The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Time for Your Bermuda Adventure

Are you seeking paradise on earth? Look no further than the stunning island of Bermuda. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, pink sandy beaches, and lush tropical landscapes, it's no wonder that this gem of the Atlantic Ocean attracts millions of visitors each year. But here's the real secret: the best time to travel to Bermuda is not when you might think. In this article, we'll delve into the perfect timing to experience this captivating destination, uncovering the ideal months to visit, the perks of avoiding the crowds, and even when to score the best deals. So, whether you're a sun seeker, an adventurer, or a culture enthusiast, keep reading to discover the best time to visit Bermuda and unlock a truly unforgettable island getaway.

The Best Time to Visit Bermuda

If you're searching for warm temperatures and beach life, the most popular time to visit Bermuda is between late April and mid-October. However, the best time to vacation on the island is subjective. After all, beauty is in the eye of the Bermuda-lover.

There’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, regardless of when you travel to the island, there'll be an activity that appeals to everyone. Falling in love with this idyllic place could happen at any time.

Wildlife

Wildlife is abundant in Bermuda. Vibrant marine life, like parrotfish, is plentiful all year round and Bermuda is home to one of the oldest aquariums in the world. March and April are favored months for wildlife enthusiasts as over 15,000 humpback whales migrate from the Caribbean, creating impressive displays that boat tours can witness.

Sports

Lush championship golf course greens are aplenty and operational throughout the year. There’s never a bad time to tee off. It’s also the perfect way to take in panoramic ocean views.

The sporting to-do list doesn’t end there, either. Bermuda has plenty of marathons and events that combine the island's beauty with sport.

Seasonal

Christmas and New Year are also good times to visit Bermuda. Christmas is typically celebrated on the beach with local Bermudians, while the New Year is brought in with the ‘Onion Drop’ in St. Georges.

Other Activities

Here's a breakdown of some of the other experiences you can enjoy during the warmer months in Bermuda:

Or, if you want to unwind in your own space, surrounded by luxury, Bermudiana Beach Resort is the perfect place. Find out more about the resort and what's on offer during the summer months by downloading the insightful guide.

Why You Should Visit Bermuda

Gorgeous view of a bunch of folks on a white sand beach in Bermuda during the best time to visit

Bermuda has a semi-tropical climate. This 21 square mile island is packed with quaint towns, gorgeous harbors, historical monuments, and a Bermudian atmosphere that is friendly, welcoming, and will melt your heart.

The island of Bermuda is most famous for the celebrities who live there, but 600,000 tourists also come every year. Visiting Bermuda is ideal because it is a short hop from the United States.

It takes just a couple of hours to fly to Bermuda from East Coast cities. The look and feel of Bermuda are that of a tropical paradise during the summer. You won’t find a more spectacular island to lay in the sand and splash in the waves.

Bermuda has much to discover, from her hidden coves to her incredible pink sand beaches. And there are so many activities for tourists in Bermuda that you will think you’ve died and gone to heaven.

You can explore underground grottos, take a sailing adventure, snorkel and scuba dive, shop, or play golf on their world-renowned courses. Bermuda is also small and cozy.

It is unique in that a short bus ride will take you from one end of the island to the other. If you love history, this island is exploding with artifacts and legends.

There are fewer people in March and April

Though short and unpredictable, the shoulder season runs from March through April. There's plenty on the cultural calendar but anything goes weatherwise. Average daytime highs hang in the low 70ºFs, which is ideal for a quiet beach day when the sun shines, but can be less delightful on an overcast day.

If you’ve previously traveled to Bermuda during high season, the end of March or the beginning of April is worth taking a gamble on for a quieter island experience. You’ll likely have the beaches to yourself and the opportunity to stay at Bermuda’s most popular resorts at a discounted rate. For a first-time trip, though, it’s better to stick to the high season for those perfect sunny days that Bermuda is famous for.

Enjoy crowd-free trips to the beach in the low season months of November to February © Getty Images / Glowimages RF

Low season rates are on offer in November to February

Bermuda has a low season! This often shocks people who’ve never visited before and base their image of the island on photos of rose-flecked beaches perfectly juxtaposed between pastel-colored homes and turquoise waters. These photos were likely snapped in the summer because, yes, Bermuda has a low season, marked by cool temperatures and regular windy and rainy days.

Visitors from northern climes may not consider the temperatures at this time of year to be anywhere near “cold” – on average, daytime highs are between 60ºF and 70ºF, occasionally dipping into the high 50ºFs – but locals bring out parkas and sweaters. You may even catch wafts of wood smoke from the chimneys of island homes at this time of year.

