Central America & Caribbean
The Bahamas in October
Hurricane risk remains real through the month; late October begins the turn. Cheap if you win the gamble.
The straight answer
October is a month to think twice about visiting The Bahamas. Hurricane risk remains real through the month; late October begins the turn. Cheap if you win the gamble.
- Weather
- Still stormy, highs near 86F (30C), rain easing late
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What October is like in The Bahamas
October is still stormy, with highs near 86F (30C). Hurricane risk stays real through the month, and rain eases late. Prices are low and crowds are light. Some Out Island businesses reopen later in the month after the September closures.
This is another month to avoid for most travelers. It can be cheap if you win the gamble, but it is a gamble, and a storm can close airports and ferries for days. Late October begins the turn toward better weather, with fewer showers. For a safer bet with warm water, wait for November.
Make the most of October
What is especially good about The Bahamas this month.
Late-month improvement
The last part of October usually brings calmer weather as the storm season fades.
Low rates
Prices stay low. Flexible travelers can find good deals.
Nassau on foot
With fewer visitors, downtown Nassau is easier to explore on non-cruise days.
What to pack for October
- A rain jacket
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- A portable charger
Our timing tip
If October is your only option, aim for the last week and book refundable rates.
Book The Bahamas for October.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for October
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in The BahamasOpens a hotel search for The Bahamas in October, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in The BahamasWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in The BahamasTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in The Bahamas for October. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Things to do in The Bahamas
Exuma Cays by boat
A day through the cays: Thunderball Grotto, the swimming pigs of Big Major Cay, iguanas on the cays, and sandbars at low tide. Calm-sea days in spring and early summer are the best.
Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
A no-take marine reserve run by the Bahamas National Trust, reached by boat. Some of the healthiest reefs in the country.
Harbour Island's pink sand
Three miles of pink-tinged sand on the Atlantic side of Eleuthera, reached by a short water taxi from North Eleuthera airport.
Atlantis, Paradise Island
The mega-resort's water park, aquariums, and marine habitat. Day passes are available but limited; check before planning a visit.
Nassau on foot
Queen's Staircase, Fort Fincastle, and Arawak Cay's fish fry stalls for conch salad. Cruise-ship days make downtown crowded.
Andros blue holes
The largest Bahamian island is mostly wild, with inland and ocean blue holes, a huge barrier reef, and world-class bonefishing.
Beat the crowds
- Skip Nassau and Paradise Island in March if you are not there for spring break; go to Eleuthera, the Exumas, or Andros instead.
- Check the Nassau cruise schedule: downtown and Paradise Island beaches are packed on multi-ship days and noticeably quieter on light days.
- Book Exuma boat tours for the first departure of the day; the pig beach and grotto get crowded as the day tours stack up.
- Target the two value windows: late April to May, and early November to mid December outside Thanksgiving week.
Know before you go
- September and early October: some Out Island resorts, restaurants, and dive shops close for several weeks. Nassau's big resorts stay open year-round.
- Winter cold fronts can cancel boat tours and ferries for a day or two; build slack into an Exumas itinerary between December and March.
- The Abacos and parts of Grand Bahama were heavily damaged by Hurricane Dorian in 2019. Much has been rebuilt, but some properties never reopened; confirm current status before booking.
- Junkanoo nights (Boxing Day and New Year's Day) close roads in downtown Nassau and shift business hours around the parades.
The Bahamas in October, quick answers
Is October a good time to visit The Bahamas?
October is a month to think twice about visiting The Bahamas. Hurricane risk remains real through the month; late October begins the turn. Cheap if you win the gamble.
What is the weather like in The Bahamas in October?
Still stormy, highs near 86F (30C), rain easing late.
Is The Bahamas crowded in October?
October is one of the quieter months in The Bahamas; most sights can be done without long waits.
Keep planning The Bahamas.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
- 01The Bahamas in SeptemberThe month before: Peak storm season, highs near 89F (32C), frequent showersThink twice
- 02The Bahamas in NovemberThe month after: Pleasant, highs near 82F (28C), water still near 80F (27C)Quiet value
- 03The Bahamas in AprilThe next best month: Warm and dry, highs near 82F (28C), water warmingBest
Also at their best in October
Before you book.
Sort these two things first.
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