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Bermuda in Winter
Updated: July 2026
How is Bermuda in Winter?
Winter offers something for almost every type of visitor. Whether you enjoy holiday celebrations, local culture, outdoor activities or sporting events, the island hosts a variety of seasonal experiences between November and April. Since schedules change from year to year, use the information below as a guide to what is typically available.
Winter in Bermuda generally runs from November through February, although both the air and sea remain relatively cool until April. During this period there are no cruise ships in port, visitor numbers are much lower, and the island feels quieter and more relaxed than during the busy summer season.
Photo: Rick McCharles, flickr, cc by 2.0
If you enjoy sightseeing, walking, golf, history, nature and experiencing everyday island life, winter can be one of the most rewarding times to visit. If your priority is swimming in warm water or enjoying a lively beach atmosphere, another season may suit you better.
Although some seasonal attractions and water sports operate on reduced schedules, there are still plenty of places to visit, restaurants to enjoy and outdoor activities available throughout the island.
Bermuda's Department of Culture and the Bermuda Tourism Authority also organize seasonal programs featuring local arts, culture and family-friendly entertainment.
Public transportation operates throughout winter. Buses continue their normal schedules, while ferries usually operate on their winter timetable from early November until late April with reduced frequency on some routes.
Bermuda Winter at a Glance
| Best for |
Less suitable for |
| Sightseeing, history and museums |
Warm-water beach vacations |
| Golf and other outdoor activities |
Swimming and snorkeling without wetsuits |
| Nature walks, caves and gardens |
Visitors seeking a full range of water sports |
| Seasonal events, festivals and dining |
Families expecting peak-season beach facilities |
| A quieter, more authentic Bermuda experience |
Visitors seeking a busy resort or cruise atmosphere |
What to expect
Air temperatures are generally comfortable for sightseeing.
Sea temperatures remain cool until spring.
Beaches stay open but are much quieter.
Most restaurants remain open.
Museums, forts, caves and gardens remain accessible.
Cruise ships do not visit Bermuda during this period.
Winter offers some unique seasonal experiences such as whale watching (March-April), Restaurant Weeks and Christmas celebrations.
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?
Some other key tourist attractions and places which remain open during winter include:
Museums & Cultural Attractions
Historic Houses and Forts
Nature and Gardens
Royal Naval Dockyard
Outdoor Activities & Adventure
Shopping, Dining & Nightlife
Relaxation and Wellness
Scenic Experiences
Winter Events & Celebrations
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
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.
About the Author
By Raj Bhattacharya
Raj has been writing about Bermuda since 2008, when he launched bermuda-attractions.com, one of the longest-standing independent guides to the island. A Certified Bermuda Specialist (Bermuda Tourism Authority), his work draws on personal visits, local contacts in Bermuda, and questions and trip reports from thousands of readers over the years.
Learn more about Raj Bhattacharya
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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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