TRAVEL TIPS & GUIDES

The Bahamas in December: Your guide to weather, events & travel

Circular profile image container for visual representation.
Written by

Matt Byrd

Last updated

July 8, 2025

Advisors on TravelJoy have planned over 1 million trips

Find a travel advisor
Unlock the kind of trip you can't find on Google
Plan with a travel advisor to access insider spots and perks.
Find a travel advisor

Visiting the Bahamas in December feels like stepping into a sunlit holiday postcard. The breeze is warm but gentle, the sea glimmers in shades of turquoise, and small towns string up colorful lights as the sound of Junkanoo drums drifts through the streets.

You’ll find beach bars decked out in tinsel, locals prepping conch fritters for holiday feasts, and perfect conditions for swimming, sailing, or just relaxing on the beach. If you want to build an itinerary that fits in hidden coves, Christmas parades, and quiet afternoons on the sand, an advisor on TravelJoy can help you piece it all together — so you can simply sink into the warmth, let the holidays unfold, and savor the magic without a worry.

Is December a good time to visit The Bahamas?

December in the Bahamas brings steady sunshine and warm breezes across the islands. In Nassau and Paradise Island, daytime temperatures usually sit in the upper 70s, dropping into the mid-60s at night — perfect for evening strolls by the water. In the Exumas and southern islands like Long Island, the sea stays a touch warmer, making it comfortable for swimming and snorkeling well into the month. Meanwhile, Grand Bahama Island can feel cooler with the occasional brisk wind, especially in the mornings and evenings, but still mild compared to northern winters.

If you’re planning to visit the Bahamas in December, be prepared for the holiday rush. December marks the beginning of the peak tourist season in the Bahamas, especially around Christmas and New Year’s, as travelers swap their winter coats for swimsuits. But if you visit earlier in the month, you’ll find fewer crowds and a laid-back vibe that still feels festive.

Sure, holiday weeks bring busier beaches and fuller restaurants, but they also bring events worth catching — like Junkanoo parades and local Christmas festivals in towns across the islands. An advisor from TravelJoy can help you plan around the busiest days, find hidden coves and local gatherings, and build a December trip that feels relaxed, festive, and all your own.

High temperature
81°F / 27°C
Low temperature
70°F / 21°C
Rainfall
2.2 in / 55 mm
Sun & daylight
7 hours / 10.5 hours
Seasonal tips

- Holiday season

- Mild weather

- Best for festive travel

- Sunset views ideal

- Pack layers for evenings

Where to go in The Bahamas in December

Nassau
December in Nassau feels bright and full of little surprises. You can wander through the Straw Market picking up handmade ornaments, grab a plate of fresh conch salad by the water, or watch holiday lights blink across the harbor as the sun goes down. And if you’re here for Christmas or New Year’s, you’ll catch Junkanoo at dawn—a vibrant, joyful parade of drums, brass bands, and dancers in feathered costumes taking over Bay Street. It’s loud, colorful, and something you won’t forget.
Exumas
The Exumas feel laid-back in December, with clear skies perfect for boat trips to secluded cays and quiet sandbars. You can swim alongside friendly nurse sharks at Compass Cay or lounge on the pale pink sands of Stocking Island.
Harbour Island
Known for its pink sand beaches, Harbour Island in December is ideal for slow mornings watching the waves and evenings spent dining on fresh lobster at waterside shacks. The island feels festive but never crowded, with small parades and local holiday gatherings filling the streets.
Lucayan National Park
If you think winter in the Bahamas is just beach umbrellas and cocktails, Lucayan National Park might surprise you. Tucked along the southern coast of Grand Bahama, it’s 40 acres of mangroves, hidden beaches, and quiet pine forests. You’ll hear birds calling from the trees and maybe spot orchids blooming along the paths. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down, breathe, and see a different side of the islands.

Plan your perfect trip to The Bahamas with the help of an expert

Find a travel advisor

Things to do in The Bahamas in December

Event
Location
Timing
Christmas Village Market
Gifts and crafts at Christmas Village Market
Nassau
Early December
Nassau Tree Lighting Ceremony
Downtown event at Nassau Tree Lighting Ceremony
Nassau
Early December
Junkanoo Rehearsals
Street previews during Junkanoo Rehearsals
Nassau
Mid-December
Exuma Swim Marathon
Open water challenge at Exuma Swim Marathon
Exuma
Mid-December
Bahamas Holiday Light Parade
Boats and floats at Bahamas Holiday Light Parade
Nassau
Late December
Grand Bahama Gospel Fest
Uplifting concerts at Grand Bahama Gospel Fest
Freeport
Late December
Bimini Big Game Days
Fishing and cookoffs at Bimini Big Game Days
Bimini
All December

Related travel guides

Plan the perfect trip to The Bahamas with a pro

A trip that reflects you
Instead of following a stranger's top 10 list, let a travel advisor design a one-of-a-kind trip around your unique style.

Effortless planning
Your advisor takes care of the research, logistics, and bookings so you can focus on enjoying the trip.

VIP access and upgrades
From suite upgrades to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, your advisor can open doors that aren’t available online.

Find a travel advisor