When is the best time to sail the Bahamas

March 06, 2024 5 min

The best time to sail to the Bahamas on an idyllic yacht charter is between November-April, where you’ll experience beautiful weather, cultural events such as Independence Day and the National Family Island Regatta.

With stunning golden beaches, crystal clear waters and sensational coral reefs, Abacos, the Exumas and other breathtaking islands in the Bahamas offer some of the best sailing opportunities in the world.

Whether you’re planning an all inclusive crewed charter or want to challenge yourself to a bareboat charter, you might be wondering, when is the best time to sail the Bahamas?
At The Moorings, we want to make planning your dream yacht charter in the Bahamas stress-free and simple. In this blog, you’ll find everything there is to know about the best time to go to the Bahamas for a sailing vacation, so you can make an easy decision and start counting down the days until you climb aboard one of our state-of-the-art yachts.

When is the best season to go to the Bahamas for sailing?

In the Bahamas, the year is split into three seasons, each bringing their own benefits and considerations. When you’re thinking about the best time to visit the Bahamas, think carefully about the following:

Peak Season – The peak season in the Bahamas runs from November-April and it’s generally considered the best time of year to sail around these incredible islands due to the fantastic sailing conditions. During this time, you’ll have the opportunity to attend world-class sailing regattas and races, such as the National Family Island Regatta and the Long Island Regatta.
Wet Season – The wet season in the Bahamas takes place between June-November. While the temperatures heat up over the Summer, you’re likely to experience more rainfall than you would if you visited in the Winter months. That being said, the Bahamas remains an ideal yacht charter destination all year-around if you want to channel your inner underwater adventurer, boasting some of the world’s best diving, snorkeling, swimming and paddle boarding spots.
Hurricane Season – Much like some of our other destinations, including St Thomas and Belize, the Bahamas experiences a hurricane season. The season officially lasts between June-November but tends to peak in July and August. It is important to take this into consideration when planning your yacht charter. If you’re traveling during the hurricane season, we want to ensure you’ll stay safe and sound. Take a look at the ‘useful information’ page for our Exumas base, which contains all the safety information you need.

Weather, sailing conditions, temperatures, rainfall and sunshine may differ depending on which of the breathtaking islands in the Bahamas you’re visiting, so it’s important to research each one. Learn more about the average cruising conditions in Abacos and the Exumas by heading to the ‘Useful Information’ tab on each base page.

Best time to sail around the Bahamas for cost

We understand the cost is a significant factor when booking any vacation, whether you’re planning a blissful Bahamas charter, Mediterranean sailing adventure or relaxing break in Thailand.

The peak season in the Bahamas runs from November-April, with February, March and April usually seeing the highest number of tourists. This may mean you could experience higher mooring fees, travel costs and excursion prices during this time. However, while costs are higher during peak season, the benefits of the beautiful weather and brilliant sailing conditions can be well worth the extra expenses.

If you want to set sail on the open waters during peak season, the best time to visit the Bahamas to keep costs down would be between November-January. We think May and June are also brilliant months to book a Bahamas sailing charter because you won’t have the high costs of the peak season and you’re also missing the hurricane season.

Whether you set sail in the high or low season, the most important thing is ensuring you’re protecting and preserving the treasures of the Bahamas, from stunning marine life to natural wonders. Take a look at our sustainable travel policies, and learn more about how to enjoy an eco-friendly sailing vacation.

Tips for choosing when to visit the Bahamas

From relaxing beach days to thrilling scuba diving, a sailing vacation in the Bahamas offers something for everyone. This is why it’s loved by families, couples and groups alike.

The best time to sail around the Bahamas may change depending on who you’re traveling with. Take a look at our top tips for when to visit the Bahamas with different people:

Families – If you want to avoid hurricane season, and the crowds that fill the beautiful beaches during the peak season, the best time of year to go to the Bahamas as a family is May or June which aligns perfectly with School Summer vacation. If you’re traveling with young children who are not in School yet, November-January is also a fantastic time of year to sail the Bahamas.
Couples – The Bahamas is one of the world’s most romantic destinations, with sandy beaches that are perfect for evening walks, exquisite restaurants ideal for date nights, and picturesque sunsets. If you want a quiet, private sailing vacation without the crowds, the best time to visit the Bahamas is between May-June or for a Winter escape between November-January.
Groups – Whether you’re celebrating a milestone birthday, planning a bachelor/bachelorette party or simply looking for a fun-filled vacation with friends, the best time to sail in the Bahamas as a large group is during the high season. The peak season in the Bahamas is popular, lively, has beautiful weather and makes the ideal environment for groups.

Whoever you decide to set sail with, we suggest booking your relaxing yacht vacation as early as possible because you’re more likely to get better travel deals the more in-advance you book. To find the best deals for your Bahamas vacation, from travel to excursions, contact our Vacation Planners who can support you.

Whenever you decide to visit the Bahamas, we know you’ll make lifelong memories as you set sail around the Atlantic Ocean. Once you’ve chosen the best time to sail the Bahamas, all that’s left to do is choose:

Your charter base – Abacos or Exumas
Your charter type – Bareboat, skippered, crewed or power charter
Your itinerary – follow the beat of your own drum or choose one of our carefully curated itineraries
Your yacht – Catamaran, monohull or power yacht

If you have any questions about the best time to sail to the Bahamas, or want to know more about our other bases in the Americas, such as Key West and Belize, please get in touch with us today.

Build a quote and book your iconic sailing vacation today. We can’t wait to welcome you aboard soon.