What's the best time to visit Bermuda?
Bermuda is a very popular destination for a quick tropical getaway in warmer climates, even though it is a very small island. According to the official Bermuda tourism board, the island receives over 800,000 visitors annually during peak tourism times.
Bermuda has everything that you think of when you think about the ideal Caribbean vacation — pristine beaches, great weather, and a relaxing atmosphere. In fact, it’s the quintessential relaxing tropical vacation spot.
The island’s main attractions are definitely its pristine beaches. Although it only has 64 miles of coastline, it has many beautiful beaches, such as the famous Horseshoe Bay Beach, which attracts countless visitors thanks to its unique shape.
But while there’s plenty to see and do, when is the best time to visit Bermuda? Here’s our take.
The Overall Best Time to Visit Bermuda
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The overall best time to visit Bermuda is during the summer, which lasts from May to September (sometimes October). That is when the weather is warm enough to enjoy the beaches.
This is also the high season for tourism. Although Bermuda is often grouped in with the Caribbean islands thanks to its similar weather and culture, it actually isn’t in the Caribbean at all.
Instead, Bermuda is technically a mid-Atlantic island and it is over 800 miles north of the Caribbean islands. That means that the island’s climate is very different from the climate of popular Caribbean island destinations.
Summer months are warm and often muggy, with average temperatures at about 82-85 degrees Fahrenheit. The water temperature is usually about the same as the surface temperature, making swimming pleasant, like dipping into a hot tub.
Winters in Bermuda are temperate thanks to the influence of temperate winds such as the Gulf Stream. However, they are much cooler than winters on Caribbean islands, with average high temperatures of 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
The water temperature is much cooler, making it unpleasant for swimming. If you want to go swimming (and for many people, that’s the main point in going to Bermuda), then summer is the best time to visit.
Locals traditionally refuse to go into the ocean before May 24th, which is Bermuda Day, the national holiday and the unofficial beginning of summer, although the water is warm already by the beginning of May.
Bermuda is a good destination for a tropical summer getaway because it is relatively unaffected by hurricane season, unlike the Caribbean islands.
The island does get affected by tropical storms, just like the southeastern coast of the United States. However, its storm frequency is much lower than that of the mainland United States, let alone that of the Caribbean.
If you visit during the summer, which does coincide with the beginning of hurricane season in the Atlantic, you don’t have to worry too much about hurricanes. However, tropical storms can sometimes happen. Check the weather forecast on a reputable site such as Bermuda’s Weather Service.
Storms are usually detected in advance, allowing you to prepare if something does happen. Another benefit of visiting during the summer is that Bermuda truly comes alive during this season.
Many businesses shut down during the off-season, but in the summer, everything is up and running. Popular recurring events, such as raft-ups or water parties, start up during the summer as well. During the summer, Bermuda also has many festivals that you can enjoy.
Some favorites for locals and tourists include:
- Bermuda Day (May 24th)
- Hamilton’s Harbor Nights (a weekly street festival, May-September)
- International Invitational Race Week (an invite-only sailing race, May)
- Bermuda Carnival (June)
- Bermuda Billfish Blast (part of the fishing tournament Triple Crown Billfish Championship, July)
- Bermuda Cup Match (a famous cricket match, August)
- Bermuda Gombey Festival (a celebration of local Gombey culture, September)
For the quintessential Bermuda experience, visiting during the summer is the best choice, as that is when the island really comes alive!
Cheapest Time to Visit Bermuda
King’s Wharf, Bermuda – May 11 2023: Celebrity Summit cruise ship docked in Royal Naval Dockyard in King’s Wharf, Bermuda/Iryna Makukha/Shutterstock
The cheapest time to visit Bermuda is during the off-season, which is in the winter. From November to March, hotels are usually discounted, and you’ll find lower prices at other attractions as well.
These months are usually the least expensive because of the weather. November is the rainiest month in Bermuda, so if you book a vacation during that time, you run the risk of spending your entire trip trapped in your hotel room.
However, some Novembers are fairly dry, and you can sometimes get lucky and enjoy a stretch of sunny days when the water is still warm. The winter months of December, January, and February have drier weather than November, but can still get fairly chilly.
Although it is definitely warmer than winter in much of the continental United States, temperatures can still drop to below 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night.
You will need a good jacket to go for a walk on the beach, and casual swimming is probably out of the question. There’s still plenty to do in the off-season in Bermuda, and it’s a pleasant getaway.
The many events that still happen during the winter also means that you should be careful to avoid festivals if you want to get the best possible deal on your accommodation (or if you’re willing to spend a bit more money, these are good times to visit Bermuda during the off-season if you want something to do).
The off-season gets a bit more expensive during:
- the Christmas season
- The Butterfield Bermuda Golf Championship (varies each year, but usually in November)
- Bermuda World Rugby Classic (November)
- Bermuda Triangle Challenge marathon event (January)
These events tend to attract a lot of international visitors, so hotel prices rise accordingly. However, they are still more affordable than visiting during the summer.
Least Busy Time to Visit Bermuda
HAMILTON, BERMUDA – July 12, 2017: Bermuda has a blend of British and American culture, which can be found in the capital, Hamilton. Its Royal Naval Dockyard combines modern attractions with history/Darryl Brooks/Shutterstock
The least busy time to visit Bermuda is also during the off-season, which runs from November to May. Visitor numbers tend to be down during this cooler time of the year, so you will have the beaches to yourself.
According to official visitor statistics from the government of Bermuda, visitor numbers tend to be lowest in December, January, and February. They go up a bit in the shoulder season months of November, March, and April, but they still don’t approach peak numbers.
