Weather in the Bahamas: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

The Bahamas are located in the northwestern West Indies, only 50 miles south-east of the Florida coast. Thanks to its northerly positioning in the Caribbean Sea, and the prevalent trade winds (so beloved and capitalized on by pirates in centuries past), there’s no bad time to visit the Bahamas because the weather is quite consistent. The weather remains fairly mild year-round, though there is variation in rainfall and average daily temperatures on a seasonal basis. 

Though the most popular time to visit the Bahamas for travelers from the northern hemisphere is during the winter months with the peak tourist influx occurring during the Christmas holiday and over spring break, the shoulder seasons are generally the best time to travel to the Bahamas. Mid-April to early July, before the arrival of hurricane season, is the most pleasant time to travel: for temperature, and for prices (as they drop after the holidays).

Fast Climate Facts: 

• Hottest months: July and August (average 84 F)
• Coldest month: January (average 72 F)
• Wettest month: August (average rainfall: 6.2 inches)
• Best month for swimming: July (water is average 84 F)

Hurricane Season in the Bahamas

Like all islands in and near the Caribbean, the Bahamas is at risk of experiencing a hurricane. Officially, hurricane season lasts from the beginning of June through the end of November but August through October have the highest risk of a hurricane forming. The hurricane that made landfall on the Bahamas was Hurricane Isaias in 2020. The category 2 storm caused some property damage, but it was nowhere near the destruction that Hurricane Dorian caused in 2019.

If you're planning a. trip during hurricane season, the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas has a list of preparations you should make.

Popular Islands in the Bahamas

The Bahamas consists of over 700 islands and 2,000 cays, however of that number, a majority remain uninhabited, and even fewer still are host to an influx of tourists year after year. In other words, visitors stick to a handful of the islands that make up the Bahamas. Nassau, the capital city on the island of New Providence, is the most popular destination for visitors on a short visit thanks to the vibrant nightlife scene, variety of cultural offerings, as well as the number of direct flights from the U.S. Nearby, Paradise Island (accessible by bridge) is also popular with tourists.

The most popular out islands of the Bahamas are famous for their alluring attractions and activities. The swimming pigs of Exuma draw thousands each year while the pink sand beaches of Harbour Island in North Eleuthera delight beachgoers. Since the distance between these outer Bahamian islands varies, there are some variations in rainfall and tropical weather patterns, though the average temperature remains consistent throughout the archipelago. 

New Providence

The island of New Providence is home to the city of Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. Almost every traveler to the country will enter through New Providence since it where the international airport is located. The main island is connected by bridge to the nearby Paradise Island. Home to the eternally popular Atlantis resort, the popular island is just 4 miles away from New Providence. For some context on the weather, Nassau shares the same degree of latitude as Miami, and it gets less rain than Freeport, a major city on Grand Bahama.

The hottest month is August (84 degrees Fahrenheit / 29 degrees Celsius), the coldest month is January (72 degrees Fahrenheit / 22 degrees Celsius), and the wettest month is August (6.2 inches of rain).

Eleuthera

Eleuthera is a reliably popular destination for travelers to the Bahamas for it's pink sand beaches. But the island is still gaining in popularity thanks to the increased visibility of Harbour Island, a ritzy private island retreat northwest of Eleuthera. November to April have the sunniest days, while January is the coolest month. August is the hottest month, though the temperature is known for being relatively moderate year-round so the temperature fluctuations are minor.

Grand Bahama

The northernmost of the Bahamian islands, Grand Bahama is a popular destination for cruise tourists in particular. It is also home to the second-biggest city in the Bahamas, Freeport. Grand Bahama, alongside the islands of Andros and Abaco, is more likely to be affected by tropical storms so be mindful of visiting during hurricane season. Its northerly location makes it more susceptible to cold fronts in the wintertime, and the weather often parallels nearby West Palm Beach.

Spring in the Bahamas

Spring is the best time to visit the Bahamas, after the spring break crowds have left by the end of March. While the temperature can be in the 60s degrees Fahrenheit during the peak winter season, the weather begins to rise up to the low 80s degrees Fahrenheit by the beginning of April through May. Rainfall, or liquid sunshine in Bahamian parlance, is more frequent in May and June. 

What to pack: A sweater and scarf for the evening chill in March, and a light rain jacket to prepare for the rainfall in early May.

Summer in the Bahamas

Known for having sunshine most days of the year, the summer months in the Bahamas are no exception, though June is known for having more regular rain showers. June and July are the best months to visit the Bahamas during the summertime before hurricane season arrives in early August. The start of hurricane season arrives in August, though the country’s northwest location in the Caribbean ensures the temperature hovers around the low 80s degrees Fahrenheit.

What to pack: Rain-gear for the tropical weather, and lightweight fabrics, as August and July are often the hottest months.

Fall in the Bahamas

The months of August and September are when the hurricane and tropical storm warnings reach its peak in the island chain, though you’re more likely to suffer a hurricane along the Atlantic coast of the U.S. than in the Bahamian islands. The hurricane season continues through October, though the chance of a tropical storm drops precipitously (afternoon rain-showers are more likely). November is an ideal time to visit as the rainy weather subsides, and prices have not yet increased for the peak season.

What to pack: Rain-gear in preparation for heavier showers, layers to adjust to the heat-waves. 

Winter in the Bahamas

The peak tourist season in the Bahamas begins in mid-December and continues until after Spring Break in mid-April. During this time period, hotels can charge rates up to 50 percent higher than the average price during the rest of the year. Additionally, the weather during the winter months is slightly chillier throughout the island chain, in the mid-60s to high 70s degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, it is the dry season, with a lower chance of rainfall until later in the season, in March.

What to pack: Scarves, light sweaters, warmer layers for the chillier evenings. Rash-guards for swimming in cooler temperatures.

Average Monthly Temperature, Rainfall, and Daylight Hours