A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Belize City vs. Islamorada for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Belize City or Islamorada?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Belize City or Islamorada? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Belize City or Islamorada?

Belize City

Belize City is the largest city in Belize. It was once the capital of the country, but due to massive hurricane damage in 1961, the country decided to relocate it capital. With a population of 57,000 people, Belize City is located right at the mouth of the Haulover Creek.

This gorgeous tropical city experiences a monsoon climate – meaning there are warm and humid conditions throughout the course of the year. There is a wet season from May to January, so plan for a little bit of rain in that time.

Islamorada

From its thriving coral reefs to its miraculous botanical gardens, you will find adventure on both land and sea at Islamorada, Florida. Islamorada, or "Village of Islands," is located in Monroe County and holds a population of no more than 6,119. As Islamorada's village is occupied within a cluster of nearby islands, Islamorada is located on Tea Table Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Windley Key and Plantation Key in the Florida Keys. The village is relatively small, expanding to about 7.2 square miles total. Approximately an hour and a half-drive from Miami and a two hour-drive from Key West, Islamorada works swimmingly for those who seek to acquaint themselves with the tropical pleasures of the Keys.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Belize, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belize, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Belize City and Islamorada, we can see that Islamorada is more expensive. And not only is Belize City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Belize City is in Central America and Islamorada is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Belize City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Belize City and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Islamorada would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Islamorada than you might in Belize City.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Belize City Expensive? and Is Islamorada Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Belize City or Islamorada?

Belize City has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of Belize City and Islamorada, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Belize City or Islamorada?

Islamorada has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Belize City experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Belize City or Islamorada in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Belize City and Islamorada. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Belize City year-round. Also, many visitors come to Islamorada in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Belize City is around the same temperature as Islamorada. Typically, the summer temperatures in Belize City in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Islamorada averages at about 84°F (29°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamorada this time of the year. In Belize City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Belize City usually receives less sunshine than Islamorada during summer. Belize City gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Islamorada receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

Belize City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Belize City usually receives more rain than Islamorada. Belize City gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Belize City or Islamorada in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Belize City as well as Islamorada. Belize City attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Islamorada for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Belize City is generally around the same temperature as Islamorada. Daily temperatures in Belize City average around 26°C (80°F), and Islamorada fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. In the autumn, Belize City often gets less sunshine than Islamorada. Belize City gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamorada receives 258 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Islamorada. Belize City receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Belize City usually gets more rain in October than Islamorada. Belize City gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Islamorada is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Belize City or Islamorada in the Winter?

Both Islamorada and Belize City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Belize City throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Islamorada because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Belize City is a little warmer than Islamorada in the winter. The daily temperature in Belize City averages around 24°C (74°F) in January, and Islamorada fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in Islamorada. Belize City usually receives less sunshine than Islamorada during winter. Belize City gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Islamorada receives 252 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Belize City. In January, Belize City usually receives more rain than Islamorada. Belize City gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Belize City or Islamorada in the Spring?

Both Islamorada and Belize City during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Belize City because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year.

In the spring, Belize City is around the same temperature as Islamorada. Typically, the spring temperatures in Belize City in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Islamorada averages at about 77°F (25°C).

In Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Belize City. In the spring, Belize City often gets less sunshine than Islamorada. Belize City gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamorada receives 326 hours of full sun.

Belize City usually gets more rain in April than Islamorada. Belize City gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Islamorada is June to November.

Typical Weather for Islamorada and Belize City