Nohmul
Archaeological Site Ancient Maya archaeological site with large earthen mounds
Nohmul near Orange Walk contains Maya mounds and archaeological layers dating to the Classic period. Visitors interested in archaeology explore the site and surrounding sugarcane landscape while studying Mesoamerican settlement patterns.
![Main image](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/1985._Red-painted_Plaster_Floor_"Turn-Up"_at_Nohmul.jpg?width=1200)
Nohmul is an archaeological site in Belize’s Orange Walk District noted for large ancient earth mounds constructed by the Maya. The site contains surviving pyramid mounds and earthen structures from the Pre-Columbian period.
Remains at the site are primarily earthen mounds and plazas visible above the surrounding agricultural landscape rather than extensively excavated stone architecture. The location is valued for its scale of raised mounds and as an example of Classic-period Maya settlement patterns.
Nohmul was occupied by the Maya during the Classic period and functioned as a local centre with large artificial mounds constructed over centuries. In modern times parts of the site were severely damaged when sections of its mounds were removed for road fill in 2013, an event that received international attention.
Situated in Belize’s Orange Walk District, the site lies within largely agricultural terrain in northern Belize and is accessed from nearby rural roads.
- Site condition: A large Pre-Columbian Maya centre with substantial artificial mounds dating to the Classic period; the site was widely reported damaged by modern bulldozing in 2013.
How to Get to Nohmul #
Reachable from Orange Walk town by road; the site is near San Estevan. Hiring a local guide or driver is recommended due to rural roads and variable signage.
Tips for Visiting Nohmul #
- Visit with a local Maya guide who can point to construction phases and explain the 2013 looting incident that damaged the site.
- Bring binoculars - delicate stelae and architecture can be observed from cleared viewing platforms.
- Respect ongoing archaeological work; many trenches and restoration areas are fragile.
Best Time to Visit Nohmul #
Best visited in the dry season for access and manageable heat; rainy months make rural roads difficult.
Weather & Climate near Nohmul #
Nohmul's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 17°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1363 mm/year), wettest in September.
January
January is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).
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March
March is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 29 mm.
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April
April is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm).
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May
May is hot, feeling like 29°C due to high humidity. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (213 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (182 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (165 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (215 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (165 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
