Best Time To Go on a Bahamas Cruise – Advice on How to Plan (2024)

FAQs

Best Time To Go on a Bahamas Cruise – Advice on How to Plan? ›

If you want the best weather, you will want to cruise to the Bahamas in November, late April, or Early May. All of these months fall outside of the rainy season, as well as hurricane season.

If you're looking to take advantage of outdoor adventures, beach relaxation, and daring water sports, the best time of year to visit the Bahamas is December through April, which is considered the dry season. This period generally offers pleasant temperatures, lower humidity levels, and minimal rainfall.

Hurricane season in the Caribbean generally runs from June 1 to November 30, typically peaking in August and September. Keep yourself well-prepared by checking the National Hurricane Center for updates before you travel.

The best time of year to book a cruise is often January through March. During this period — also known as wave season — industry-wide sales occur and the price of that cruise you've been dreaming of may drop significantly.

The best time to visit the Bahamas is from mid-December to mid-April, the country's peak season. Though temperatures here are great year-round (they rarely dip below 60 degrees), the islands fall within the hurricane belt, so hurricanes may be a factor between June 1 and Nov. 30 (the Atlantic hurricane season).

Even on smaller, more luxurious ships that don't feel crowded, a balcony is desirable; if the weather is such that you can spend a lot of time on your balcony, it's like having an additional room.

The official hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, although hurricanes have been known to form in other months. August, September, and early October are traditionally the months of highest risk.

Typically, the winter months are the most intense. Transatlantic cruises tend to see their roughest waters in November, December, and February. Thankfully, the majority of mainstream cruise lines do not conduct transatlantic cruises in December and February.

To avoid crowds and experience cooler temperatures, consider traveling in the shoulder months of May and September or early October. Most Mediterranean cruises sail in the summer months, when the sun and sand in coastal ports are at their peak and cities come alive with activity.

The official hurricane season runs between 1 June and 30 November but the period of highest concern is just between mid-August and early October. This means the months of April, May, June and July are particularly good value.

How many days on a cruise is enough? ›

Sailing on a cruise that's between 6 and 9 days in length means you can take in more exciting ports and also relax onboard (and perhaps even schedule a day to enjoy the spa or pool when the ship is in port).

Many of the cheapest cabins book out well in advance, and many of the desirable cabins sell out early. That means you may have fewer cabin choices when booking at the last minute. In some cases, the cruise line may choose a cabin for you.

"The cruise lines usually put their oldest vessels on their shortest routes, so in order to go on the nicer ships, you need to primarily do a seven-day or longer cruise," Speer said. Longer trips also give first-time cruisers more time to get oriented.

The water is warm all year round in The Bahamas, so it's never a bad time to jump in. For divers, the conditions are clear most of the time, with visibility often exceeding 150 feet.

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)

Low season, August to November, is best for budget travelers

Fall is the cheapest time to visit the Bahamas. Flights, hotel and resort rates during low season can stretch your budget farther, and you'll likely still find plenty of beach days in between rain showers.

What is the cheapest time to book a cruise? Prospective cruisers can usually find "a lot of good deals at the beginning of the year" during wave season, Goldberg-Glazer said. That period typically lasts from January until March. However, the optimal time to book may depend on when you plan to sail.

U.S. citizens are generally required to present a valid U.S. passport when traveling to The Bahamas, as well as proof of anticipated departure from The Bahamas. Those traveling to The Bahamas on a cruise may use another Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document, such as a U.S. passport card.