The sun is still strong, however, so if you catch a warm front, you can still enjoy rum swizzles (rum, juice, grenadine and bitters) on the waterfront, putter out on a boat or take a walk on the beach. The biggest perk of the low season is the prices. Hotel rates plunge from high-season levels, so you may be able to snag a deal.

Crowds thin out, but most businesses inland operate regular hours, including restaurants and bars. You may have difficulty finding something on the beach that’s open, but the weather isn’t ideal for beach time anyway. Stick to activities inland, explore downtown Hamilton (or “town” as the locals like to call it) and enjoy the offseason, local vibe.

Hurricane season is officially June through November

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Though Bermuda is officially within the hurricane corridor, the island is usually only affected by late-season storms in September and October, if affected at all.

Thanks to Bermuda’s northerly location and small size, direct hits are rare, so if you happen to be on the island during a storm, you'll usually only need to prepare for heavy rains and winds. Of course, this differs each hurricane season, so keep an eye on the national weather service for the latest updates.

If the thought of a hurricane makes you nervous, aim for a trip at the start of the high season instead. Storms are very unlikely in May, June and July.

Bermuda Restaurant Week is in January or February © Big Blink Creative / Shutterstock

January is for undisturbed beach strolls

January can be so quiet that sometimes even locals don’t know what to do. This is the month for wrapping up and walking on undisturbed beaches, cozying up in one of the island's English-style pubs or touring some of the island’s historic fortresses and museums. Athletic types come for the Bermuda Triangle Challenge – a series of marathons that attract athletes from all over the world. Key events: The Bermuda Triangle Challenge, Bermuda Festival of Performing Arts, Bermuda Restaurant Week begins.

February is for foodies

This is usually a rainy month, with weather patterns similar to January. Luckily, Bermuda Restaurant Week is in full swing, so you can pass time enjoying culinary delights at Bermuda’s most popular restaurants. Don’t miss fish chowder with an extra splash of rum and sherry pepper at Harry’s, a fish sandwich at Art Mel’s, or fish and chips at Astwood Arms. Key event: Bermuda Restaurant Week.

March is for whale watching

The winter chill usually dissipates during the first two weeks in March, just in time for the start of the annual humpback whale migration. Take a boat trip offshore to witness these mammoth creatures breach so close that you might be sprayed by the splash. Alternatively, set up a picnic at the beach and scan the horizon – you can usually see whales breaching just offshore with the naked eye. Key event: Bermuda International Film Festival.

April brings Easter festivities

Whenever Easter happens to fall, the island is abuzz with hot cross buns and pastel-colored piles of tissue paper lining storefronts. Follow the locals' lead and make a colorful kite to fly on Good Friday. The festive atmosphere is usually amplified by the sunny, warm weather. Key events: Easter, The Annual Peppercorn Ceremony.

Summer officially starts in May, and everyone heads to Bermuda's beaches © Alison Wright / Getty Images

May is the official start of summer

May 24 (Bermuda Day) is the official start of summer, and many locals won’t take a dip in the ocean before this date. For tourists, though, May 1 marks the start of the high season. Outdoor activities abound, and Hamilton's Harbor Nights kick off and continue through to October, with stalls and live entertainment every Wednesday evening on Front St. Key events: International Race Week, Bermuda Day, Harbor Nights in Hamilton begin.

June sees peak sunshine and prices

Expect warm, dry days from here on out, with the humidity slowly climbing to reach 80% or more for the remainder of summer. Hotel rates increase, beaches start to get crowded, and the docks empty at weekends as locals and tourists hit the water for boating activities, from tubing to diving and drinking on "raft-ups" (groups of boats tied together or anchored in a line at a sandbar). Sailors gather for the annual Newport Bermuda Race, while landlubbers hit the Bermuda Carnival. Key events: Bermuda Heroes Weekend, Newport Bermuda Race, Bermuda Carnival.

July is all about the beaches and the fishing

Summer festivities continue with locals and visitors spending as much time outside as they can. The sun is warm during these months, but nothing a frosty rum swizzle can’t cool off. Sport fishers come for the three-leg Bermuda Triple Crown Billfish Championship, starting with the Bermuda Billfish Blast. Key events: Cupmatch (if not in August), Bermuda Billfish Blast.

