Expert: Michael - 3/23/2005

Question
Michael, My father and I are planning to take a cruise to Bermuda.  Our schedule is flexible so we want to know what is the BEST month to go to Bermuda?  We want warm weather.  Warm enough to go swimming.  Also, is this a good vacation spot for a father and daughter?  Or is it more of a romantic type of place?

Answer
Hello Jacqueline,

You and father are doing the right thing.  The only thing better than cruising to Bermuda would be flyng there which would give you a few days longer on the island.  But you must have your reasons.

Your flexible schedule not only will bring you to a warm semi-triopical month, but smooth seas.  Traditionally the months of July and August are the warmest with air temps in the 80's, and most humid, but not suffocating.  Remember ... gulf stream, semi-tropical, aqua-marine water. Matter of fact the weather people relate the day in terms of R.H. rather than temperature.  It won't be over hot for you, and it is an island with lots of pink beach and breeze.  It is perfect beach season, not to mention everyting will be in bloom.

September is a beatuful month as well.  October is a tad cooler, or should I say less humid,  but still absolutly shorts days.  The North Atlantic is still relatively gentle at that time.  That is in relation to late October and November when they stop the crusies to Bermuda.  The tumultuous North Atlantic factors into that decision along with the approaching of the off season.

No doubt one item you will here about is Huricane season.  The hurricane season runs June through November so it really shouldn't be a factor.  That never bothered me as Bermuda sits in the North Atlantic 2500 miles from where hurricanes begin and even lies 1000 miles from the bahamas and 1500 miles from the Carribean.  I fly too.  But if a huricane finds its way within 100 nautical miles of Bermuda either the ship would depart early, or be diverted to another port.

Bermuda is a wonderful vacation spot.  The best.  It is not solely for lovers. My boys have always loved Bermuda.  Snorkeling, riding mopeds, exploring the island, visiting forts, enjoying their very functional bus system,  and various beaches, shopping in Hamilton and visiting the tiny 300 year old village ot St. Geaorge that time seems to have passed by. We all just enjoying the daylights out of Bermuda.

Bermuda is developed.  It is not a Robinson Caruso type vacation.  It is candy to the senses.  Everything you see and smell will touch you.  Just beautiful.  

Being under the influence of the queen Bermuda is proper.  Ther are many lovely pubs on the waters wedge, on harbors and bays.  Do enjoy these for a "pint of courage" (ale) or the famed rum swizzle or dark & stormy, or even a coke.  You won't be hassled to have your hair braided while lazing on a pink beach, neither will locals be runing around trying to sell you rum drinks in cocnuts.  It is proper. The locals say please and thank you.

So again Jacqueline, the best air and water temperature months are June through October.  But what you seek, the best of the summer months are July and August, hot and humid.  FYI, June has a tendency to ba a rainy month.

Happy planning!
Michael