What's the Weather Like When Traveling to the Bahamas?

A beach on Grand Bahama island, The Bahamas. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By Rich Johnson

The Bahamas are an archipelago southeast of Florida and northeast of Cuba. It comprises about 700 islands and many more islets. Of the vast number of islands, only about 30-40 are inhabited. The geography of The Bahamas is mostly quite flat with only a few hills above 100 feet. The highest point is located on Cat Island at 206 feet. Since there is so little change in topography, the influence is minimal on weather effects.

The Bahamas are occasionally affected by tropical storms and hurricanes. The most likely chance of experiencing a tropical cyclone would be during the height of hurricane season. This generally is mid August through early October. The strongest hurricanes usually move in from the east around the Bermuda - Azores high. There are also no land masses to disturb the circulation from that direction. Any tropical cyclones that move north from the Caribbean Sea usually weaken over the high terrain of Cuba or Hispaniola.

In the northwest Bahamas, where most travelers visit (Nassau, Paradise Island, Freeport), there is a wet season and dry season with temperatures varying slightly over the year. The wet season runs from May through October and is due to the increase in tropical waves and other tropical weather. Rainfall ranges from about 10-18 days of rain (.01" or more). Rainfall averages from 5 - 10 inches. Afternoon high temperatures are in the mid to upper 80's and morning lows in the low to mid 70's. The dry season runs from November through April. The dry season is the result of cold fronts bringing dry stable air from North America. Rainfall averages 1.5 - 2.5" each month. There are only 5 - 8 days of rain. High temperatures are comfortable in the upper 70's to low 80's and morning lows in the low - mid 60's.

The southeastern Bahamas have a considerably drier climate especially toward Great Inagua. The wet season runs from September through December and is the result of tropical waves as well as cold fronts that stall in the region during November and December. Rainfall is on the order of 2 ½ inches to 3 ½ inches. The dry season lasts from January through August where only 1 - 3" of rainfall occurs. Temperatures are also quite uniform throughout the year since the effects of cold fronts are minimized. Highs are in the upper 80's during the summer and low - mid 80's the rest of the year. Morning lows are in the 70's all year, with close to 80 during the summer.

In summary, The Bahamas have a tropical maritime climate with a distinct wet and dry season. Generally, the southeastern Bahamas have a drier and milder climate than the northwestern Bahamas such as Nassau and Freeport. There is a threat of tropical cyclones, especially in August and September.

Rich is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist with 25 years of weather forecasting and television experience. Visit his website Tropicalweather.net for more on expert hurricane forecasts and travel resources.

Tropical Temperature and Rainfall Averages - Hurricane & Travel Message Boards

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rich_Johnson



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1709844