There are some tradeoffs to visiting when it isn’t as busy, namely the cooler weather that makes it difficult to swim.
However, you can still enjoy water-based activities if you wear a wetsuit or are brave enough to go into the cold water. The off-season is actually better for some activities in Bermuda since the weather is much less humid.
You can use this time to explore the island’s natural parks, as in the summer the humidity sometimes makes it hard to even take a short stroll. Golfers also enjoy visiting during the winter more than in the summer.
If you want to avoid the crowds but still want to spend some time on the beach, visit during the shoulder seasons. In the fall, such as late October and November, the water is still fairly warm, although you have to time your beach visits to avoid the frequent rains.
In the spring months before the high season gets started, such as March, April, and even early May, the temperature warms up and becomes more pleasant (although the water temperature takes longer to warm up). Plus, spring visitors can take in the traditional Bermudan kite flying that occurs every Easter.
Worst Time to Visit Bermuda
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The worst time to visit Bermuda is probably the late fall, when the island is at its rainiest and it’s difficult to do anything. However, there is not necessarily a bad time to visit Bermuda since the weather is fairly mild, and it all depends on what you’re looking for.
Although the island doesn’t tend to get hit directly by hurricanes, hurricane season in the Atlantic does affect its weather. During peak hurricane season, which is in the fall, the weather in Bermuda is much rainier and more humid.
If you visit during late October and November, expect plenty of rain. For some people, visiting during the summer, Bermuda’s “best” season, is actually the worst. If you want to do plenty of outdoor activities and don’t like crowds, opt for one of the shoulder seasons.
Bermuda by Month: Climate & Activities
HAMILTON,BERMUDA – JULY 29,2011: Motorcycle moving with two passengers on an empty street at Hamilton, Bermuda/Andres Virviescas/Shutterstock
Still unsure about the best time to visit Bermuda? Take a look at our summary of the weather and climate by month below:
January
Winter temperatures in Bermuda range from 18 to 21°C (64-70°F). It’s an ideal time for golfing on the island’s courses, exploring historic sites like St. George’s, and enjoying the tranquility of the pink sand beaches.
February
Similar to January, February maintains mild temperatures between 17 to 20°C (63-68°F). Visitors can experience the cultural events of Bermuda’s Annual Love Festival, explore the Crystal Caves, and enjoy water activities in the clear blue waters.
March
As spring begins, temperatures range from 17 to 20°C (63-68°F). March is perfect for hiking the Railway Trail, attending the Bermuda International Film Festival, and exploring the botanical gardens in Paget Parish.
April
Spring temperatures in Bermuda range from 18 to 22°C (64-72°F). It’s an ideal time for water sports like snorkeling and scuba diving, participating in the Bermuda Good Friday Kite Festival, and enjoying the blooming flowers across the island.
May
May sees temperatures ranging from 20 to 24°C (68-75°F). It’s a great month for exploring the historic Royal Naval Dockyard, attending the Bermuda Day Parade, and relaxing on the beaches with warmer water temperatures.
June
Summer arrives with temperatures between 23 to 27°C (73-81°F). June offers opportunities for sailing in the Great Sound, experiencing the vibrant nightlife in Hamilton, and attending cultural events like the Bermuda Festival of the Performing Arts.
July
July maintains warm temperatures from 25 to 29°C (77-84°F). It’s a popular month for attending the Cup Match cricket festival, exploring the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, and enjoying outdoor concerts and events.
August
Temperatures in August range from 26 to 30°C (79-86°F). Despite the heat, it’s an excellent time for beach activities like surfing and paddleboarding, attending the Non-Mariners Race, and exploring the historic forts.
September
As fall begins, temperatures range from 25 to 29°C (77-84°F). September offers a pleasant transition, with opportunities for snorkeling at Tobacco Bay, attending the Sand Sculpture Competition, and enjoying the island’s natural beauty.
October
October sees temperatures ranging from 23 to 27°C (73-81°F). It’s a great month for exploring the Town of St. George, attending the Bermuda Film Festival, and enjoying water activities with the Atlantic Ocean at its warmest.
November
Fall temperatures range from 20 to 24°C (68-75°F). November is perfect for birdwatching at Spittal Pond Nature Reserve, attending the Bermuda Triple Challenge, and exploring the historic forts and museums.
December
Winter returns with temperatures ranging from 18 to 21°C (64-70°F). December brings opportunities for holiday festivities in Hamilton, enjoying the Christmas Boat Parade, and exploring the island’s shopping and dining options.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Here are some common questions people also ask about visiting Bermuda:
What are the best months to go to Bermuda?
The best months to go to Bermuda are the summer months, between June and October. Then, the weather is the best and you’re practically guaranteed good swimming weather every day.
What is the rainy season for Bermuda?
Bermuda doesn’t have a rainy season per se like Caribbean islands. However, late October and November can get very wet and rainy.
What month is hurricane season in Bermuda?
Bermuda lies outside of the hurricane belt, so it doesn’t really have a hurricane season. However, storms are more likely between late August and November, so monitor the weather forecast.
What months can you swim in Bermuda?
Between May and October, you are guaranteed good swimming weather in Bermuda. Intrepid swimmers can also swim during April and November, but the weather is much cooler then.
Is Bermuda very expensive?
Bermuda is an expensive place to both live and visit. Try to save some money by visiting during the off-season, when hotels are less expensive.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Bermuda?
The best time to visit Bermuda is during the summer, between late May and early October, because that is when you get the best swimming weather. Visiting during the off-season ensures you save money and has its own charms, such as better weather for walking around. Happy travels!