The best time to visit The Bahamas, an archipelago of more than 700 islands that stretches 760 miles across the western Atlantic Ocean, is winter or spring.
On Grand Bahama, New Providence, where Nassau is situated, and other northwestern islands, expect comfortable but cooler winter temperatures.
From mid-December through February, temperatures are pleasant, and rainfall remains relatively low. Even though temperatures and rainfall increase slightly in March and April, those months are also good times to visit The Bahamas.
Visiting The Bahamas by Season
Summer
Pearl Island
Summer brings the warmest weather of the year. Average temperatures in Nassau in June, July, and August hover at 84℉ (29℃), and highs reach 91℉ (33℃). June has the highest summer rainfall of 8.9 inches (225mm).
July’s average rainfall in Nassau drops to 5.9 inches (150mm), increasing to 8.5 inches (215mm) in August.
Cool off by swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. June and July are prime times to fish for blue marlin off Bimini.
Fall
In fall, temperatures drop from summer highs. In September, Nassau temperatures average 84℉ (29 ℃), dropping to a pleasant 77℉ (25℃) by November.
Rainfall decreases in Nassau over the fall compared with summer, although the chances of tropical storms remain through November. September is typically the wettest fall month, averaging 7.1 inches of rain (180mm). Precipitation drops right down to 3.1 inches (80mm) in November.
There’s still enough sunshine to enjoy the beaches in and around Nassau. During rainy periods, shop for batik fabrics, especially those by Ambrosia, straw baskets, rum, and other local items.
Rum
Winter
Winter is the best time to go to The Bahamas. In December, January, and February, average temperatures in Nassau hover around 73℉ (22.7℃) with highs reaching a comfortable 81℉ (27.2℃).
Winter is the dry season, with rainfall of two inches (50mm) per month. Take advantage of the balmy weather to explore. Some of the best things to do in Nassau include climbing the 66 steps of the Queen’s Staircase, going on an ATV tour, seeing the flamingos at Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Center and enjoying swimming and watersports.
Read: Best Warm Places to Visit in December
Spring
Spring is also one of the best times to visit The Bahamas. March temperatures in Nassau average 74℉ (23℃), increasing to 78℉ (26 ℃) by May. In March and April, rainfall is 2.6 inches (65mm), rising to 4.5 inches (115mm) in May.
With warm water and mostly sunny skies, spring is a good time to sail, enjoy the beaches, and go snorkeling in Nassau.
Pearl Island
When Is Rainy Season?
June through November is The Bahamas’ rainy season. The heaviest summer precipitation, 8.5 inches (215mm), occurs in August.
When Is High Season?
High season stretches from mid-December through mid-April, with a peak for the Christmas holiday season. The temperate and dry days draw those seeking to escape cold northern climates.
When Is Shoulder Season?
Shoulder season in The Bahamas consists of the first two weeks of December, the last two weeks of April, and all of May. December in particular is a good time to go to The Bahamas, for generally fine weather and a tan to lift your spirits in winter.
When Is Low Season?
Low season, when the islands receive the most rain, occurs from June through November. This isn’t a bad time to visit, but you do run the risk of being caught in passing tropical storms.
Atlantis
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