Bermuda in Winter
How is Bermuda in Winter
Winter in Bermuda is typically the period between November to February, but the air and water remains quite cold until April. November to April is the time when there are no cruise ships on port, hardly any tourists around and Bermuda looks so much of its own.
Those who are in search of real Bermuda can take this opportunity for a visit and get the island in its most pristine form, and the island puts its best foot forward to offer all its charm and elegance.
Photo: Rick McCharles, flickr, cc by 2.0
It's true that several tourist attractions remain closed during this period (November to April), and most water activities either close down or operate at much reduced frequency due to lack of customers, but there are still enough attractions and activities that remain open. In fact, Bermuda's Department of Community and Cultural Affairs and Bermuda Tourism Authority organize programs to showcase Bermuda's rich art, culture and many other family friendly entertainment.
While public transport including buses and ferry continue to operate during winter, the ferry switches to its winter schedule during this period with reduced services. The winter ferry schedule usually remains in effect from early November until late April. Buses however continue to run as usual like in summer.
What usually remains open in winter?
All
public beaches in Bermuda remain open during the winter, although it may be difficult to swim with temperature hovering around 60-65°F around that time (it's possible with wet suits though). But the beaches are free of tourists, you do not have to walk on the beach trying hard to avoid bumping against sunbathers.
Note that other than Horseshoe Bay Beach and Tobacco Bay Beach, no other beach would have any on-beach concession stalls for renting chairs, umbrellas etc or buying snacks during this period. That's obvious, after all who do they sell them to?
National Museum of Bermuda (Old Fort Complex)
Some other key tourist attractions and places which remain open during winter include:
7) Art Galleries including
National Gallery at City Hall and Arts Center,
Masterworks Museum in Botanical Gardens etc. Masterworks houses a collection of some 1400 fabulous art work that are mostly inspired on Bermuda. A guided tour takes place from 10am to 4pm.
14) Spas at the hotels like of Grotto Bay Beach Hotel in Hamilton Parish.
16) Swimming, Snorkeling and Diving require wet suite.
17) For water sports activities like snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, jet ski safari, motor boat rentals etc, you can contact
H2O Sports located in Sandys. They are usually open by reservations only. Tobacco Bay Beach House in St. George is open daily for rentals, snacks and drinks.
20) Many
Events and Festivals also take place during this time including Bermuda International Film Fest, Remembrance Day Celebration, Beach Art Festival, Bermuda Festival of Performing Arts, World Rugby Classic and more.
21) Christmas time (late November to end December) is a great time to visit Bermuda. Several Christmas events are held in different parts of the island including Lighting the tree ceremony, Christmas walkabout, boat parade and more. Visit
Christmas in Bermuda to know them all.
St, George, Bermuda
Photo: Charles Lewis, Shutterstock
Winter Activities and Events
Bermuda Tourism Authority in collaboration with Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, organizes several ongoing activities during the winter featuring local art, culture and entertainment. However most such activities do not take place on
Public Holidays.
Below is a synopsis of typical events and festivals that take place as part of winter activities during the period November - April. Key offerings include holiday events, nature excursions, and culinary festivals. Program schedules and activities change every year.
Holiday Season events (December)
National Trust Christmas Walkabout in St. George's: This popular annual event lights up the historic town of St. George's. Historical buildings are decorated and open to the public, while the candlelit streets are filled with carolers, performers, and vendors.
Christmas Boat Parade in Hamilton: Decorated boats cruise through Hamilton Harbour in a festive display that can be viewed from Front Street. The parade is typically accompanied by a drone light show and music.
New Year's Eve Onion Drop: In keeping with Bermuda's farming heritage, the town of St. George's celebrates New Year's Eve by dropping a large, illuminated onion in King's Square.
Winter Sporting Events (January–February)
Chubb Bermuda Triangle Challenge: This running event takes place over a weekend in January and includes a mile race, a 10K, and a half or full marathon, attracting both local and international runners.
Pony and Harness Racing: Local pony and harness racing events are held weekly at the Vesey Street Equestrian Centre throughout January and February.
Goodwill Golf Tournament: The world's oldest Pro-Am golf tournament is held in Bermuda during December, featuring teams from around the world.
Food and Culture
Bermuda Restaurant Weeks: This is an island-wide culinary event held from January to February, during which dozens of restaurants offer discounted prix-fixe menus featuring local flavors like spiny lobster.
Bermuda Black History Month: Throughout February, events are organized to honor and celebrate Black history on the island, including historical tours with Titan Express.
Gombey Festival: While typically held in the fall, the Department of Culture organizes the annual Gombey Festival, which showcases performances from Bermuda's different Gombey dance troupes.
Outdoor Activities and Tours
Railway Trail: The 18-mile railway trail is ideal for walking, biking, or jogging during the milder winter weather, offering scenic views across the island.
Beachcombing and Horseback Riding: The off-season is a perfect time for uncrowded walks on Bermuda's famous pink sand beaches, with horseback riding permitted on some beaches during the winter.
Whale Watching: Humpback whales migrate past Bermuda's shores in the spring, so whale-watching tours typically begin in March and continue through April.
Museums and forts: Government-operated sites like the National Museum of Bermuda, Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, and historical forts remain open during the winter months.
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 By Raj Bhattacharya
Raj, a seasoned travel writer and Bermuda destination expert, has extensive global travel experience. This website reflects his profound insights, garnered over nearly two decades of dedicated findings and research on the island. Raj has assisted countless Bermuda-bound visitors by providing direct, personalized responses to their queries and imparting his wealth of knowledge through this platform. This site serves as an indispensable guide for those seeking informed and reliable insights into Bermuda's treasures.
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Visitors' Reviews and Comments
Becky Rendell (June 2022)
Good Afternoon, We are planning to revisit Bermuda in 12/2022. Are the winter activities listed in effect for Winter 2022? When we were there in 03/2020, some of the activities listed were not in effect (i.e. Bronco Stables Carriage Rides, Carole Holding tea). Thank you,
Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) June 2022
Hello, Winter activities and events keep changing every year... the ones that are mentioned are indicative, all may not operate at the same time. In 2020, several activities remained closed due to Covid.
Krista Larouche (February 2014)
Hi Raj! AMAZING website!! So much helpful information!! We will be visiting Bermuda later this month (February) with 2 small children (6 and 1 yrs old). I am compiling a list of activities and sites for us to see (with many recommendations coming from your website!) and I was wondering if snorkelling, swimming or beach activities are still recommended in the off season?? Is the water temperature still ok for that? I know the average temperature during the day is about 20 - 23 C (70-75 F). Does it cool off dramatically in the evenings? Thanks for your time and information!!
Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) February 2014
Hi, Average water temp in February is about 64 deg F. So it won't be suitable for swimming and snorkeling unless you are carrying wet suits. Air temperature varies from min 60 to max 68 deg F.
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