When to travel to the Bahamas

When is it best to travel?

The peak season in the Bahamas runs from December to April when temperatures are a little cooler and the chances of rain are slim. However, you can still have a wonderful, sunny holiday in the Bahamas during the wetter months of the year, as most of the downpours are over quickly.

As a general rule, the wettest weather is in May and June, and it's worth bearing in mind that the northern islands in the archipelago experience more rain than those in the south. If you do decide to travel during the hurricane season, you can have peace of mind thanks to the Hurricane Cancellation Policy that most of the hotels on the islands have in place.

This means you can get a full refund if you choose to cancel your break as a result of an incoming storm. Of course, the obvious advantage of travelling at this time, outside of the peak season is that accommodation will often be considerably cheaper.

When is it best for water sports?

There is a wide range of water sports on offer in the Bahamas, from snorkelling and scuba diving to kayaking and windsurfing. The good news is that water temperatures off the islands rarely drop below 22 degrees Celsius, so no matter when you're planning your holiday for, you'll be able to jump in.

That being said, the water is at its warmest between June and November, with a peak of 28 degrees Celsius in August. Wind sports - such as kite and windsurfing and sailing - can be practiced all year round thanks to the steady trade winds that blow in from the east.

Similarly, you can go on an underwater adventure during any season, with the Bahamas experiencing consistently good diving conditions. Visibility is typically in the 30-metre range and there is always plenty of life on the reefs and wrecks that lie beneath the waves.

If you are planning to do any water sports during the winter, when the water is at its coldest, make sure you have a thick enough wetsuit to keep you warm. Although the sun can make it feel hot when you're out of the water, you can quickly get cold once you're in the sea.

You also need to take precautions against the sun if you'll be on the surface - sun cream is essential if you'll be sailing, kayaking, windsurfing or kite surfing for an extended period of time.

Public holidays in the Bahamas

The Bahamas is a Christian country, so many of their public holidays are the same as those in the UK - such as Christmas and Easter. However, there are a few other dates in their calendar that it's worth being aware of.

One of them is Bahamas Independence Day, which is commemorated on July 10th, and marks the anniversary of the Bahamas achieving independence from the Brits back in 1973. There is usually a week of celebrations, typically involving colourful parades and vibrant fireworks displays.

Another festival to look out for is Discovery Day, also known as Columbus Day, which is marked across the Caribbean and the Americas in memory of Columbus's discovery of the new continent. It's held on 12th October every year and in Nassau there's also a ceremony to commemorate national heroes in the Bahamas - worth a visit if you're around at this time of year.