Best time to visit Bermuda

So when is the best time to go to Bermuda? It really depends on what you like and how you want to enjoy the island.

From a tourism perspective, high season or the peak time in Bermuda is between April to September. This is when most of the tourists come to Bermuda.

85% of the tourists are from USA. Rest are mostly from UK and Canada, while a small number come from other countries.

On an average, about 650,000 tourists come to Bermuda every year and a large number (more than half) of them by cruise. And when do you think they all come and swamp the island? Obviously when it's warm and sunny out there. But there are many who prefer the off season or the winter time, because the island is in its serene best then.

High Season in Bermuda

So Why April to September is high season in Bermuda? That's because this is the time the weather is probably at its best. The day time temperature averages to high 80s (°F) and at night it comes down to high 60s. The mornings are great and warm, evenings are romantic and the nights are cool.

See Bermuda Weather to know more about month by month weather that prevails in the island during this time and see pictures of a typical Bermuda day for a month.

This is the period of the year when all the beaches in Bermuda are generally open and there are lots of beach activities, organized tours and night time entertainment that take place in Bermuda.

But remember that this 21 square mile tiny island gets flooded with visitors around this time. So most of the public places including the beaches will be quite crowded.

Official Hurricane season in Bermuda starts in June and lasts till November. However, Bermuda has been lucky that except in rare occasions, the severe hurricanes have mostly got diverted away from the island. Bermuda buildings are so designed to withstand hurricanes and storms except for the category-5 type which is supposed to be catastrophic in nature.

However these days with the advanced weather forecasting systems, hurricane warnings are issued quite a few days in advance. The locals can also forewarn hurricanes by watching movements of birds, insects and the tidal actions at the sea.

There is no specific rainy season in Bermuda. It can shower anytime but mostly it rains at night and that too in short spurts.

Low (Off) Season in Bermuda

The low or off season in Bermuda is the winter time between November to February. The temperature varies between high 60s to low 60s. The day time is pleasantly cool although you will need jackets in early mornings and late evenings.

This time in Bermuda has its own advantages. The first is that there are minimum tourists, so there is so much space for you and whole Bermuda looks so much more attractive. One thing though, many of the popular attractions, museums, hotels and restaurants in the island remain closed or operate in reduced hours during winter time.

However the rates offered by hotels, tour operators and others during this time can be as low as 50% of the peak rates. Services are so much better everywhere during this time.

There are special walking tours organized in Bermuda during the winter. Golfing in Bermuda during winter is at its peak and it's that much easier to get tee times due to less visitors. Shopping around this time in Bermuda is a great pleasure as they are mostly empty.

So if you like a little solitude, not so crowded beaches, better opportunity to enjoy Bermudian hospitality, quiet streets - then low season in Bermuda may just be right for you.

POSTED BY

Raj

www.bermuda-attractions.com

I planned to surprise my 2 sisters with a Dec. trip to Bermuda, when the prices are so reasonable. One sister says that it's too cold and windy then to spend time at the beaches (we'd be sitting, enjoying the beauty, not swimming, anyway), and that things aren't open then, as they are in high season.

My question is: Is December a bad time to come? What attractions would be open/ closed Christmas week? Also, if it's a good time, any recommendations on hotels? I found what looks like a very good place to stay, in a package deal, including airfare, and 6 nights at the Grotto Bay Resort, between Christmas and New Year's Day. Any advice on these matters will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Karen Seymour

Hi Karen,

December in Bermuda has its own charm. Beaches are empty for a change and they are all yours to enjoy. Sure the water will be a little too cold to swim. But if you love to lounge in the sun and enjoy the beauty, this is a great time. Take some warm clothes though.

While some attractions in Bermuda may remain closed and some tour operators may not work, there are enough for you to see and enjoy for 6 days. Most of the key attractions like the Aquariums, Caves, Dockyard Museum etc. should remain open (except on Christmas Day) and you will always find some tour operators working. Winter is also the ideal time to walk and take self-guided tours that are often difficult to do in the summer humidity. I have discussed some of such great walking tours in my section under Bermuda Tours & Excursions. You will find that link on the left menu bar of my website.

