Expert: Michael - 3/23/2004

Question
Hi Michael. My husband and I are booked at the Grotto Bay Resort in Bermuda. We are going to be there from 5-11-04 to 5-18-04. This is our  attempt at a second honeymoon. Our first was cut short because of a death in the family. We are crossing our finger's that this time our honeymoon will turn out much better.I'm hoping that you can tell us what the weather is like at  that time of year. We're concerned about it being too chilly to swim or maybe too rainy to enjoy any site seeing in May. Any information you can give us would be so very much appreciate. Thanks Jenna

Answer
Hello Jenna,

Well I am certain you will love Bermuda, and there is no reason to assume the worst.  Bermuda holds dear in Latin "Quo Fata Ferunt", wither the fates may lead us...

Good news!  May has the least rain days of any month.  
The average daily air temperature highs will run 75F and the low 67F. I don't intend to put your hopes up too much but the recorded high is 86F (unusual).

The sea temperature will be 71F and you can take that to the bank. You see Jenna, the temperature change of the mass of sea water is very predictable as it can only minutely change daily.  I have found that the water was a bit less than I hoped for in May, but I did snorkel.  I am from the Northeast US and barely can step foot into the North Atlantic in the summertime where it may reach 65F for a coule of days in August.

You will be able to frollic in the sea but 71 is 71.
Again, rain will be an odity.  Not that the island will be dry but Bermudans usually pray for rain that month.

This temperature info was taken from a 45 year mean.

Grotto Bay is a very nice property if you are not aware.  To me it is underated, or doesn't get the media it should.  I love the location.  It is close to St. George, the Swizzle Inn and John Smith's Bay.  A trip to Hamilton is not much longer.  The bus route to everywhere runs by the entrance but a transfer in Hamilton will be necessary for travel to the famed southshore.

Speaking of the famed southshore I would recommend you make that trip to the southshore and get off the bus at Warwick Long Bay, walk down to the seashore, and walk the distance to Horseshoe Bay.  Most beautiful.  It may be about a half mile or a bit longer.  You will pass several stretches of beach with gorgeous views, Warwick Long, Stone Hole, Jobson's Cove...   From Horseshoe you can jump the bus back.

The Perfume Factory is nearby and for your information it will be closing this summer.

Do call the Department of Tourism at (800)BERMUDA and ask for the Handy Reference Map, and a copy of the Transportation Schedule.

If you by chance have not signed up for the MAP (dinner plan) do consider a reservation at the Carriage House Sunday Brunch in St. George.  You would need a reservation for sure and GB can do that for you.  Just tell them what time you want to be seated.  It begins around noon and for relatively short money.  Last year it was $29.00 pp plus grats and it gave us a fabulous Sunday.  A day when things are slow in Bermuda.

Don't hesitate to write if you have any further inquiries.

Happy planning!
Michael