Planning a vacation to The Bahamas in February and not sure what to expect? We’ve got you covered!
In short, February in the Bahamas is crowded but ideal in almost every other way. February is popular due to comfortable temperatures both day and night, plus the vast number of activities to enjoy. From great fishing to romantic horseback rides on the beach, there’s no shortage of things to add to your itinerary. Advance planning is crucial to a February trip to the Bahamas since it’s right in the middle of high season.
We’ve built this big guide to help you plan the perfect February trip. Whether you’re looking to get out on the water or just lounge at the resort, we’ve got everything you need to know.
Bahamas Weather in February
February weather in the Bahamas is very nice and comfortable for most travelers. It tends to be one of the coldest months of the year in the islands, but the highs are around 77°F and the lows are only 65°F. On average, you can expect for February days to feel cool to warm and for nights to be a tad chilly and windy.
Speaking of wind, February is usually known for high winds that can average 14mph. The wind can affect boating and diving if it’s too high. While it may be windy, there’s not a cloud in the sky. February is the clearest month of the year and rain is scarce, giving you great weather for snorkeling, sunbathing and beach buggying.
Water temperatures can vary from island to island, but they’ll be the coldest in February averaging 73-75°F. Most vacationers will not mind the slight chill, while some will prefer to stay out of the water this month. Colder temps can make scuba diving a bit chilly, but that’s nothing a good wetsuit can’t fix.
Bahamas February Weather Cheat Sheet
| Average Low Temperature | 65°F (18°C) |
| Average High Temperature | 77°F (25°C) |
| Average Sea Water Temperature | 74°F (23°C) |
| Humidity | 70% |
| Average Rainfall | 2.0 inches (50.8 mm) |
| Average Days with Rain | 4 days |
| UV Index | 6 (High) |
| Day Length | ~11 hours 15 minutes |
| Sea Conditions | Generally calm to moderate |
| Visibility | Typically good, 8-10 miles |
| Dew Point | ~64°F (18°C) |
| Air Quality Index | Good |
| Likelihood of Hurricanes | Very Low |
Bahamas Affordability & Crowds in February
The Bahamas is very popular in the Winter months making February part of their high tourist season. On the up side, planning a vacation during high season guarantees that restaurants, tours and hotels will be open and available. On the down side, the islands and attractions will be busy and more expensive.
Transportation rates could be fairly decent this month, but hotels, cruises and tours will be more expensive. February might be pricey, but it could be worth it if you like the bustle of a busy vacation destination and prefer more reliable weather with cooler temperatures.
If you’re looking for a quieter experience with lower rates, we suggest booking during the slower Summer months.
Traveling to the Bahamas in February
If you’re planning to travel from Florida or the Atlantic Coastline to the Bahamas, a cruise is a popular way to reach the islands. Windy weather rarely affects your cruise experience and the lack of thunderstorms and rain guarantee that cruises will not postpone or cancel trips in February.
It’ll take approximately 2.5 to 4 hours to reach Nassau or Freeport from Florida and you can book a cruise that lasts anywhere from 2 to 5 days roundtrip. If you’re coming from South or Mid-Atlantic cruise port like Charleston, SC, cruises offer 3 to 7 days for roundtrip options.
The ferryboat is another fun way to get to the Bahamas and this is the perfect way to get there if you’re traveling from South Florida. February has perfect weather for traveling via ferry since there’s a low chance of rain and thunderstorms. The Ferryboat from Miami usually takes 3 to 4 hours and transports guests to their choice of Grand Bahama or Bimini.
Direct flights are the last option available for reaching the Bahamas and it’s the best form of transportation if you’re coming from farther away. Flight prices can spike in February, but there’s still a chance of finding favorable rates this month. We suggest taking a flight to a popular destination like Nassau to guarantee lower rates instead of booking a flight to more obscure islands.
Best Bahamas Islands in February
When visiting the Bahamas in a busy month like February, you’ll want to consider what kind of experience you want to have. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway and don’t mind the expense and popularity, consider Eleuthera. But if you’d prefer a more secluded reprieve, go for Cat Island in February.
Eleuthera
Eleuthera is an enchanting island in the Bahamas that appeals to vacationers who enjoy a respite with a touch of history and culture. English settlers came to the island as early as 1648; their influence is still present in the quaint pastel residences and old architectural styles. In addition to this, Eleuthera is widely known for its pineapple plantations, safe neighborhoods and excellent surfing conditions.
The untouched cliffs and rolling hills on this 110 mile long island make for incredible nature hikes alongside a pristine coastline that’s great for fishing or snorkeling the coral reefs. You’ll also want to visit the pink sands of Lighthouse Beach and skim the crystal clear waters at the Bight of Eleuthera. Here you can see the clear Caribbean coast meet the deep blue Atlantic Ocean at the Glass Window Bridge.
