Bahamas when is the best time to visit

Party people, this is your time to shine. Shoulder season begins in earnest. Grand Bahama sees the largest influx of spring breakers, while more secluded islands like Cat Island, Long Island and Eleuthera offer a break from the largest crowds. Occupancy rates begin to drop in May as the final holdovers from spring and winter make their way out.

July in the Bahamas is properly hot. Daily high temperatures climb into the 90s, coinciding with peak rainfall accumulations for the year. Though hurricanes are rare, the islands are home to regular tropical thunderstorms that you should be prepared for. Typically, storms pass within a few hours leaving plenty of time for activities.

Bring a light rain jacket. August and September are the most active months for hurricanes in the Bahamas. The tradeoff for playing roulette with the weather? You could see short lines at the dive shop and fewer fellow travelers at the beach. Historically the most turbulent month for Bahamian weather, September travelers should keep a close eye on the forecast.

While you have a good chance of catching a sunny day in the Bahamas almost any time of year, September can be particularly dicey. Though October is typically the rainiest month of the year, breaks in the weather offer excellent opportunities for budget-minded divers who can still take advantage of low season deals. November offers an early jump on peak season as humidity levels and daily chances of rainfall drop. Outfitters will be gearing up for high season, which can play into your hands. Some peak season businesses may still be closed, but others may offer up an early bird discount.

Peak season begins in the Bahamas. The season begins in mid-December and continues until mid-April, ending just after Spring Break. Late spring and early summer are more economical for travelers, as the cost of travel drops in the off-season — for outer islands, in particular.

Of all the parades and festivals that occur on a near-weekly basis throughout the Bahamas, the Junkanoo is the undisputed favorite. The energy and joy of the vibrant street parade, with its intricate masks and creative costumes, is reminiscent of Mardi Gras or Carnival, though its heritage is distinctly Bahamian. The celebration continues today, as the Junkanoo is now the National Festival of the Bahamas. Weekend cricket matches the national sport take place from March to November, while bird walks are held on the first Saturday of each month from September to May.

The Tea Party is not to be missed, offering a unique chance to experience Bahamian culture and cuisine. Events to check out:. The weather in the first two months of the year is very dry, with temperatures staying in the mids to high 70s Fahrenheit. The temperature starts rising in March, reaching the high 80s, and the rain starts pouring a little more regularly, marking the end of the dry season.

This is still peak season for travel, as many hotels will be fully booked through the month, and airfare will potentially double in price. Crowds will begin to thin out by mid-April, just when the average temperature creeps up to the low 80s. Crowds will thin out in mid-April, so by May you will get to fully enjoy the tranquility of the islands and the warmer weather.

The peak season of December to March can be occasionally brisk, in the 60s F, while the temperature loiters in the low 80s F in April and May. July is a great time to visit, not only for the warm weather and the slashed prices, but for two key events: the Junkanoo Summer Festival, and Independence Week.

The rainy season continues, though an afternoon rain-shower or thunderstorm passes by quickly, potentially followed by a rainbow. November is the last calm before the storm of holiday vacationers, and is also a perfect time of year to claim as your own in the islands.

Though merely a week away from the peak season, there are still affordable flights to be booked, and rooms to be reserved. Plus, what better way to stave off the oncoming winter by fighting it preemptively? The best time to visit the Bahamas is the shoulder season from mid-April to early July.

The weather is comfortable and it's after the peak tourist season, so it's also a great time for finding travel deals. May and June are rainier than other months of the year, but rainfall in the Bahamas is typically light and shouldn't interfere with your trip.

Here are the pros and cons for each:. 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. The months of January and February are great for traveling 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. Traveling to the Bahamas between mid-December and mid-April in general tends to be more expensive. Not to be confused with chills in winter-prone areas!

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. 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 vacation though! Resorts and hotels tend to offer great deals at this time.

That luxurious Butler suite that you always had dreamed off, might all of a sudden be within your price range! The island is less crowded, which is great if you desire a more personalized experience. Plus, you have any trouble finding a good spot at the beach or the pool! There are still plenty of beach days though! The dry season spans from November to June, while the wet season starts in July and ends in December. When traveling 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 snorkeling. In the Bahamas, the sunniest month is April , marking on average 9. 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. 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:. 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. This event held in George Town in April, in the Exumas, features boat races and lots of onshore activities. This event happens in the first week of June. Three day celebration at Nassau and Paradise Island in the last week of November.