When to Set Sail in the Bahamas

You can make a case for sailing in the Bahamas nearly any time of year. Timing your trip comes down to your experience level, budget, and what exactly you want out of your Caribbean vacation. 

Some months offer endless sunshine and pristine sailing conditions, but are also the most popular times to book. Other times of the year are less busy, but the weather can be less predictable. 

No matter when you book your American Sailing courses or charter a bareboat our American Sailing instructors and staff always ensure your Bahamas sailing safety. This guide will help you learn more about what to expect when sailing in the Bahamas at different times of the year.

What Months Are Best for Sailing in the Bahamas?

The peak sailing season in the Bahamas is from December through April. You can expect warm temperatures, gentle breezes, and ideal sailing conditions (especially from December to February). Rain is rare during these months, and you’ll likely experience plenty of sunshine.

Are There Certain Months I Should Avoid?

We think you can make a case for when to sail in the Bahamas for just about any month of the year. While hurricane season lasts from June to September, there are plenty of sailing opportunities during these months—it’s also much less crowded. 

Your Bahamas sailing safety is our #1 priority. We will never set sail if a tropical storm is predicted or currently occurring. In the case of a Force Majeure event like a hurricane, we will reach out and credit you for a future sailing date. 

When to Sail in the Bahamas? A Look At Each Season

Planning a sailing trip in the Bahamas starts with picking a date to sail. Here is a look at what you can expect each season so you know when to sail in the Bahamas. 

Winter Sailing Season (December to February)

December through February are, without question, the best months to sail. Temperatures typically range from a low of 67°F to a high of around 80°F. Rain is possible, but it typically doesn’t rain more than 4 days each month.

Spring Sailing Season (March through April)

March to May have similar temperatures to the winter months, and are often relatively dry. While rainfall is starting to inch up, many of the showers are short, and you’ll still get plenty of sunshine.

Shoulder Season (May and November)

If you want to find a perfect balance of nice weather with smaller crowds, the shoulder season is when to sail in the Bahamas. May and November are considered shoulder season months, and while at different times of the year, offers similar experiences. 

You will experience warm to hot afternoons with temperatures approaching 85°F both months. You may see some rain throughout the day, but May and November experience less precipitation than peak hurricane season.

Hurricane Season (June through October)

Summer in the Bahamas is hot. But it’s also the time of year when you need to consider Bahamas sailing safety and what you pack. While we never sail during hurricanes, even normal amounts of rain and wind can present some challenges. 

Always sail within your abilities and preferences, and only book from June through October if you’re an experienced sailor and don’t mind unpredictable weather. However, with all that said, these months are much quieter and offer a peaceful escape from the tourist season.

Choose When to Sail in the Bahamas

Now that you know more about each season, it’s time to plan your ASA sailing courses or bareboat charter trip with Go Sail Bahamas! If you have any questions, reach out, and one of our sailing experts can help you choose when to sail in the Bahamas.