For a little more of a challenge, try the waves at Surfer’s Beach. There’s also plenty of underwater fun to be had at Current Cut and Devil’s Backbone at Harbour Island, and the Pineapple Dock has an abundance of shipwrecks to explore. Between the out islands including Harbour, Windermere, Current and Man Islands, Eleuthera is fully equipped with many fun and secluded areas where you can retreat.
You can get to Eleuthera via airline at the North Eleuthera Airport, Governors Harbour Airport or Rock South International Airport. It’s a 30 minute flight from Nassau on a private plane or small jet. Alternatively, you can take boat tours from New Providence Island to Eleuthera, or use the $5 water taxi to travel between Eleuthera and Harbour Island.
Cat Island
Cat Island is often overlooked during a Bahamas trip, but it’s an excellent option when you want to avoid the high crowds in February. The island has one of the most pleasant climates in the archipelago, near tradewinds that blow through the Tropic of Cancer. The beaches are pretty low profile, stretching 150 miles around the coastline. Cat Island is ideal for travelers who seek a more natural landscape with less hype and luxury than that of Eleuthera. However, the less popular islands are a bit more difficult to get to.
You’ll want to board a small jet from New Providence or Grand Bahama to reach Cat Island by way of Arthur Town Airport or New Bight Airport. Since February is in the Bahamas high season, this could mean your short flight will be a little bit pricey. But it’s definitely worth it to avoid the busier towns this month. Cat Island is equipped with 11 different accommodations for visitors to choose from.
When going to Cat Island, consider adding some adventurous activities to your itinerary. Kitesurfing at Greenwood Beach is one fun option, or hiking to the monastery of Mount Alvernia. Mount Alvernia has a convenient stone staircase to the top which is 206 ft above sea level. For underwater adventure, check out the Santa Maria Teresa, the 360 ft long Spanish battleship which sunk in 1898.
Cat Island is also home to Mermaid Hole and Blue Hole which are storied grottos of mythical proportions. The Boiling Hole is a natural wonder that stays bubbling constantly and serves as a nursery for baby sharks and rays.
The culture on Cat Island is also very rich, since locals believe that residents here were the first to welcome Christopher Columbus. There is plenty of buccaneer and pirate lore that surrounds the island, plus the iconic rake-and-scrape music was born here.
Best Things to Do in the Bahamas in February
The Bahamas don’t experience extreme seasonal changes, so you can do just about any activity you can think of any time of year here. Whether you enjoy walking on the beach, riding an ATV through the sand dunes or booking a snorkeling excursion, there’s no shortage of fun activities available in February. Below we’ve listed the best things you can add to your itinerary during your vacation this month.
Fish the Flats
Bone fishing is one of the top excursions in the Bahamas in February. Bone fish are prevalent all over the Bahamas and some people plan trips to do the islands just for this. There are several ways to go about it, so we’ll explain how you can have a successful fishing trip this month.
Fly Fishing is one of the preferred ways to catch bonefish in the Bahamas and any angler can set out solo on the flats on many of the islands. However, the best fishing is in the Abaco Islands as they are a bone fish haven, as well as Andros Island, New Providence Island or Yamacraw Beach.
You can also hire a fishing charter with a captain who’s familiar with the best spots in February. The captain can also offer you the chance to catch Wahoo or Barracuda, which are also in season through February. You’ll mostly stay inshore during these excursions since offshore and sportfishing won’t ramp up till Spring.
Dive with the Sharks
Winter might have colder water temps, but it’s a great time for scuba diving in the Bahamas. Lots of charters will lead you to the Exuma Cays, Bimini or Grand Bahama where you can dive ship and plane wrecks featured in the movies, or explore colorful coral reefs like the Exuma Land and Sea Park.
However, you don’t necessarily have to book an expert guide to take you diving in the Bahamas. You can rent equipment or bring your own to use inshore near the coral reefs or blue holes around the islands, or you can take a boat out farther off the coast.
You can find lots of wildlife while diving in February. Sharks are really common to see this month since breeding this season is coming to a close near Bimini and Grand Bahama. You’ll see anything from Hammerhead, Whale & Tiger sharks to reef, lemon and nurse sharks all over the Bahamas. Most of the diving sites are fairly shallow around the islands, so beginners will feel comfortable here.
Hit the Links
Golf is ramping up in February and there are lots of great places to go around the islands. The weather can get windy, but there’s little chance of rain so most days will be ideal for several hours on the course. Many of the largest resorts in the Bahamas have well-managed and professionally designed golf courses for you to choose from. Lots of guests will even choose their resort based on the golf course.
