Princess cruises to the Bahamas are designed to immerse guests in the character of each island. With year-round sailings, you'll have access to top destinations like Nassau, Freeport and our private retreat, Princess Cays®. Each port offers something different — colorful local markets, quiet stretches of shoreline, vibrant coral reefs and regional flavors you won’t find anywhere else.

Since our itineraries are designed to flex with the season, you’ll still enjoy the best of the Bahamas even if a passing storm rolls through. In Princess Cays®, you can paddle across turquoise shallows or unwind under a thatched-roof cabana. In Nassau, British-colonial architecture lines the harbor, while nearby shops and seafood stands buzz with local energy. Freeport offers access to Lucayan National Park, beachfront cafés and open-air artisan markets.

This is when the islands are at their brightest. With lower humidity, temperatures in the high 70s to low 80s and little rainfall, the dry season is often considered the most comfortable time to visit. It also brings lively local events, like Junkanoo, a vibrant street festival held every December 26 and New Year’s Day in Nassau, complete with elaborate costumes, brass bands and dancing in the streets.

Popular attractions tend to extend their hours during this time, and tours often fill up faster. It’s an ideal window for booking excursions and finding things to do in the Bahamas, where clear skies and calm seas create prime conditions for snorkeling, kayaking or lounging on the beach.

If you're looking to avoid the crowds and take advantage of better deals, the off-season has its own appeal. May and June sit in a shoulder season sweet spot—before the height of hurricane activity, but with fewer travelers and more availability on excursions.

Rain showers are more common during this stretch, especially from July through September, but they're usually brief and followed by sun. And with Princess itineraries built to adapt, you're not locked into stormy skies. Many guests enjoy this quieter season for its slower pace and the chance to explore more exclusive corners of the islands.

The Bahamas stays warm throughout the year, with highs in the upper 70s during the winter and rising into the high 80s by midsummer. Rain is minimal from November to April, then more frequent from May through October, often arriving as short afternoon showers. Because Princess offers year-round sailings, you can look into Caribbean cruise weather by month and plan based on what matters most to you—sunshine, crowds or cost.

A few small preparations can make your time in the Bahamas even more enjoyable. These essentials will help you stay comfortable, prepared and ready to explore.

• Pack light, breathable clothing: The weather stays warm and humid, so choose loose, lightweight fabrics that keep you cool on land and at sea.
  
• Use sun protection: Bring reef-safe sunscreen, polarized sunglasses and a hat with a wide brim to stay protected during shore excursions.
  
• Plan excursions ahead of time: Booking early helps you secure spots on popular tours, especially in ports like Nassau or Princess Cays®.
  
• Bring small cash: U.S. dollars are accepted in most places, and having small bills is helpful for tipping or shopping from local vendors.
  
• Consider travel insurance: During hurricane season, flexible coverage can be useful in case of weather-related delays or last-minute changes.
  

Try local food: Bahamian favorites like cracked conch, guava duff and johnnycake offer a taste of the islands’ African, Caribbean and British influences. Bahamian foods and cuisines are a key part of the experience.

Cruising with Princess offers a streamlined way to explore the Bahamas—no airport lines, hotel check-ins or guesswork. With seamless access to the islands and excursions already arranged, your time ashore is spent doing, not planning.

Whether you're kayaking through calm coastal waters, tasting island flavors at a beachside grill or diving into centuries of history, each day is built for discovery. The combination of local culture, tropical scenery and onboard comfort makes this one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to experience the region.

Visiting the Bahamas FAQs