Best Time To Visit The Islands Of The Bahamas!

Waves rolling across the turquoise ocean, birds gliding in clear blue skies… mega yachts docked in full splendour. These images of paradise might seem like a dream, but in The Bahamas, exceptional is a way of life. So is simplicity, and good old fashioned fun!

You might have heard rave reviews about this part of the globe, but how much do you really know about The Bahamas, and when is the best time to visit?

Although the beaches are more crowded, the best time to visit The Bahamas is during high season, which runs from mid-December to mid-April, making it a great spot for a warm winter getaway. Bahamian summers are generally warm and sometimes rainy, with daytime temperatures reaching about 32°C. The low season lasts from June to November.

Read on to find out more about the best time to visit, and what to expect!

In this article on the Sandals Blog:

The Bahamas in a nutshell.
When to go to The Bahamas: Seasonality.
What if I booked a cruise?
The weather in The Bahamas.
Sunshine hours in The Bahamas.
Major events in The Bahamas.
Featured activity: Swimming with the pigs!
Before you go...

The Bahamas in a nutshell

Located to the East of Florida, the islands of The Bahamas (over 700 of them!) have always been promoted as the ultimate holiday destination. This tropical archipelago is blessed with a natural beauty that is almost beyond belief, and coupled with its melting pot of people, features sights and sounds that are packed with a unique history and culture.

Many of the islands of The Bahamas remain uninhabited. That in no way slows the flowing traffic of curious tourists – because of its proximity to the United States, the islands have a constant flow of arrivals from the US. Most visitors arrive via the Lynden Pindling International Airport (Nassau) by plane.

Popular island destinations in The Bahamas include New Providence Island (Nassau/Paradise Island), Grand Bahama Island, The Exumas, The Abacos, Eleuthera, Long Island, Harbor Island, and San Salvador Island.

When to go to The Bahamas: Seasonality

There are lots of things you need to keep in mind when planning a Caribbean holiday, and finding the right time to go is one of them. In travel industry terms, the year is made up of three very important seasons which are detailed below. Here are the pros and cons for each:

Peak season: mid-December – mid-April

Pros

• The islands of The Bahamas are their liveliest at this time, with lots of festivals, regattas, and other events. This is a great time to travel with kids, as there are lots of activities across the islands around this time.
• These months are outside of the wet season so you can expect good weather and lots of sunshine.
• The months of January and February are great for travelling to The Bahamas for people who love the sun, but not extreme heat and humidity. There is also a great balance of heat and cool in March. Keep in mind that the evenings may get Caribbean chilly*, so pack appropriately.
  
  

Cons

• Travelling to The Bahamas between mid-December and mid-April in general tends to be more expensive.
• You may find yourself stuck in lines for longer than usual at various attractions.
• It may be more difficult finding accommodation, particularly if your heart’s set on a specific villa or resort, and not open to exploring alternatives.

*"Caribbean chilly"

adjective

Not to be confused with chills in winter-prone areas! On breezier than usual Caribbean nights, light-weight long-sleeved shirts or jeans/pants will do.

Shoulder season: Mid-April – June

Pros

• With a slightly lower volume of arrivals than peak season, the shoulder season can be great for exploring the best of The Bahamas in a more peaceful setting.
• Flight prices tend to be moderate to low cost, so this is a great time to travel if you're on a budget.
• There’s lots of Spring break/half-term related activities happening on the island so there’s no short supply of things to do.
• If you’re into snorkelling or scuba diving, this is an ideal time to visit the islands as the warmer than usual waters attract various species of sea life you might not see at other times.
  

Cons

• The Bahamas is party-central during spring break/half-term, so if you’re looking for a completely Zen holiday or a romantic getaway, this may not be the best time to go. Good to know: Sandals resorts in The Bahamas are couples only, so nothing will stand in the way of undisturbed romance!
• The wet season in the Caribbean begins in June so you might experience some rain here and there. Still a good time for a relaxing beach holiday though!
  

Low season: August – November

Pros

• The best flight deals tend to be in the low season, so if you’re on a budget, this is the ideal time to travel.
• Resorts and hotels tend to offer great deals at this time. That luxurious Butler suite that you always had dreamed of, might all of a sudden be within your price range!
• The island is less crowded, which is great if you desire a more personalised experience. Plus, you won't have any trouble finding a good spot at the beach or the pool!
  

Cons

• As this is the off season there’s less happening, so if you are looking for a party - it's better to visit The Bahamas during peak season.
• These months are smack in the middle of the wet season so you’re more likely to run into some rainfall. There are still plenty of beach days though!

The weather in The Bahamas

The dry season spans from November to June, while the wet season starts in July and ends in December. When travelling during the wet season, expect to see an increase in rainfall - but still plenty of beach days. The ocean water tends to be warmer at this time, which makes it a great time for snorkelling.

Though this Caribbean territory does not experience winter, months like January tend to be cooler than most with lows of 17°C at night. Highs in January are typically around 26°C during the day.

Make the most of ‘Sunshine’ hours in The Bahamas

In The Bahamas, the sunniest month is April, marking on average 9.2 hours of sunshine, while the least sunny month is December, with a recorded 6.9 hours of sunshine per day. Expect great beach weather in December, it just gets light a bit later and dark a bit sooner.

When reading this graph, keep in mind the dry season spans from December to June, while the wet season starts in July and ends in December.

Major events in The Bahamas

Now that you’re well versed with Bahamian weather, now comes the fun part. Bahamians love to share their very mixed culture, and for this reason, there are a wide range of activities happening in the islands throughout the year. Here are some of the most popular events which may help you decide on the best time to visit:

Junkanoo

A Mardi-Gras-style festival usually held on Christmas Night into the early hours of Boxing Day (the day after), with a second round held on New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day.

It is a big national pride event where local groups compete for boasting rights. If you win both days it is a big deal for the group (in terms of pride and bragging rights).

Farmer’s Cay Festival

An annual festival held every February in the Exumas for yachtsmen.

Bacardi Billfish Tournament

A weeklong tournament in March for avid deep sea fishers!

Bahamas Family Island Regatta

This event held in George Town in April, in the Exumas, features boat races and lots of onshore activities.

Bahamas Billfish Championship

Split into four different venues and times, this event happens between April and June.

Eleuthera Pineapple Festival

Pineapples, a parade, arts & craft… what more do you need? This event happens in the first week of June.

Independence Week

Parades, fireworks, and lots of entertainment. July 10, throughout the islands.

Great Bahamas Seafood and Heritage Festival

Authentic Bahamian seafood is on display at this festival held in October.

Annual One Bahamas Music & Heritage Festival

Three day celebration at Nassau and Paradise Island in the last week of November. Lots of live performances!

There are loads of other regattas and festivals happening in the islands throughout the year. If you’re holidaying in The Bahamas, you’re bound to find something to do!

Featured activity: Swimming with the pigs!

One of the most interesting things to do in the Exumas, which has gained popularity over the years, is swimming with the pigs that live there.

The most adorable pigs and piglets swimming out to your boat to greet you on arrival to a tropical paradise. This is a must do activity particularly if you’re travelling with kids!

Insider tip: Want to holiday close to the swimming pigs? Book Sandal’s luxury resort in Exuma!

Before you go…

Keep in mind that seasonality is something to consider when planning the ultimate Caribbean holiday in the beautiful islands of The Bahamas. Luckily, when travelling to The Bahamas, the odds are in your favour for some fun in the sun. Hopefully with these tips, you’ll be better prepared for your Caribbean beach holiday.

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