezes, and warming water temperatures that encourage more aggressive feeding. Bonefish are as dependable as ever, while Permits can be found tailing on the flats during good tidal movements.
As for Tarpon, resident fish become more active, and the occasional early migratory Tarpon may start to appear. April is also popular for anglers aiming to achieve the Grand Slam, especially if you align your trip with favorable tides. Remember that the weather is transitioning toward the hotter months, so hydrating and using plenty of reef-safe sunscreen is essential.
May marks a shift toward warmer temperatures and the onset of higher humidity, though it's still generally considered part of the dry season. Early in the month, you might have near-ideal conditions: warm, clear days and less wind, making it a sight-fishing paradise on the flats.
Bonefish remain cooperative, often schooling in good numbers. Permit fishing can be excellent, with some anglers claiming May as their favorite month to come and chase tailing fish. The Tarpon action notably heats up, too. Larger migratory Tarpon start to roll in more frequently, meaning you have a solid shot at hooking something well over 50 pounds. If you’re after big fish and don’t mind a bit more heat, May is a fantastic choice to come to Southern Belize for fly fishing.
June typically signals the beginning of the rainy season in Belize, though at first, it may just mean scattered showers rather than day-long downpours. Afternoons can turn hot and humid, and occasional showers help cool the flats. The increasing rainfall often leads to nutrient-rich runoff, stimulating feeding in certain areas.
Tarpon season moves into high gear, with larger migratory fish showing up in deeper channels, river mouths, and along the reef edge. Bonefish remains a solid option on calmer flats, and Permits are still found tailing in shallow water. An occasional tropical shower might push fish into new spots, but I constantly adapt to the conditions, so you never miss an opportunity.
July is known for hot days, often with calmer mornings before midday squalls roll through. Tarpon fishing reaches a peak, especially if you're dreaming of tangling with triple-digit fish. Plenty of big Tarpons are cruising channels and basins; dawn or dusk outings can be particularly productive.
Permit remain active feeding on the flats, though hot midday temperatures might push them to slightly deeper water during the warmest hours. Bonefish are always around, but you might find them more active earlier in the day before the heat sets in.
August brings more heat and humidity to Belize. When the breeze drops, the flats can get completely slicked out, making spotting tailing fish and nervous water easier. However, the intense sun can drive fish deeper during midday, so focusing on early morning or late afternoon sessions might pay off.
Both resident and migratory Tarpon are abundant, offering heart-pounding action when we find the big schools. Stealth is crucial when hunting the Permit and Bonefish in glassy conditions, so bring your vading shoes. We will probably need to walk the flats to avoid spooking the fish.
September is smack in the middle of the rainy season, so expect more frequent rain showers. While it might seem daunting, these unsettled weather patterns often come in quick bursts, leaving periods of calm in between. The flats can be less crowded, and opportunities may still be plentiful when we adapt to the changing conditions
Tarpon fishing continues to impress, with huge fish still around. The Permit and Bonefish are still around, but overcast skies and rain can make sight fishing tough. I keep a close eye on fish movements and tides so we can adjust our plan as conditions change. If the morning starts off stormy, we'll stay flexible — an afternoon break in the weather can turn a tough day into a memorable one.
October can be a transitional month in Belize as some heavy rains begin to taper off, making way for more stable weather. Tropical storms are still possible, so it's essential to remain up-to-date on weather forecasts. When skies clear, conditions can be exceptional, with warm water temperatures and reduced pressure on the flats.
Larger, migratory Tarpon may start to thin out toward the end of the month, but there are still plenty to target in specific areas. Permit remains a prime attraction, often feeding aggressively in areas with healthy crab populations. Bonefish remain strong year-round, giving us a reliable fallback if the Permit or Tarpon are unreachable on a given day.
In November, Belize gradually shift toward the dry season. Rainfall becomes less intense, though occasional showers still pop up. Temperatures stay comfortable in the 80s, and humidity begins to dip as the month progresses. Fishing pressure also tends to lower before the holiday season starts in December.
Bonefish are still abundant, and Permit numbers remain high. Some of the larger Tarpons might move on, but resident Tarpon still hide in creeks and lagoons, ready to put on a show if we decide to go and find them. Overall, November provides a sweet spot for fewer crowds and a range of species still actively feeding.
Even though December marks the start of the dry season, the occasional cold front can still roll in and briefly lower temperatures, increase winds, and bring some short tropical showers. Daytime highs usually hover in the upper 70s to low 80s, though, making for comfortable days on the water.
Bonefish remain the easiest to locate, and Permits can be found on the flats during good tides and lighter winds. Tarpon action leans toward resident fish, as most of the big migratory ones have moved on. Despite the chance of higher winds, December is generally a pleasant month to escape colder climates elsewhere and a good time to wrap up the year with some quality fishing.
I often get asked how moon phases affect the tides and fish behavior. The moon's gravitational pull shapes the highs and lows of the water levels, influencing when Bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon move on or off the flats. Below is how I see each moon phase playing out, along with some tips on staying on top of the action.
Fishing New Moon
During a new moon, the sun and moon align on the same side of the Earth, which usually creates stronger tidal pulls. We'll see more pronounced high and low tides, and fish often use these shifts to feed actively. For Permit, that can be a big advantage since they tend to move into the shallows during incoming tides. However, rapid tide changes might mean we'll need to stay mobile, keeping an eye on the water level to intercept fish before they move off again.
Fishing Full Moon
A full moon produces tidal ranges similar to a new moon but also brightens the night sky. Fish might feed after dark, so they could be less aggressive by early morning if they've already spent hours foraging under the moonlight. In these situations, I usually plan charters for early morning or late afternoon to catch fish transitioning off their nighttime patterns or ramping up for a dusk feed. Timing is everything when they've had the luxury of staying up and eating all night.
Fishing Quarter Moons
The gravitational pull differs during first- or third-quarter moons, leading to milder tidal swings. Water levels shift more gradually, creating more stable conditions. That can be a bonus for Bonefish in particular since significant tidal changes don't push them around. Slower water movement can make feeding patterns more predictable, giving us a steady window to sight-fish.
Practical Timing Tips
When planning your trip, it helps to know which moon phase lines up with your dates. New or full moons mean more significant tidal swings—potentially more aggressive feeding, especially for Permit. Quarter moons may offer steadier flats, which can be great for Bonefish. Local weather changes, winds, and even fishing pressure can override textbook tide plans, but I'll constantly adapt to make sure we're in the right spot at the right time.
Staying Flexible on the Water
No matter which moon phase we’re in, real-time conditions can shift quickly. A sudden shower may cool off the flats, or a harsh wind can stir up sediment, leading us to change spots or target a different species until the tide comes right.
