What's the weather like in Bermuda?
Climate
Bermuda Island is a British Overseas Territory in the Atlantic Ocean located approximately 600 miles from the east coast of the USA, on the same latitude as Charleston in South Carolina. The islands enjoy a humid sub-tropical climate, with mild winters and hot summers that can become humid and uncomfortable at times. Weather averages are fairly stable throughout the year making this a year-round destination for those wanting to escape the colder conditions in Europe or North America.
The climate here is greatly influenced by the Bermuda-Azores High, a semi-permanent, warm high air pressure that brings prevailing winds from the southwest during the summer causing high humidity and sometimes heavy rainfall. The warm waters of the Gulf Stream also have an impact by keeping temperatures milder than other destinations at this latitude. Winter winds that blow from the northwest from the North American continent can bring colder temperatures, gusty winds and showers.
Location
Bermuda consists of a cluster of 138 islands, some too small for human habitation. Only around 20 islands are inhabited and the larger ones are connected to the main island of Bermuda by bridges. Many visitors come to the island by cruise ship although there is an international airport close to Hamilton.
Attractions
Attractions of the island include, not only the beautiful weather and beaches, but also the golf courses, friendly locals and historic attractions. The island only has two definite seasons, summer and winter, with the high tourist season lasting from May to September and the cooler and cheaper off-season from October to April. Some of the smaller beaches on the island disappear at high tide and are only accessible at low tide. Make sure you ask the locals and know the timings of tides if planning on visiting any of these beaches.
Weather Hazards
Hurricanes and Cyclones
The hurricane season lasts from June to November and can bring with it severe tropical or sub-tropical storms with high winds and very heavy rain. Serious hurricanes occur around once every seven years; the last one hit in 2014. Luckily due to the immense meteorological disturbance that leads up to the creation of tropical cyclones, they are often predicted with accuracy. By law, buildings in Bermuda must be solidly constructed from locally sourced limestone or concrete and the lack of a gradual undersea slope in Bermuda, which is a major cause of storm surges, means damage to hotels and homes is usually minimal.
Electricity is often cut off during a storm, and there may be no power for days or even weeks. Water supplies and telephone signals may also be affected. As there are no fresh water sources on the island, locals have rain water tanks for use in dry conditions or following a severe hurricane. Low risk leads many to be complacent when planning travel, but hurricane risk should always be researched before travelling to Bermuda, or to any other coastal area within the central region of the temperate zone. Check the 14-day forecast before travelling for your holiday in this destination.
Summer weather in Bermuda
Temperature
Summer, from May till November, sees average temperatures in the mid to high 20's. In Hamilton, Bermuda's capital, the peak of the summer season in July and August reaches an average high temperature of 30°C.Even the sea temperature can sometimes get as warm as 27°C. Humidity is at its highest in the summer and as such conditions can become quite sticky.
Wind
However, the winds from the west usually have a moderating influence on the air temperature and can reduce the uncomfortable conditions. Bermuda is subject to many winds and while many assume that this creates ideal surfing and windsurfing conditions, southerly winds can be ferociously strong and water sports made dangerous. Bermuda is the southern part of a coral ring that provides protection to its northern regions resulting in calm waters unsuitable for surfing and windsurfing, but perfect for diving amongst the beautiful reefs. The southern side, exposed to the Atlantic, generally has better beaches.
Sunshine Hours and Rainfall
The summer season sees many more hours of sunshine than the winter season: around eight or nine hours a day. Rainfall does not vary much throughout the year and can never be ruled out. October is the wettest month of the year with an average of 200mm of rain falling throughout the month. Storms can be quite heavy and are generally unpredictable due to the Gulf Stream and the great number of cool winds affecting the islands. From June till November, with increased risk from August till October, these factors can collide to produce perfect hurricane conditions.
Winter weather in Bermuda
Temperature
Winter, from December to April, is less sunny with cooler temperatures. About four or five hours of sunshine can be expected each day, and the average high temperature is a pleasant 22°C. Humidity is extremely low and as a result night time temperatures can get quite chilly, around 16°C. Contrary to popular belief, the Bermuda Islands are not tropical and visitors are often caught out by this unexpected cold weather. If you seek warmth but are wary of blistering heat, this may be a better time to visit due to the relief of the cool nights, but the reduced sunshine can be a disappointment. February is the coldest month of the year with average temperatures at 18°C during the day.
Sea Temperature and Rainfall
It is still possible to swim in the sea in winter, with the lowest sea temperature at around 17°C, although locals think this is very cold. Again, rainfall is moderate and can be expected on between 18 to 21 days per month, but coupled with an overcast sky, conditions can be less than ideal. High winds, and sometimes gales, often make the air feel very cold, even in the daytime, occasionally forcing the temperature down. However, it does not snow and frosts do not develop. The sea begins to warm up in early summer from 23°C in May, to 26°C in June. In October it begins to cool down from the peak summer months but remains a warm and pleasant 25°C.
Sunshine Hours
Perhaps the best time to visit Bermuda is in the early or late summer, either in May and June or October and November. These months avoid the peak of hurricane season, humidity levels are not even nearing uncomfortable and the blissful mid 20's average highs are complemented by cool nights. May and June see eight hours of sunshine per day while November only receives around five.
Location
Bermuda's climate can be attributed to its location in the North Atlantic Ocean, its gentle topography and to it being part of a reef circle. Low hills do not interfere much with the passage of winds over the island and as such no part of Bermuda is particularly free from the conditions caused by the collision of different fronts. Its position on the edge of the Gulf Stream moderates cool extremes, and allows for Bermuda's thriving coral reef, which is the most northerly reef in the world. The surrounding reef protects the southern waters and beaches. Its northerly, isolated position means it is not susceptible to monsoon winds, and also means it is milder than the Caribbean Islands which it is associated with, but not part of.