Is there really a bad time to jet off to paradise? As long as we’re talking about The Bahamas, the answer is a definite no. While some seasons are busier or more desirable than others, any month of the year is worth visiting this go-barefoot, let-your-hair-down group of islands in the Atlantic.
The Bahamas’ clear waters, bright colours, and fun-loving spirit beckon visitors from all over the world. Here are some of the best times to go:
- High Season: Mid-December to mid-April
- Shoulder Seasons: Late November and May to August
- Low Season: August to November
Influencer and Bahamas local Maradona Tinker (@bahamamara) puts it this way: “It’s always a good time to visit The Islands of The Bahamas. With 365 days of sun, a boat day is a must, especially to get to those sandbanks that can only be reached by boat. Just pack a raincoat for the occasional shower in November and January.”
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Keep reading for the best times to visit The Bahamas for the lightest crowds, the lowest prices, and the best weather for swimming, diving, and fishing.
This is your travel itinerary to the Bahamas
Best times to visit the Bahamas for smaller crowds
Crowds are heaviest during the high season but begin to disperse as temperatures rise in late April, although Carnival typically draws visitors for the four-day festival in late April or early May.
Come May, the weather warms up, making it a great time of year to enjoy being out on the water without having to jockey for position. The summer months (June, July, August, and September) are hot, driving away the hordes of tourists and keeping the crowds light.
It might seem contradictory since most families travel during summer break, but if you want to visit The Bahamas when the crowds are the thinnest, go in the summer.
Best times to visit The Bahamas for good weather
One of the biggest draws of The Bahamas is that the islands are blessed with good weather year-round thanks to warm trade winds and mild temperatures. Winter lows linger around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21.11 Degree Celsius) while summer temperatures range from 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.66 Degree Celsius) to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32.22 Degree Celsius) — hot, but not unbearable due to an ever-present sea breeze.
Of course, all that lush tropical vegetation is due in part to the fact that it’s always rainy season in The Bahamas. However, rain showers tend to be light and quick, so they shouldn’t dampen your plans. You’ll encounter the heaviest rains in May and June during the beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season, which stretches from June 1 to November 30.
During these months, there’s always the potential of a hurricane popping up, and The Bahamas has been hard-hit in past years. Still, you’ll get at least a few days’ notice if there’s an imminent threat. You don’t need to avoid the area during hurricane season; just be aware that there’s always the possibility of a storm forming at this time of year. Many hotels even have hurricane cancellation policies so you can have peace of mind when you book.
Book your stay at The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas via Booking.com
Book your stay at The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas via Agoda.com
Best times to visit The Bahamas for lower prices
Like most places, The Bahamas sees the lowest prices during its slower season, which lasts from about August to November. During this late-summer stretch, the weather is hot and rainy, hurricane season is in full swing, and families are focused on their back-to-school routines.
Thanks to the slight dip in demand during these wet, muggy months, fall is your best chance at scoring good deals on flights, hotels, and tours.
Best times to visit The Bahamas for swimming and diving
The water is warm all year round in The Bahamas, so it’s never a bad time to jump in.
For divers, water visibility remains clear (with an average of 200 feet of visibility) most of the time. However, in springtime, conditions can get windy, which can cause poor visibility and colder dives. While there’s no bad month to dive in The Bahamas, don’t go in February or March if you want the islands’ best.
Best times to visit The Bahamas for fishing
You can go fishing all year round in The Bahamas, but dedicated fishers may want to plan their trip around a certain catch.
For example, if you want to reel in blackfin tuna, the prime months are June and July, whereas your chances are low between October and February. To hook a sailfish or a dolphin, April is your best bet, and wahoo peaks from November to March.
Check this Bahamas fishing chart to find the best months for your catch of choice.
Worst times to visit The Bahamas
As with the best times to visit The Bahamas, the worst times to go depending on your goals.
For example, if you aim to travel on a budget, the worst time to go is during the high season from mid-December to mid-April. However, for many visitors, this is the best time to go thanks to the more mild, less humid weather
And, of course, for many people, hurricane season is the worst time to visit because there’s always a chance your plans will be shot by a looming storm.
Book your stay at Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau via Booking.com
Book your stay at Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau via Agoda.com
(Hero and feature image credit: Pola Damonte/Getty Images)
This story first appeared on travelandleisure.com
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