The Best Times to Visit Bermuda

The British island territory of Bermuda is known for its pink-sand beaches, warm Atlantic waters, and serious number of luxury yachts. The destination's temperate year-round weather is another great trait — no matter when you visit, you'll be able to catch some sun, explore hidden caves, or just sit back and sip some rum by the sea. To help you narrow down when to schedule your trip, consider Bermuda's main tourist seasons.

• High Season: May to mid-October
• Shoulder Seasons: March to April and late October to November
• Low Season: December to February

Whether you're seeking beautiful weather, lower prices, or fewer crowds, these are the best times to visit Bermuda.

Most Popular Times to Visit Bermuda

The busiest season in Bermuda is the summer, when the weather is warm and conditions are ideal for a beach vacation. Throughout the year, though, select events draw large (and often star-studded) crowds.

In March, famous actors and filmmakers converge on the island to celebrate the Bermuda International Film Festival. Later in the spring, Bermuda International Invitational Race Week draws sailors from around the world to compete in the water while fans on land cheer them on. To really experience local culture, visit the capital city of Hamilton on Bermuda Day. Each year on this floating holiday (typically celebrated on the fourth Friday in May), thousands of people gather for a lively parade, dancing, and a serious showing of island pride.

For nature lovers, one popular time to visit is March and April. This is when more than 15,000 humpback whales pass by Bermuda as they migrate toward their summer feeding grounds off the Canadian coast.

Best Times to Visit Bermuda for Smaller Crowds

When planning a trip to Bermuda, it's important to remember that while it's often lumped in with the Caribbean in travel literature, it isn't in that region. Rather, it's located in the North Atlantic, about 900 miles east of the Carolina coast. Because of this, Bermuda has a different climate than Caribbean hot spots like Jamaica or Puerto Rico — and, accordingly, different high and low seasons.

While those tropical islands hit peak popularity during their warm, sunny winters, Bermuda cools off both literally and figuratively at that time of year. Far fewer tourists visit Bermuda in the winter than in summer and early fall, so December through February are the best months if you're seeking uncrowded bliss. It won't be as toasty as you might typically expect of a beach vacation, but, with temperatures usually sitting in the 60s, it should still be pleasant.

Best Times to Visit Bermuda for Good Weather

Summer is peak tourism season in Bermuda for a reason: it's absolutely gorgeous at this time of year. From May to October, you can expect mild temperatures on land (usually in the 70s or low 80s) and in the water — which isn't always a given in the middle of the Atlantic. This is Bermuda's muggiest season, but even on humid days, you can usually count on a pleasant ocean breeze. Room rates can be high at this time of year, but you can find good deals if you plan ahead, ideally about three months in advance.

Those looking for a less humid trip can visit during the shoulder seasons. In April, for example, temperatures are often similar to what you'd find in the summertime — highs in the upper 70s are common — but dew points are far lower, making for a much more comfortable "real feel." November, which offers similar conditions, is another great time for a trip.

Best Times to Visit Bermuda for Lower Prices

The cheapest time to visit Bermuda is during the slow season, from mid- to late November through early March. There are often great deals on airfare and even better deals on hotels and resorts since occupancy is low. Even at high-end properties, rates can dip to around $200 a night.

Ocean temperatures will be chilly at this time of year, but conditions on land should be comfortable. So, as long as you aren't hoping to spend your whole vacation suntanning and swimming, you should find plenty to do during this underrated season.

If you'd like a low-cost visit at a more popular time of year, consider booking a cruise. Bermuda is a popular port of call on cruise itineraries (particularly those that begin or end in the American Northeast), so stopping here by ship can give you a taste of the place without the need to commit to flights or hotels.

Worst Times to Visit Bermuda

This is an island paradise, so there are very few "bad" times to visit. The least ideal time for you, though, depends on your preferences and your risk tolerance when it comes to weather.

As already discussed, a winter trip to Bermuda can be great for bargain hunters or for East Coasters looking for a quick escape from their snowy cities (a direct flight from NYC takes just over two hours). But since it won't be warm enough for much swimming, this may not be a good time for travelers who like to spend their vacations in the sea.

Summer and fall, meanwhile, have their own weather risks. Hurricane season stretches from June to November, and Bermuda lies in the middle of what's known as "hurricane alley." Direct hits are rare — according to the Bermudian, the destination tends to see just one damaging tropical storm every six or seven years. But, combined with summer's steep prices, high humidity, and large crowds, the possibility might be the tipping point for extra-cautious travelers.