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- Avoid The Hurricane Season When Visiting The Bahamas
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That the Bahamas is among the best vacation destinations in the world has never been in doubt. And if happiness comes in waves, the many islands in the country and the jaw-dropping, sand-fringed beaches that line its 2,201-mile coastline will magically lift the mood like the dramatic effusion of color that autumn is known for. Of course, there are many travel-related facts about the country and her capital—other than her sandy beaches or her pristine blue waters—that every vacationer should know.
But one thing is for sure: Atlantis is usually a heart-pounding show-stopper for anyone considering a vacation trip to the Bahamas. It plays host to one of the largest casinos in the country, the wildly popular Aquaventure water park, and the largest open-air marine habitat on the planet. But when exactly is the best time to go? In this article, we reveal the best time to enjoy this slice of heaven.
UPDATE: 2023/01/06 22:31 EST BY AARON SPRAY
Avoid The Hurricane Season When Visiting The Bahamas
Hopefully, there will not be any hurricanes while visiting the Bahamas, but in 2019 the country experienced one of the most powerful hurricanes on record. This article was updated to reflect that hurricane season can be a big deal in the Bahamas and one should probably avoid that season (or at least check the weather report before going).
When Is The Best Time To Visit Atlantis?
The best time to visit Atlantis will depend on several factors. This is because every traveler’s interests and circumstances are not exactly the same.
There are those whose best time is determined by the weather and there are those—especially budget travelers—whose best time is determined by cost factors.
In between are those who’ll look for the time when Atlantis is relatively uncrowded or less crowded.
To cater to these different interests and situations, we’ll break down the best time to visit Atlantis depending on a vacationer’s interest or situation.
And while we may not cover all the dots and pieces, the information will still be useful, especially if one’s interest is weather, crowds, or money.
Plan To Travel To Atlantis For The Best Weather
While the Bahamas has weather that doesn’t run into extremes, the best time to travel to the country for the finest weather is from mid-December to mid-April. Of course, other days are not that bad either.
It’s never cold and freezing, and even if it might get hot in summer, it’s really quite manageable—even if slightly uncomfortable.
But from December through to April, the weather is just perfect. During this 5-month period, the average temperature sways between a pleasant 73 °F and an agreeable 76 °F.
While this whole period will be fine, for those looking for the coolest time, a trip to January is ideal. This is because January usually posts the lowest average temperature on the island: a pleasurable 71 °F.
For those whose hearts are stirred by a beach experience, March may be the best time. This is because a gratifying beach experience normally calls for weather that’s slightly warmer.
According to Weather Spark’s beach score, that’s between 75 °F and 90 °F. And for that, any time between Mid-March to Mid-May would guarantee an over-the-top experience.
While other months will not be extremely inhospitable, they are usually hotter, with August being the hottest month in Nassau.
During this 7-month period, monthly average temperatures fluctuate between 76 °F and August’s 84 °F.
Then there’s also the concern of hurricanes. It so happens that this warmer period is also the hurricane season. Granted, Nassau—where Atlantis is located—doesn’t witness many hurricanes (that being said they are nothing to sneeze at).
Still, it’s better safe than sorry. But there are also rains that coincide both with the hurricane season and the warm season.
Of course, with the fine weather, December to April is also the most crowded. For those who don’t mind rolling with the crowd, this is the time to touch down.
Especially in December, when schools are closed and kids are free. Junkanoo, the biggest cultural festival in the Bahamas, takes place on Boxing Day.
But for those who are looking for an uncrowded experience, September is the best time to visit Atlantis.
The Best Time To Visit Atlantis For Budget Travelers
Here’s the truth. Atlantis can be an expensive destination. The same goes for Nassau. Arguably, even the whole of the Caribbean islands.
But here’s the trick. The cheapest time to travel to Atlantis—or book a flight to anywhere—is when the demand to travel there is low.
The secret, therefore, is to pick a travel date that doesn’t coincide with any school holiday. According to several flight websites, January is one of the cheapest months (if not the cheapest) to fly to Nassau.
- How Much Is A Room At Atlantis? Room rates start from $285 per night but can go as high as $600 per night depending on the room. The hotel has a minimum two-night stay policy.
And of course, the specific day of the week that one will fly happens to be a crucial cost determinant. As a rule of thumb, traveling mid-week is always cheaper. With Tuesday flights being the ultimate dollar-savers. The cost of a Tuesday flight can go down by as much as 50%.
But July and August, being the key off-season months, will be cheaper months to travel. Also, a combo ticket from Atlantis that combines flight and accommodation can see one save up to $300.
Travelers on a budget should be aware that the Bahamas is a relatively expensive destination where $100 doesn't stretch very far.
So How Big A Deal Are Hurricanes In The Bahamas?
The archipelago of the Bahamas is subjected to hurricanes more seasons than not (although perhaps not all of the country). It has experienced 17 hurricanes since 2000 with the month of September experiencing the most.
The strongest hurricane on record to roll over the Bahamas was Hurricane Dorian in 2019. It sustained winds of up to 185 mph and caused billions of dollars of damage and tragically resulted in the loss of at least 74 people. Hurricane Dorian was a Category 5 hurricane and one of four to hit the islands (the others being in 1932, 1933, and 1992). It also struck the United States and caused considerable damage along the Atlantic coast.
- Hurricane Dorian: Tied Strongest Landfall Hurricane In the Atlantic Basin
The most recent hurricane was Hurricane Nicole in 2022 which made landfall on Grand Bahama. Fortunately, it only had wind speeds of 75 mph making it a minimal hurricane.
Granted, Atlantis is a paradise in the Bahamas. But knowing the best time to travel there is crucial for achieving the vacation of your dreams.