Best Time To Visit The Islands Of The Bahamas!

Birds soaring high, turquoise waves rolling in, and palm trees swaying in real time—your remarkably Caribbean island escape comes to life. From an all-inclusive beachfront view, mega yachts drift on the horizon, a spirited game of beach volleyball kicks off, and you? You’ve claimed the perfect spot between sun and soothing shade to take it all in.

Where in the world is all of this possible? The Bahamas is a topic pick with over 700 islands and cays to explore, and countless beaches. The best time to visit the Bahamas is during high season, which runs from mid-December to mid-April,. While the beaches are a little more crowded, it’s a great spot for a warm winter getaway. Bahamian summers are generally warm and sometimes rainy, with daytime temperatures reaching about 89.7°F. The low season lasts from June to November.

Discover Sandals Royal Bahamian, a lively all-inclusive resort in Nassau with a private offshore island and inclusions that are just right for some island indulgence.

Ready to find out more and start planning your island escape? Read on for all you need to know about the best time to travel to The Bahamas, and what to expect when you get there!

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 have always been promoted as the ultimate vacation destination. This tropical archipelago is blessed with a natural beauty that is almost beyond belief. Coupled with its melting pot of people, standout natural attractions, and all the sights and sounds that make it what it is, this is a must visit destination for anyone seeking a vacation that’s unmistakably Caribbean.

Also read: The most beautiful beaches in the Bahamas.

Many of the islands of The Bahamas remain uninhabited. That in no way slows down the flowing traffic of curious visitors – because of its proximity to the United States, these islands have a steady stream of visitors from the US all year round. Most of these travelers 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 to keep in mind when planning a Caribbean vacation 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 traveling in each of these seasons:

Peak Season: Mid-December – Mid-April

• The islands of The Bahamas are their liveliest between December and April, with lots of festivals, regattas, and other events. This is a great time to travel if you want an energetic escape, 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 visiting 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, but keep in mind that the evenings may get Caribbean chilly*, so make sure to pack appropriately if you go then.

Cons

• Traveling 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, as many people visit at this time.

• It may be more difficult to find accommodation, particularly if your heart is set on a specific villa or resort, and not open to exploring alternative places or dates.

"Caribbean chilly"

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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

• The months of April through to June see a slightly lower volume of visitor arrivals than the previous peak season months. These shoulder season months can still be a great time to explore the best of The Bahamas in a more peaceful setting.

• Flight prices tend to be moderate to low in cost during the shoulder season. This can be a good time to travel if you’re on a budget.

• Sometimes Spring Break-related activities extend into the shoulder season, which means there’s usually plenty to do.

• If you’re into snorkeling or scuba diving, the shoulder season is an ideal time to visit The Bahamas as the warmer than usual waters attract various species of sea life, which you might not see at other times of year.

Cons

• The Bahamas is party-central during spring break, so if you’re looking for a serenity focused vacation or a romantic getaway, this might not be the best time to visit.

• 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!

Good to know: Sandals Resorts in the Bahamas are for couples only, so nothing will stand in the way of undisturbed romance!

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 often offer vacation specials for stays between August and November. That luxurious Butler suite that you’ve always dreamed of, might all of a sudden be within your price range!

• The island is less crowded, which is great if you want a more personalized 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 or want an event-packed vacation, you’ll be better off visiting The Bahamas during peak season.

• These months are right 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!

Weather in The Bahamas

Dry season in The Bahamas spans from November to June, while the wet season begins in July and ends in December. If you’ll be traveling to The Bahamas during the wet season, expect to see an increase in rainfall - but still plenty of beach days. Ocean temperatures are usually warmer during this time, which makes it a great time to snorkel.

Though The Bahamas does not experience winter, months like January tend to be cooler than most with lows of 63°F at night. Highs in January are typically around 79°F during the day.

Make the Most of ‘Sunshine’ Hours in The Bahamas

In The Bahamas, the sunniest month is April, which sees an average 9.2 daily hours of sunshine. The least sunny month is December, with a recorded 6.9 hours of sunshine per day. You can still expect great beach weather in December; it just gets light a bit later and dark a little earlier.

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, we’re on to the fun part. Bahamians love to share their very mixed culture, and for this reason, there’s a wide range of activities that get underway 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

Attending Junkanoo in The Bahamas is a wonderful way spice up your Caribbean vacation. This Mardi-Gras-style festival is 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. Junkanoo is a big national pride event where local groups compete for boasting rights. If you win both days, it is a huge deal for the group (in terms of pride and bragging rights).

Farmer’s Cay Festival

This annual festival is held on the first Friday in February in the Exumas for yachtsmen. This is largely a homecoming for the people of Farmer’s Cay. The celebrations come to life on Little Farmer’s Cay with one of the stand out attractions being the Class C sloop regattas-traditional Bahamian wooden sailboats with large sails that require skilled crews using “pry boards” to balance and race.

Bahama Mama Billfish Classic

Love fishing? Visit The Bahamas in time for the annual Bahama Mama Billfish Classic. This event is held annually at Old Bahama Bay, West End, Grand Bahama, typically in late April. If you are yet to experience the competitive side of deep-sea fishing in the islands, this tournament can be a great place to start.

Bahamas Family Island Regatta

Believe it or not, The Bahamas Family Island Regatta has been a firm fixture on the territory's event calendar for over seven decades. This regatta is a major cultural and sporting event featuring traditional Bahamian wooden sloop racing, with intense competition across multiple boat classes and a strong sense of island pride and community. The regatta is held in George Town in April, in the Exumas.

Bahamas Billfish Championship

This series of fishing tournaments takes place across multiple venues between April and June, featuring competitive billfish catch-and-release events. It’s one of the most exciting angling showcases in the Caribbean.

Eleuthera Pineapple Festival

If you love pineapples, say yes to the Eleuthera Pineapple Festival! This lively celebration is held in the first week of June. Pineapples are the central focus—along with the vibrant parade, arts and crafts displays, and various showcases of local culture.

Independence Week

Bahamians are not afraid to show their patriotism. If you’ll be on the island on July 10, celebrate with the locals as parades get underway, fireworks light up the sky, and the pride that comes with Bahamian independence takes center stage throughout the islands.

Great Bahamas Seafood and Heritage Festival

Seafood and entertainment bring the best events together in The Bahamas. See for yourself at the Great Bahamas Seafood and Heritage Festival held in October. This festival puts both Bahamian seafood and cultural heritage in focus.

Annual One Bahamas Music & Heritage Festival

Party like you’re on a tropical island… because you absolutely are! The annual One Bahamas Music & Heritage Festival is a lively three-day celebration held in Nassau and Paradise Island during the last week of November. This well-attended festival features a variety of live performances and vibrant cultural experiences.

These are just some highlights-many other regattas, fishing tournaments, and festivals take place year-round in The Bahamas, ensuring plenty to see and do during your visit.

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 swim out to your boat to greet you on arrival to a tropical paradise. This is a must-do activity if you’re looking for something truly unique to do in The Bahamas.

Best Time to Visit The Bahamas, Decoded!

Without question, the best time to travel to The Bahamas is during the peak season. With that said, there really isn’t a bad time to travel to this destination as there’s always something exciting to look forward to.

As you plan your trip, keep in mind that seasonality is something to think about when planning the ultimate Caribbean vacation, whether in The Bahamas or anywhere else. Figuring out the difference between peak, shoulder, and low season might take a little effort, but when it comes to The Bahamas, the odds are in your favor for sunshine and good times. Hopefully, with these tips, you’ll be all set for your best (or first!) tropical island escape.

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