When to Go to Bermuda

When is a good time to go to Bermuda? It's a good question, but the answer is decidedly simple: you should go anytime you want to. There's no good time, and there's no bad time. Even during the winter months the weather is usually quite nice with mean temperatures in the mid to low 60s. We.ve been in winter, summer and spring. Each season has something new, and something different to offer.

Peak Season:
There’s no doubt that the high season – April through September – is a great time to head to Bermuda. That’s when the weather, events, activities and attractions are all at their peak. The beaches are
open (though often crowded), and there are lots of organized tours, barbecues, cricket matches and evening entertainment options. In summer the days are balmy, the evenings warm and romantic, and the nights cool. The temperatures during the day rise into the mid-80s to low 90s, and fall in the evenings to the high 60s or low 70s.

When it rains (sometimes quite heavily), it does so mostly in the evenings. Rain, of course, is extremely important to the islands. Having no other natural source of water, the occasional downpour is always welcomed for it fills up the storage tanks.

Hurricane season runs from June through November, but Bermuda has been lucky for many years. Big winds do blow, but most hurricanes seem to skirt the island. Tropical storms with winds of up to 75 miles an hour can make for an exciting day or two. The architecture on the islands, though, is built to withstand all but the most intense category five hurricanes. Interestingly, the islanders always seem to know instinctively, well in advance, when there’s a “big blow” coming. Apparently it has something to do with the activities of insects and spiders, birds, the atmosphere, and even the
action of the sea on the South Shore.

Off-Season:
Bermuda’s slow season, from November through February, has advantages all its own. Although the climate is always inviting, it is cooler and more comfortable in the off-season. The beaches, shops and hotels are less crowded, and there are package deals that, along with special offers at many restaurants, can save you money. The swimming, diving, hiking and fishing are just as good – perhaps even more enjoyable with the lack of tourists. Be aware, though, that many popular attractions, restaurants, museums and hotels close, or at least operate on reduced hours during this slow period. On the plus side, a number of golf tournaments, special events and walking tours are organized especially with winter visitors in mind.

Book your vacation during the winter months and you’re likely to get a good deal. Hotels – those that remain open – usually reduce rates as much as 40% to fill some of the empty space. Package rates on the public transport system are also lower. The cooler weather makes golf and tennis that much more enjoyable.

If you like solitude, windswept beaches, cool sea breezes, quiet streets and shops, then the slow season may be just right for you. I’ve made several visits in the off-season and I always have a good time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s to low 70s most of the time, and there’s more than enough to see and do to keep you busy.

Note: If you do decide to visit in the low season, you’llneed to take a warm jacket for the evenings anda light sweater in case it gets chilly during the day.

 

Know Before You Go!