IslandGuide — Bahamy
🇧🇸 Bahamas · 2020–2025

Bahamy weather & best time to visit

year-round (sea 24-30°C every month) Dry season: November to April (25-70 mm/month). Wet season: May to October (75-160 mm/month).

Best months to visit

JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilNovemberDecember

December through April is peak season — sunny, dry, outside hurricane risk, sea always swimmable. May offers similar weather with shoulder pricing. Travel June-November is possible but adds hurricane risk; book travel insurance with weather coverage.

Best for

Beach
December to May (dry, sunny, sea 25-27°C, outside hurricane season)
Hiking
January to March (cooler 22-24°C, low humidity, dry trails — though the islands are flat and nature reserves are short walks rather than hikes)
Sightseeing
December to April — peak tourist season aligns with the dry winter and lowest hurricane risk

Climate notes

  • Tropical savanna climate (Köppen Aw): year-round warmth 22-29°C with a clear wet season (May-October) and dry winter (November-April)
  • Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, with peak risk August-October — the Bahamas sit on a major Atlantic hurricane track
  • Northeasterly trade winds blow most of the year, moderating heat and feeding consistent sailing conditions
  • Rare cold fronts December-February can briefly drop air temperature to 15-18°C and chill the sea, but full Bahamas cold spells last only 1-2 days
  • Sea surface temperature is among the most stable in the Caribbean — 24°C in winter, 30°C in late summer; swimmable year-round

Temperature (min / max °C)

25° 21°
Jan
26° 22°
Feb
26° 22°
Mar
27° 23°
Apr
28° 24°
May
29° 26°
Jun
31° 27°
Jul
31° 27°
Aug
30° 27°
Sep
29° 26°
Oct
27° 24°
Nov
26° 22°
Dec

Rainy days per month

9
Jan
10
Feb
9
Mar
12
Apr
15
May
18
Jun
18
Jul
17
Aug
17
Sep
17
Oct
12
Nov
10
Dec

Sunshine hours per month

0
Jan
0
Feb
0
Mar
0
Apr
0
May
0
Jun
0
Jul
0
Aug
0
Sep
0
Oct
0
Nov
0
Dec

Regional notes

  • Nassau / New Providence (central): Bahamas climate baseline with peak summer 29°C and rainfall fairly evenly distributed
  • Freeport / Grand Bahama (north): cooler in winter (January 21°C average) and wetter in late spring than the southern islands
  • George Town / Exuma (southeast): driest month is February (25 mm) — slightly more arid than the north and warmer in winter
  • Out Islands generally see less rainfall than New Providence due to a weaker rain shadow and smaller landmass

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit the Bahamas?
December through April — the dry season has minimal rain, comfortable 22-26°C air, sea around 24-26°C, and sits outside hurricane season. May is similar weather with lower prices.
Is it safe to visit the Bahamas during hurricane season?
The risk is real but most named storms miss any specific island. Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, with peak August-October. Modern forecasting gives 5-7 days warning. Travel insurance with hurricane coverage is essential, and resorts have evacuation procedures.
Can you swim in the Bahamas in winter?
Yes. Sea temperature stays at 24-26°C December through March — comfortable for most swimmers. Brief cold fronts can drop air temperature for 1-2 days but the sea barely cools.
When is the dry season in the Bahamas?
November through April — most months see 25-70 mm of rain. The wettest months are May, September, and October (often over 100 mm) when tropical disturbances bring heavy showers.
What's the temperature in the Bahamas in summer?
July to September averages 28-29°C with high humidity (70-85%) — heat index can feel like 35°C+. Sea is at its warmest (30°C). Air conditioning and afternoon shade are essential; many activities concentrate in mornings.
Are hurricanes common in the Bahamas?
The Bahamas average a hurricane impact (any category) once every couple of years and a major hurricane (Cat 3+) every 5-7 years. Hurricane Dorian in 2019 was the most destructive in recent memory. Risk is real but manageable with travel insurance and flexible plans.
What is the wettest month in the Bahamas?
September on most islands, often exceeding 120 mm and tied to the hurricane peak. May is also wet on Grand Bahama as spring fronts and tropical waves arrive.
Do the Bahamas get cold?
Brief cold spells happen December to February when North American cold fronts push south. Air can drop to 15-18°C for 1-2 days. Persistent cold weather is unusual; the islands quickly return to normal 22-25°C winter conditions.
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Climate data: Open-Meteo · 2020–2025

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit the Bahamas?
December through April — the dry season has minimal rain, comfortable 22-26°C air, sea around 24-26°C, and sits outside hurricane season. May is similar weather with lower prices.
Is it safe to visit the Bahamas during hurricane season?
The risk is real but most named storms miss any specific island. Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, with peak August-October. Modern forecasting gives 5-7 days warning. Travel insurance with hurricane coverage is essential, and resorts have evacuation procedures.
Can you swim in the Bahamas in winter?
Yes. Sea temperature stays at 24-26°C December through March — comfortable for most swimmers. Brief cold fronts can drop air temperature for 1-2 days but the sea barely cools.
When is the dry season in the Bahamas?
November through April — most months see 25-70 mm of rain. The wettest months are May, September, and October (often over 100 mm) when tropical disturbances bring heavy showers.
What's the temperature in the Bahamas in summer?
July to September averages 28-29°C with high humidity (70-85%) — heat index can feel like 35°C+. Sea is at its warmest (30°C). Air conditioning and afternoon shade are essential; many activities concentrate in mornings.
Are hurricanes common in the Bahamas?
The Bahamas average a hurricane impact (any category) once every couple of years and a major hurricane (Cat 3+) every 5-7 years. Hurricane Dorian in 2019 was the most destructive in recent memory. Risk is real but manageable with travel insurance and flexible plans.
What is the wettest month in the Bahamas?
September on most islands, often exceeding 120 mm and tied to the hurricane peak. May is also wet on Grand Bahama as spring fronts and tropical waves arrive.
Do the Bahamas get cold?
Brief cold spells happen December to February when North American cold fronts push south. Air can drop to 15-18°C for 1-2 days. Persistent cold weather is unusual; the islands quickly return to normal 22-25°C winter conditions.