Expert: Michael - 12/19/2007

Question
Hi Michael,

We are thinking about taking our honeymoon in Bermuda on August 12-21st but I'm so nervous about a tropical storm or hurricane hitting at that time?  Any advice?

Answer
Hi Michelle,

August is a superb time to visit Bermuda.  The temperatures both sea and air will be wonderful.

OK.  Down to business.  Your fears about an August hurricane in the North Atlantic and its probability is less than a crap shoot.  

Do know that the hurricane season runs June thru November.  Bermuda is a thousand nautical miles from the Bahamas.  Substantially more to the Caribbean.  Not many hurricanes make it to the states and follow up the Eastern seaboard back out to the North Atlantic.  Even fewer track directly for Bermuda from where they begin, off the coast of Africa way across the soup from South America.

I can attest to hurricanes in Bermuda. Two came within 50-250NM,  the other was Fabian and a direct hit. These have been over visiting Bermuda one or two times a year for thirty years.  My point, Michelle, is that it is an oddity for a hurricane to hit Bermuda, not the norm.

I wouldn't advise any of my friends or anyone wanting to visit Bermuda to base their decision on hurricane potential.  That's a fact.

If you were to nullify potential areas from hurricane season you would have to add to the list the Bahamas, all the Caribbean, Florida, Georgia, gulf states, Mexico and Central America.

Of all those I listed Michelle, Bermuda is the most furthest away from the other potential tracking areas.  For an absolute certainty for no hurricanes go to none of the above.  

Practically speaking, Bermuda will serve you fine for a wedding.  It is an enchanted island and is one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

You and your guests will require passports.  You will require a person from Bermuda who specializes in weddings to be involved.  Someone who can organize and do all your governmental paperwork.

Once again Michelle, Bermuda would be like sprinkling stardust over you.

Happy planning!
Michael