Bermuda cruises have one annual high season that lasts from June until August. Coinciding with summer vacation in the United States, this period sees large crowds aboard the calendar's highest number of ships departing from the longest list of ports, including New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Charleston, SC, and Fort Lauderdale, FL. The weather during these months is the hottest and most humid of the year.
The benefits of cruising to Bermuda in the peak summer months are many, including more choices of ships and departure ports, family-friendly options for activities, warmer water for swimming, convenient timing and hopping nightlife. If you want to see Bermuda in its most lively time of year, pick the high season.
Just before and after the summer crowds fill the Bermuda-bound cruiseliners are the shoulder months of May, September and October. While beaches thin out and nightclub decibel levels drop during these seasons, they are still popular alternatives to the high season. The month of October sees more rain than any other month. Also keep in mind that hurricane season begins in late August and lasts until November, so the months of September and October carry that risk. Although the chances of having your cruise diverted because of a hurricane are much lower than in the Caribbean, remember that a diversion from Bermuda will probably translate to a cruise up the Eastern Seaboard.
The benefits of choosing the shoulder season include lower humidity than during the summer months, cooler temperatures that are ideal for golfing and smaller crowds for those looking for peace and quiet. Since the shoulder month of May avoids both the hurricane season and the crowds, enjoying sunny clear weather, this month is arguably the best time of year to cruise to Bermuda.
The low ends of Bermuda's cruise season include late March, April and November. Numbers of visitors during these periods drop with the temperature. These months have chilly mornings and nights but still see relatively warm daytime temperatures that consistently reach into the 70s. Therefore, plan to pack warmer clothing and don't expect to swim without a wetsuit.
The benefits of choosing the low season for a Bermuda cruise include smaller crowds onboard your ship as well as having the island to yourself once you arrive. Also, activities like golf and tennis are still quite comfortable in these months. And unlike higher traffic months, you generally won't have to worry about booking your court in advance.