Celebrate Bermuda's Gombey culture with dancing and costumes in September © Andre Place / Shutterstock

August is Bermuda's Emancipation

Bermuda’s Emancipation is marked by a four-day holiday weekend that’s the peak of the summer celebrations. The annual Cup Match cricket match attracts spectators of all ages, while beach trips and boat parties such as the Non-Mariners Water Raft-Up in Mangrove Bay lure those who are more enthused by the time off work. If you’re visiting during the holiday, do your grocery shopping early, as most stores and businesses shutter up for the celebrations. Key events: Bermuda Cup Match & Emancipation Day (can sometimes fall in late July), Non-Mariners Water Raft-Up.

September is the time to celebrate Gombey culture

While Labor Day marks the end of the summertime stateside, Bermuda still sizzles during September. This month is a good option for visitors seeking smaller crowds, as tourism tends to quiet down, though locals are still buzzing, enjoying every last bit of sunny weather. The island celebrates Gombey culture this month with dances, stilt walkers, festival food and music from Gombey bands. Key events: Bermuda Gombey Festival, Sand Sculpture Competition.

October is great for quiet beaches

Beach lifeguards are still on duty through October, which means that beach days are still perfectly viable, though beachgoers start to thin out by the end of the month. While there’s a threat of storms, you'll still find a few sunny days if you come on an off-season getaway. Key events: City Food Festival, end of Harbour Nights.

Bermuda is a popular spot for professional golfers © Matt Henry Gunther / Getty Images

November is a good month for cheap deals and golfers

You might hit a pleasantly sunny November, or you might have a wet, rainy vacation. The weather is always a gamble during November, but low flight and hotel prices make this a perfect month for a budget getaway. Keep an eye on the weather a week in advance, and if things look favorable, see if you can find a last-minute deal. For golfers, the Butterfield Championship rolls into town. Key events: Butterfield Championship, World Rugby Classic.

December sees low temperatures and prices

If you’re visiting in December, be ready for cooler weather but a fun, festive atmosphere. Christmas lights adorn palm trees, and inflatable Santas decorate the bows of boats. The weather is typically sunny and pleasant, though sometimes with a chilly breeze in the evening. Key events: National Trust Christmas Walkabout, Christmas Boat Parade, Goodwill Golf Tournament (sometimes held in November).

This article was first published July 2021 and updated March 2023

The Worst Time to Experience the Island

First things first - there’s never really a ‘worst’ time to visit Bermuda.

Your island experience is personal to you and can differ wildly from somebody else. It’s not always about the sun, although there's plenty of it all year round. There are things like delicious eateries and hidden historical places of interest that can be experienced at any time of year.

Weather

During the cooler months, the weather seldom dips below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, which guarantees a pleasant getaway. In fact, the hotels in Bermuda used to refund your money if the temperature was cooler than that!

Hurricanes are more likely during September and October. Still, hurricanes and tropical storms are rare and typically avoid the island altogether, which is located well to the north of the main hurricane belt.

Sport

Stronger winds and waves can be expected from time to time at this time of year, which makes it ideal for kitesurfing.

Water clarity is better during winter, with underwater visibility at 175 ft from December through April compared with August — the worst month — at 75 ft. Scuba divers prefer to come outside of the main season to dive with sea turtles and spotted eagle rays. If you're planning to take a dip, a wet suit is recommended.

Activities

Even if it rains, there’s plenty to do from visiting Bermuda’s Art Galleries and museums to discovering the island’s rich and fascinating history. You might prefer to enjoy the many unique and stylistic stores or go dining at your favorite restaurant. Bermuda isn’t just about its iconic beaches. Although they are spectacular with stunning views, there’s much more to experience.

Some other experiences that are on offer throughout the cooler months include:

• Explore the Royal Naval Dockyard.
• Enjoy a game of mini golf by the ocean seafront.
• Admire the historic stone buildings in St George's.
• Check out the breathtaking views at Horseshoe Bay.

Now that you know what’s considered the ‘best’ and ‘worst' times to visit Bermuda, you can start deciding what the ideal time is for you and your family.

In conclusion, when it comes to visiting Bermuda, timing is everything. The best time to visit this stunning island paradise is during the months of March and April, when the crowds are fewer and the weather is pleasant. If you're looking for affordable rates and a quieter atmosphere, consider planning your trip between November and February. However, it's important to keep in mind that hurricane season officially runs from June through November, making this period the worst time to experience the island. So, whether you're seeking shimmering blue waters, breathtaking landscapes, or simply a relaxing getaway, choose your travel dates wisely and prepare to be captivated by the beauty of Bermuda.