Central America & Caribbean
The Bahamas in September
The statistical heart of hurricane season; Dorian struck in early September 2019. Some Out Island resorts close for the month.
The straight answer
September is a month to think twice about visiting The Bahamas. The statistical heart of hurricane season; Dorian struck in early September 2019. Some Out Island resorts close for the month.
- Weather
- Peak storm season, highs near 89F (32C), frequent showers
- Crowds
- 1 of 5
- Prices
- 1 of 5
What September is like in The Bahamas
September is the statistical heart of hurricane season. Highs near 89F (32C) and frequent showers. Hurricane Dorian struck in early September 2019, and some Out Island resorts, restaurants, and dive shops close for the month. Crowds and prices are at their lowest, and many islands feel shut for the season.
Honestly, this is a month to avoid. The deals are real, but so is the chance that a storm cancels your trip. If you want warm water and lower prices with much less risk, November is the smarter window. For the best weather, pick April or May.
Make the most of September
What is especially good about The Bahamas this month.
Lowest prices of the year
Big Nassau resorts stay open and discount heavily. It is only worth it with flexible, refundable plans.
Empty beaches
On calm days, the beaches are nearly deserted.
Warm water
The sea is at its warmest. Snorkeling is lovely between storms.
What to pack for September
- A rain jacket
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- A portable charger
- Copies of your travel insurance details
Our timing tip
If you go, stay at a big Nassau resort that stays open all year, and confirm any Out Island bookings are actually operating.
Book The Bahamas for September.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for September
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in The BahamasOpens a hotel search for The Bahamas in September, 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 September. 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 September, quick answers
Is September a good time to visit The Bahamas?
September is a month to think twice about visiting The Bahamas. The statistical heart of hurricane season; Dorian struck in early September 2019. Some Out Island resorts close for the month.
What is the weather like in The Bahamas in September?
Peak storm season, highs near 89F (32C), frequent showers.
Is The Bahamas crowded in September?
September 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 AugustThe month before: Hot and humid, highs near 90F (32C), storm odds risingTradeoffs
- 02The Bahamas in OctoberThe month after: Still stormy, highs near 86F (30C), rain easing lateThink twice
- 03The Bahamas in AprilThe next best month: Warm and dry, highs near 82F (28C), water warmingBest
Also at their best in September
Before you book.
Sort these two things first.
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Travel insurance.
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