The best time to go to the Bahamas

The Bahamas enjoys almost year-round sunshine.

The summer period from April to October is hot and humid. This is the ideal time to visit the archipelago. With sunny days lasting almost 9 hours, the low season lets you enjoy the scenery in complete tranquillity. Even during the rainy season, which occurs between May and October, rain falls very sporadically, mainly at the end of the day. The rains leave as quickly as they arrived: that's the surprising character of the tropical maritime climate!

From November to March, the Bahamas enjoy a temperate climate. The winter season attracts tourists from all over. The days are shorter (7 hours), but intensely sunny.

In summer, temperatures can soar to 34°C, without dipping below 23°C. In winter, highs sometimes reach 28°C, with lows of 20°C. Both seasons are ideal for visiting the various islands of the Bahamas: Conception Island, San Salvador, Crooked Island, Acklins Island, etc.

The Bahamas archipelago is a crossroads, halfway between Cuba, Hispaniola and the Turks and Caicos Islands to the north and Florida to the south. It comprises more than 700 islands.

The Bahamas archipelago stretches from south-east Florida to the north of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with its 700 islands and islets bathed in a tropical climate. So the sun is out all year round. So when should you go to the Bahamas for a complete change of scenery? How about spending the festive season on the shores of turquoise waters? From November to April, the island of San Salvador (also known as Columbus Island) has an average temperature of 24°C, and the sea water never dips below 25°C. So, until spring, it's time to relax.

Settle down on a white sandy beach to admire the turquoise waters of this island surrounded by a coral reef that conceals a wealth of flora and fauna. At this time of year, visibility is optimal for diving. The island's landmass is actually the summit of a 4,500-metre high underwater mountain, so you'll always find yourself diving along vertiginous drop-offs revealing groupers, hammerhead sharks, rays and canyons filled with gorgonians and sponges.

It was in San Salvador that Christopher Columbus dropped anchor in 1492 after a 9-week voyage in search of the New World. It is to him that the island owes its names of Columbus Island and San Salvador, which means ‘Holy Saviour’.

If you're wondering when to go to the Bahamas to enjoy a holiday in the tropical heat, plan a trip between June and October. This is the rainy season, but unlike some parts of the Caribbean, rainfall never exceeds 10 mm per month. The average temperature of 29°C and the gentle breeze of the trade winds promise a warm and pleasant holiday atmosphere.

Each day will give you the chance to explore a different white sandy beach, as well as the island of San Salvador. Between saltwater lagoons and small hills, the atoll will reveal its central lake and its reserve, home to numerous species of birds that you can observe during a hike. Don't forget to spend a day on the white sandy beach of Long Bay. Its calm waters witnessed the arrival of Christopher Columbus and a large white cross has been erected to commemorate this historic moment.

When should you go to the Bahamas to enjoy the wonders of the Caribbean? In summer for a lazy break in the heart of the tropical heat, or in winter when the mild average temperature will give you an exotic break from the gloom: the Bahamas and Columbus Island are a sunny haven for your holidays all year round.

When should you go to the Bahamas to enjoy the beauty of the diving sites? You can go all year round. Does your holiday fall in the rainy season between June and November? Tropical showers often take the form of passing thunderstorms, so underwater visibility remains optimal during the rainy season. With an average water temperature of 29°C, it would be a shame not to take advantage of the opportunity to discover the shipwrecks that populate San Salvador's seabed.

Off Green Cay, the wreck of the Brig Enterprise is home to a population of colourful fish, as is that of the Columbian near North Point. Take a cruise to discover these spots and make a diversion to the Movie caves at Fernandez Bay and the double cavern at Sandy Point, home to coral, magnificent sponges and sharks. Lastly, the most experienced divers can enjoy vertiginous descents along the underwater walls of this submerged mountain. You'll pass through spectacular arches and crevices and can take a path through the heart of the rock at 40 metres for a 30-metre descent to a chimney that opens onto the immensity of the ocean.

On the island of Grand Bahama in Freeport, temperatures are close to the climate of Florida which is less than a hundred kilometers away. The coolest period is between November and April, with minimums of 16°C and maximums of 27°C. If you like the heat, you should plan your stay between May and October. The minimums are 21°C and the maximums are 32°C.

Nassau, capital of the Bahamas, is located on the island of New Providence, on the same latitude as Miami. The climate is generally the same as that of Freeport.

The Junkanoo Carnival in Nassau is an annual institution that takes place between December 26 and January 1. This Bahamian tradition has its origins in the 16th century. If you go to the capital at this time, you will be able to admire the magnificent costumes during the parades.

In the southern island of Mayaguana, explore Abrahams Bay. Between April and September, temperatures oscillate between 22°C and 25°C for the minimums, and between 28°C and 32°C for the maximums. The showers are quite short, which will let you enjoy the beautiful sunny days.

Even further south, on the island of Inagua, rain is rarer in Matthew Town, with average temperatures of 30°C for maximums and 23°C for minimums.