The trade winds bring the Bahamas its weather, and it’s nearly always perfect for your vacation getaway. The Out Islands experience temperatures between 70F and 80F, due to the gentle and constant trade winds. The islands don’t really have what you might call an “off” season, although temperatures do vary depending on the location of the island you are visiting.

The most popular tourist months for the Bahamas are from September through May, when the temperatures are about 70F to 75F during the day. The nighttime temperatures are only a few degrees lower. The more northern Out Islands are usually roughly five degrees cooler than the islands in the south.

In the summer months, you’ll see temperatures that range from 80F to 90F, and you may notice higher humidity as well. Some of the resorts close during these months, but most are open all year round. If those temperatures aren’t too hot for you, you can plan your trip for the hotter months, for lower prices and travel package incentives.

The seasons don’t vary widely at all in The Bahamas. Even the May through November rainy season still has more than its share of sunshine. The tropical rainstorms are only occasional, and they generally pass over fairly quickly. If 340 sunny days a year sounds like your kind of weather, head for the islands of The Bahamas.

Thanks to the climate in the tropics, you can snorkel, dive and fish all year-round. You can swim comfortably in the ocean almost any day of the year, as well. The water temperatures are not often below 72 degrees, if you are near the shore. In fact, the water temperature in the Eleuthera Island area ranges from 75F in the winter to 88F in the summer.

The Gulf Stream helps the trade winds to create wonderful year-round temperatures in the Bahamas. You’ll want to pack or purchase tropical, lightweight clothing anytime of year you travel there. Some of the nicer hotel restaurants may require jackets for men, and there are places you won’t want to wear beach wear. During the winter months, you may want to carry along a light wrap or sweater, just in case the temperature dips a little lower than usual.