Grotto Bay Beach Resort has been our personal favorite. This is one of the only remaining resorts that still offers all inclusive packages in the island. The resort has its own private beach and two of the great caves (Prosperos and Cathedral). The only thing that you need to consider is its location which is in Hamilton Parish and next to the Causeway at the eastern side of the island. While this is quite close to the airport, it's quite some distance away from the great South Shore beaches like the Horseshoe Bay & Warwick Long Bay. If this doesn't bother you much, then go for it. In any case Bermuda is really small and no distance is a big distance.

All the best.

Raj

www.bermuda-attractions.com

Hello,

I really enjoyed the wealth of information you provide on this site. We are considering a trip to Bermuda sometime between late January to mid-February. I am just not sure of what kind of weather we can count on AND if swimming in the ocean is possible. I read somewhere that it is too cold to swim at this time of year.

I also read that many of the rentals (re: water related rentals) and shops are closed during the winter season. We have a 4 year old son so I certainly want to make sure that we can swim and find enough activities to occupy him. Is any of this true? Any comments/advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Tracey

Hi Tracey,

Jan/Feb is the time when there are hardly any tourists around and you can really enjoy Bermuda and its empty beaches. However, the water temperature during this time is quite low (averages around 65 degree F). So you may need some wet suits if you are planning long swims or snorkel.

Check out the links below for expected weather conditions in Jan & Feb.

Bermuda Weather in January

Bermuda Weather in February

Horseshoe Bay Beach rentals should remain open. That's the best beach to enjoy during the winter. Usually the concessions and beach facilities remain closed in the other beaches. Tobacco Bay Beach (in St. George's) is also another one you can try.

For shopping, the Clock Tower Mall at the dockyard remains open. All the major shops in Hamilton City also remain open during this time, however some may operate at reduced hours. Shops in St. George's generally remain closed during the winter time.

Hope this helps! Have a great time in Bermuda.

Raj

www.bermuda-attractions.com

Hi! I'm thinking about going to Bermuda from 26th March to 6th April. I'd be mostly on my own since I'd be staying at a friend's but he would be at work most of the time I'm there. I'd like to do some sightseeing, whale watching, diving or snorkeling (if possible for total beginners) and be able to spend a couple of hours at the beach every now and then without freezing, being able to swim for at least one warm hour a day would be great. So my question is if u think I can do these things - and on my own by foot and bus - in that time of the year. I've been reading and looking for the answer but the talk is always about winter or summer and I'd be going in spring I guess so,..help please? Thank u! :-) Greetings

Cibu

Hello Cibu,

The reason you don't find much mention about the spring in Bermuda is because the temperature (both air and water) remains quite cold and more or less the same between December to April, and hovers around 60s (degree F). So March/April is considered an extended winter. If you carry a wet suite, you should be able to swim & snorkel. Remember, the water visibility is the best during the winter time (150 - 200 ft). So snorkeling can be a great experience. But your main options would be beachside snorkeling as most cruise operators offering offshore snorkeling would close their operations by then due to low tourist season.

You can easily get around the island on your own. While the ferry services would slow down, but bus services would remain the same and you can reach out to any point easily by bus. Just get hold of a Bus Route Map and a Bermuda Map from a Visitors Information Center (VIC). Or check out: Bermuda Bus Routes

Buy a Bus/ferry pass (you get them for 1, 2, ... 7 days, month etc) and you get unlimited rides... this is the most economical way or getting around the island rather than buying point to point tickets. You will get it at any VIC or Post Office. You haven't mentioned the place/location of your stay. So I can't comment on how easy it would be to access the beaches. The bus #7 goes by all the best south shore beaches along Warwick, Southampton and Paget parishes. It operates between Hamilton City and the Dockyard (in Sandys). Have a great trip!

Raj (bermuda-attractions.com)

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