Bahamas Charters - A Year-round Destination

Bahamas - What to Expect

Now is a good time to have a talk about the climate in the Bahamas. On average, the Islands experiences more than seven hours of sunshine each and every day. During the winter, the average high temperature during the day is 75 degrees, while the average low temperature during the night is around 60 degrees. During the summer, the daytime high temperature typically reaches 85 degrees. When watching the forecast for Nassau from a distance, you should be on the lookout for inconsistencies. On the islands, the average temperature tends to be cooler to the north of Nassau than it is to the south. It is possible for there to be ten degrees of difference between the two extremes.

The Regions of the Bahamas

The Seasons of the Bahamas

The rainy season in the Bahamas is from May to October, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't plan a vacation then! The Bahamas are comprised of hundreds of islands so as you travel from north to south, you will experience slight variations in weather. For example, the northern Bahamian islands may receive more rain than their southern counterparts. But this should not discourage travelers from using the shoulder season to visit islands north of Nassau; rain rarely ruins an entire day and is often a welcome respite from the heat. The summer actually displays a more stable weather pattern with calmer waters and hot days.

From September to May it is less rainy and not as hot. While summer days average 85 degrees Fahrenheit, winter temperatures hover around 75 during the day and 60 at night. Bear in mind that the temperature difference can be as much as 10 degrees between the southern and northern islands. Nearly constant trade winds cool people off in any season, and you can assume they will be blowing at about 10 knots. These winds blow northeasterly from October to April and southeasterly from May to September. The trade winds that blow constantly over the Bahamas are responsible for keeping the islands significantly cooler than the Caribbean islands much further south.

Tropical weather prevails throughout the year in the Bahamas due to the country's location in the northeastern portion of the Caribbean Sea. The islands of the Bahamas enjoy mild temps and sunny skies throughout the year. In the summer, the humidity levels can rise quite high. It never gets too hot or muggy, and a dip in the water always helps.

Winter Bahamas Vacations

These islands share weather trends with Florida and the Keys. Winters are certainly warmer than most of the USA, but once or twice during the winter a cooler weather pattern will emerge putting temperatures in the 60 degree range for a few days. Likewise wind patterns may show longer periods of northerly winds that blow from cooler climates and can drop temperatures. Again, that is certainly not to say it's a poor location for winter vacations!

The fantastic temperatures, proximity of countless islands large and small, and a plethora of water based activities make the Bahamas a great family destination. Don't discount the shoulder seasons where it's very easy to walk beaches and be the only group there! Current Forecast for the Bahamas.

Hurricanes?

One common question is about hurricanes and their effect on Bahamian charters. The highest possibility of storms occurs in August, September, and October but the official hurricane season runs from June to November. Hurricanes can affect all vacations in the Bahamas during the summer, but with the weather tracking capabilities today the Captain always has notice of their approach so as not to put yachts or clients at any risk. Your yacht charter contract will likely have a hurricane addendum added to it for a summer yacht charter detailing what happens should your charter be impacted by a tropical storm forecast.

What Time is Recommended?

In the Bahamas, rain showers are typically short and quickly clear up after they have arrived. Having said that, the months of May through October are considered to be the rainy season. There is a considerable difference in the amount of precipitation that the northern and southern islands of the Bahamas receive. If you want to escape crowds in the Bahamas, you might want to think about visiting during a different time of year. The months of September through May may have the best weather in the Bahamas, but this also makes this time of year more popular with everyone. The good news is that whenever you decide to take your Bahamas vacation, we will be available to answer questions and steer you on the right course!

How to prepare fo your charter

As you start thinking about the weather, you'll probably start creating a mental list of the things you need to pack. You should plan for the possibility of rain, but prioritize packing items that are lightweight and compact because you will spend the majority of your time outside in the sun. It is recommended that you use natural fabrics that are breathable, such as cotton and linen, and you should think about the comfort of your family. It should go without saying, but make sure you don't forget about your beachwear! Charter passengers in the Bahamas absolutely cannot miss out on this attraction. One last piece of advice: although the Islands are known for their laid-back atmosphere, you shouldn't go overboard. When going to a restaurant, it is still appropriate to wear clothes that are more substantial than a swimsuit. If you want to dine while wearing only your bikini, the best place to do it is on the deck of your luxurious charter yacht.

Skeptical about charters in the Bahamas and wondering whether you would be unlucky enough to bring winter with you to your Christmas destination? Well, there's only one way to find out more information. Our specialists can discuss the options with you without any obligation and can help you make a well-educated guess about the right time to go.