Expert: Michael - 1/13/2003

Question
Hi Michael-
I sent you a question last week and you responded so quickly....thanks so much!  I have another question.  My husband and I are going to Bermuda sometime this year.  I'd like to go in March (by March 31) when the hotel prices are exactly half of what they are in the summer.  My husband is afraid that the weather will not be warm enough and wants to go in July.  Tell me, please, when IS the best time to go, based on weather and activities (is there as much "going on" in March).  I would think July would be awefully hot, but I've never been there and really have no idea.  Can you help?  Thanks!

Answer
Hello Paige,

You're welcome.  I never ever get tired of even thinking of Bermuda.  You will see.  

March is definately the off season billed as Rendezvous Time.  As you probably know by now Bermuda has two seasons, high and low.  It sits in the North Atlantic 600 miles off the coast of North Carolina but dead in the middle of the gulf stream for which it enjoys a semi tropical climate.  In the summer it feels tropical.  Not awefully hot!  93F is awefully hot to me and that's 1000 to 1500 miles south of Bermuda.  In the winter the grass will be green but the water too cold to frollic in.  And believe me, finding the right secluded cove may keep you at a beach for hours.

Linda too is making noise about going on a vacation in February to recoup after some upcomming back surgery but Bermuda is out of the question.  She is seeking warmth.  But if you guys are avid golfers, of tennis nuts do put this into the equation.

December, January, February, March, April and even November and May I would hesitate to recommend this place to people seeking and thinking tropical.

You see Paige, the height of everything in Bermuda, those things that will call you back year after year, are profuse in the summer months.  The warmth, the flora and fragrance of oleander and hibiscus will permeate the air, the abundance of water activity, and the sounds, the kiskadee birds and sound of the evening tree frogs. You may even be lucky enough to see a Bermuda longtail bird in flight.  The temps are 80ish and a bit on the humid side.  Not a problem for either Linda or myself and I really doubt you.  You'll
be on a beach if I recall your last thoughts about accomodations.

I would say without hesitation that March too will give you wonderful shopping, dining in wonderful places, exploring the island and visiting the various historical places if that appeals to you, relaxation sitting in a pub on a harbour, lovely picturesque scenery, great everything except ... water activity.

We have been even over the new Year and have enjoyed Bermuda for what it is.

March average air temp is 68H/60L, sea temp 66F,  R.H.71%.
July average air temp is 84.5H/70L, sea temp 81F, R.H.77.2%.
These figures are from a 45 year mean.

Do understand that the wonder of Bermuda is not dependant on warm summer type weather.  The culture, people, dining, shopping, sounds of Bermuda and its shear beauty are all worth going anytime. It is hard to describe Paige but Bermuda is as close to enchanted as I think of what the word means. Linda and I feel like, like ... special when we are there.  No worries or cares.  It seems to have a special magic about it.

My hope is that you get to experiance Bermuda.  Oh, one last thing.  Do bring that box of kleenex tissue for when you are sitting in your lobby awaiting your transfer back to Kindley Airfield.

Feel free to querry me anytime.

Happy planning!
Michael