When is the best time to go to The Bahamas – Lonely Planet Travel News

Sapphire waters and sun-soaked sands beckon travelers to The Bahamas year-round. With warm weather that never fades and an abundance of unique islands to explore, this Caribbean nation located just a short flight from the east coast is a magnet for repeat visitors and last-minute bookers alike. But what is the best time of the year to visit the Bahamas? The answer depends on your style.

Editor's note: During COVID-19, please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and always follow government health advice. Events may be subject to change.

Best time for wildlife watching

Weather-wise, winter is the best time to visit the Bahamas, and hotel rates reflect that. Comfortable daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s make the Bahamas a booming winter destination for North Americans fleeing snow, ice and morose conditions on the mainland.

Winter in the Bahamas also brings in bucket list marine species like hammerhead and tiger sharks that makes the island nation doubly attractive to American and Canadian divers looking for a cure for cabin fever. Book your visit several months in advance during peak season.

If youre looking for a party, shoulder season is the best time to pull up to a beachside bar and mingle. Flocks of spring breakers descend on the Bahamas from stateside colleges each year in early spring. Youll even find a few family vacations sprinkled in amongst the throngs, especially at popular all-inclusive retreats.

Those seeking a more secluded escape can still take advantage of shoulder season deals during May and June, when higher temperatures and a greater chance of rain start to slow the steady stream of tourists that began during the winter months. Hotel discounts can plunge below 20% off during shoulder season.

Best time for budget travelers

Fall is the cheapest time to visit the Bahamas. Flights, hotel and resort rates during low season can stretch your budget farther, and youll likely still find plenty of beach days in between rain showers.

While some might consider an increase in humidity and rain chances during low season to be a determent, there really isnt a worst time to visit the Bahamas. In fact, low season offers budget-conscious travelers some incredible reasons to bring a rain jacket hotel rates can dip below 50% of their peak highs.

Low season is the best time for a last-minute trip to the Bahamas.

Hurricane season in the Bahamas starts in June and runs through November. While hurricanes are certainly a factor to be aware of, they may not as frequent as you think. Generally, The Bahamas receives fewer hurricanes than the U.S. mainland each year and has advanced warning of any impending danger.

Heres a monthly guide of what you can expect throughout the year in the Bahamas. All events are subject to change:

High season is in full swing during January. The month kicks off with round two of the Junkanoo Winter Festival a Bahamian Mardi Gras-style event which begins on Christmas but runs through New Years Day. High temperatures in the low 70s make for comfortable weather to enjoy the festivities.Key Events: Junkanoo Winter Festival, New Years Day Sailing Regatta, Majority Rule Day, Annual Bahamas Wahoo Championships.

February brings an annual migration of great hammerhead sharks to Bimini, drawing divers from around the world to the warm waters midway between Miami, Grand Bahama and Andros. Elsewhere, continuing prime weather keeps the peak season influx of travelers bustling through the countrys airports and resort lobbies.Key Events: Farmers Cay Festival, Rum Cay Day Festival.

Snowbirds transition to spring breakers in March. March visitors will likely need to book accommodations in advance, though they might begin to find open rooms and deals towards the end of the month. Party people, this is your time to shine. If youre not into the party crowd, consider waiting a few weeks.Key Events: Bahamas Music & Heritage Festival, Bacardi Billfish Tournament.

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. Be aware that Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday are national holidays in the Bahamas, and many businesses may be closed.Key Events: Bahamas Family Island Regata, Bahamas Billfish Championship

Occupancy rates begin to drop in May as the final holdovers from spring and winter make their way out. While average high temperatures in May creep towards the mid-80s, this sweet spot after spring break but before hurricane season offers an underrated opportunity for travelers who arent ready for the full heat of summer but are looking for a hotel discount.Key Events: Carnival, Long Island Regatta.

Pick a June day in the Bahamas and theres a fair chance youll see at leastsome rain and at least partial cloud cover. Visitors in June have a 30% chance of rain and a 65% chance of cloudy conditions; however, warm water and warm temperatures combine with lower prices to make June a viable travel option for many.Key Events: Pineapple Festival, Bahamas Summer Boating Flotilla.

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.Key Events: Junkanoo Summer Festival, Independence Week.

August and September are the most active months for hurricanes in the Bahamas. Odds are, youll be OK, but be aware that August is still the rainy season even when no hurricanes are in the Atlantic. The tradeoff for playing roulette with the weather? You could see short lines at the dive shop and fewer fellow travelers at the beach.Key Events: Cat Island Regatta, Emancipation Day.

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.Key Events: All Abaco Sailing Regatta.

Tiger sharks migrate to Grand Bahamas Tiger Beach in October and stay through December. 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.Key Events: International Culture Wine & Food Festival, Discovery Day, North Eleuthera Sailing Regatta, Great Bahamas Seafood and Heritage Festival.

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.Key Events: Guy Fawkes Day, One Bahamas Music & Heritage Festival.

Peak season begins in the Bahamas. Airports, hotels and restaurants all start to swell at the seams in the middle of the month. Visitors who choose to spend the holiday season in The Bahamas are rewarded with the start of the Junkanoo Festival, a world-class celebration of culture.Key Events: Junkanoo Winter Festival, Bahamas International Film Festival.

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When is the best time to go to The Bahamas - Lonely Planet Travel News