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Bermuda For You

When planning your trip to Bermuda, you should understand the pros and cons of each season

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Unlike many of the Caribbean islands farther south, there is a noticeable difference in weather between seasons in Bermuda. In winter, air temperatures drop and may range from 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 21 degrees Celsius); water temperatures also decrease, sometimes reaching as low as 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius).

What this means for travelers is that the peak tourist season in Bermuda happens during other popular tropical islands' off-season. The islands experience their largest influx of visitors from March through November, when air temperatures average between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (24 and 27 degrees Celsius) and water temperatures reach as high as 85 degrees (29 degrees Celsius). Summer temperatures may be even a bit higher.

There's a slightly higher chance of rain during the summer and fall than at other times of the year. Most of the showers in Bermuda tend to be very intense, but short lived. Travelers shouldn't be too worried by rain, as storms rarely cost sightseers an entire day.

The hurricane season officially lasts from June 1 to November 30, but that's no cause for alarm. Because of Bermuda's northern location and the cooler Atlantic waters surrounding it, more hurricanes hit the U.S. mainland than Bermuda. And with today's meteorological technology, there should be more than enough warning to take proper precautions in the case of storm.

Other than the weather, crowds are the most obvious difference between visiting in the tourist season and the off-season. Of course, even these can be avoided by venturing off of the beaten path.

The "Season"

Although Bermuda isn't as crowded as, say, Puerto Rico or the Bahamas, visiting during the high season is quite an experience. The most popular tourist areas are filled with vacationers reveling in the beautiful weather and unique island atmosphere. Hotels, shops, and restaurants offer their most extensive service with a smile. Resorts offer guests the most entertainment options during this time, as well. The crowds can be exciting and exhilarating, but also a little daunting. This is definitely a time for small groups - singles, couples, or groups of friends who can navigate the islands with ease. The dating scene is also livelier in the high season; meeting people in the off-season might be more difficult.

Accommodations and flights should be booked two to three months in advance during the high season. Reservations are necessary, transportation is stretched thinner, and tours are generally more crowded. This is when the islands make most of their money, so they roll out the red carpet for every guest.

The "Off-Season"

While the high season is exciting, the off-season may be more indicative of the true local charm and attitude. With diminished crowds, a less-hurried, more quintessentially Bermudian way of life prevails. The early morning and evening temperatures may be a little cool, but the Atlantic trade winds prevent the islands from experiencing harsh winter conditions such as snow and ice. Even in the coldest months temperatures rarely drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius), and a light jacket is sufficient to ward off the chill. Hotels and resorts may reduce their services and diminish their staff in the off-season, and some tours or activities may be closed altogether. Hotels also reserve their major repairs and renovations for the off-season. It's a good idea to call ahead to make sure you won't be staying in the midst of a construction site.

Traveling in the off-season can be much more affordable. Hotels cut their rates from 20 to 60 percent, and tours and shops may cut prices to remain competitive. Flights and accommodations are easier to book, and access to public transportation, tee times and golf courses, tennis courts, and other enjoyable activities is easier. You may even be able to walk into an upscale restaurant and get a table without reservations. This is a good time for families to travel, because it's easier to keep track of children and there are fewer crowds to fight.

Seasonal Events

Many people visit Bermuda for a specific event or festival, and in Bermuda, something is always happening. The high season is filled with events like the national holiday of Bermuda Day, an annual Kite Festival that takes place on Good Friday, the Peppercorn Ceremony, the annual exhibition showcasing local culture and community, and Emancipation Day.

Visitors who opt to travel in the off-season, however, can still experience many of the festivities for which Bermuda is known. The Bermuda International Race Weekend is held over the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday and offers courses ranging from the Charity Walk to the half Marathon. Events such as the Bermuda Festival for the Arts also occur in the off-season and are celebrated quite extensively. Other carnivals, festivals, sailing regattas, holidays, and fishing tournaments occur throughout the year, making Bermuda a vacationer's dream year-round.

 

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