Grand Bahama/Freeport, Bahamas: When to Go and Weather

Weather: Grand Bahama is located just 55 miles off the coast of Florida. The island is characterized by a sub-tropical climate with humid weather, light rainfall, and warm, sunny weather fluctuating between 70 and 80 degrees F. Grand Bahama weather may be categorized into two seasons: dry (November through April) and rainy (May through October.) During the dry season, the air is warm and trade winds blow in from the northeast, keeping beachgoers cool on the sand. The temperature of the ocean is about the same as the temperature of the air, making water activities especially appealing to visitors. The rainy season begins in May, when humidity rises and the average monthly rain levels can hit 5 inches, and the hurricane and tropical cyclone season kicks off in June. From June through the end of the year, the threat of tropical storms, cyclones, and hurricanes is ever-present on Grand Bahama, so visitors should use caution when planning a trip or be prepared to evacuate immediately if meteorologists predict an oncoming storm. Due to the storm season, rainfall levels increase through the summer, with nearly 9 inches a month coming down in August and September. Because of the unpredictable weather, most tourists prefer to plan trips to Grand Bahama during the dry season.

For local weather reports, check the Caribbean Net News (www.caribbeannetnews.com).

When to Go: Peak Season
December through April, the dry spring months, are considered the peak season on Grand Bahama island. Sandy white beaches, a large casino, nightclubs, scuba dive sites, and luxury hotels draw steady crowds every year to the island, and the most popular accommodations are booked up well ahead of time. Prices are higher everywhere - restaurants, hotels, bars - but Grand Bahama weather is also the most pleasant at this time, with warm, sunny days and infrequent rain. Cruise ships dock on Grand Bahama nearly every day during the peak season, so crowds can be crazy during January and February.

When to Go: Off Season
Tropical cyclones can ravage the Bahamas in July, August, September, and October. It's no surprise that these months form the island's off season. Grand Bahama's weather is often stormy, windy, or rainy during these months as the area feels the effects of storms out at sea. But visitors may also experience strings of pleasant, sunny days when the weather is clear. Hotel rates are halved in the off season because most tourists don't want to risk traveling in the season of tropical storms and, of course, the crowds are minimal during these months of the year.

When to Go: Shoulder Season
The months of May and June are the shoulder season on Grand Bahama. Although the rainy season has started, the threat of tropical cyclones is much higher in July, August, and September. Travelers who don't mind taking the risk on possible rainy weather will appreciate the lower prices, smaller crowds, and generally temperate summer weather. Hotel rates are less than in the peak season and fewer cruise ships bring large groups to the island during May and June, so Grand Bahama is quieter and easier to visit during the shoulder season (just be sure to pack an umbrella to ward off unexpected afternoon rain showers.)

• Mon

   

  Scattered Showers

  81  71

• Tue

   

  Scattered Showers

  81  71

• Wed

   

  Showers

  79  70

• Thu

   

  Isolated Thunder- storms

  79  64

• Fri

   

  Scattered Showers

  71  60

• Sat

   

  Partly Cloudy

  70  61

• Sun

   

  Partly Cloudy

  74  64

Get more information on Grand Bahama/Freeport weather.