The Royal Blue Golf Club is one of the top courses in the Bahamas. It was designed by Jack Nicklaus and is equipped with bunkers and sand dunes along the evergreen fairways. Rocky hills offer a stunning backdrop to this 18 hole championship course on New Providence Island.
Another great course to consider is the Scottish-style 18-hole championship course at the Abaco Club on Winding Bay. It’s located on the Abaco Islands and was designed by Tom Mackenzie and Donald Steele. The club offers lessons and also has a new practice facility right on the pink sand beaches of Marsh Harbour.
ATV the Islands
The Bahamas has lots of fun tours to take around large popular areas like Nassau, around the coastline or tours that hop from island to island. One of the best to do during February is an ATV tour that takes you through the dunes and beaches, as well as the city. These tours take place specifically in Nassau and usually include lunch if you pick the all day tour. Otherwise, you can hop on a tour midday.
Another fun way to explore the islands is on a Pirate Jeep Sightseeing Tour. This unique excursion is designed for small groups who seek to learn the pirate lore and history of New Providence Island. Instead of manning the vehicle yourself, the jeeps come with a driver and tour guide to lead you on this fun adventure. The best part is finale, where each guest gets a sample of rum at John Watling’s Distillery.
February’s superb weather also makes Exuma Powerboat Tours an enjoyable time. The prices are a bit steeper than the ATV tours, since you’re going off island, but they include even more fun. Exuma Powerboat Tours set sail from Nassau and make up to 7 different stops depending on the tour you select. This is a full day experience where you’ll encounter sharks, stingrays, and iguanas, plus you’ll get a chance to swim with the famous pigs of Exuma.
You can also go island hopping via speed boat, which is can be much cheaper than the powerboat tours, depending on which you select. The Speed Boat Tours can range in price from below $200 to under $1000. You can select many different destinations from private beaches to snorkeling holes to sand bars, so we suggest looking into the perfect tour to fit your budget and bucket list.
Horseback Ride on the Beach
Swimming with the pigs is the most popular experience in the Bahamas year round, but the farm animal fun doesn’t stop there. Horseback tours are a romantic way to skim the shoreline while getting breathtaking views of the crystal clear waters. Happy Trails on Paradise Island offers spectacular sunrise trail rides through the brush of the island to the coast. You can book small party trips or tag along with another group to complete the experience.
Freeport also offers horseback tours which take guests on a two hour of sightseeing journey through Grand Bahama. The trail guides will lead you on a scenic path to some of the most popular destinations on the island as you saunter through the brush and trees of the natural landscape. Lastly, Half Moon Cay has the most intriguing horseback experience, which takes you on a ride and swim through the waves on your horse. This experience is definitely the most adventurous!
For those less excited by valiant steeds, shelling is a lovely way to unwind while exploring the coast. Bahamian residents claim the best shelling is done on Somerset Creek Beach at Andros Island and Eleuthera Island. Visitors can find many various native shells including sand dollars and conches. But be vigilant about the shells you collect: conch shells cannot be taken from the beaches.
Snorkel Off the Coast
The Bahama beaches are irresistible for sunbathing, and we highly recommend taking several hours or a full day to relax on the beach. But the Bahamas are also a haven for natural wonders and pristine waters, so we also recommend snorkeling.
Lots of resorts offer snorkeling equipment for rent or for free, making it easy for anyone to swim the local coast. But snorkeling tours and adventures are the best way to see reef fish and find underwater shells, since a local guide will take you to the best spots for sighting creatures.
Snorkel gear isn’t the only thing for rent – rental companies line the beaches on many of the islands. Jet Skis and Banana Boats are really fun vehicles for trailblazing the waves and taking in the beautiful February weather. Glass bottom boats are another fun way to slowly skim the water while viewing all the ocean life that swims by.
Our number one rental recommendation (if you’re up for the challenge) is the Personal Underwater Sub in Nassau, which takes you underneath the waves to explore local reefs for up to 35 minutes. The subs require no previous operating experience, they come with their own oxygen tank and they are extremely immersive.
February Events in the Bahamas
Annual Bahamas Wahoo Championships
February is the middle of Wahoo season in the Bahamas and is commemorated each year with a fishing championship. Loads of fishing boats set out from Hawk’s Nest Marina one weekend this month to compete for several different challenges, including largest fish and most fish caught. The event ends with a banquet to award the winners and to celebrate a great season.
Farmer’s Cay Festival
Farmer’s Cay Festival is a three-day event which happens the first Friday in February each year. The event kicks off with a banquet, music, dancing and much anticipation for the following days. A sailboat race is the main highlight of the weekend, followed by other small competitions around Exuma.
Rum Cay Day Festival
This festive event is always held the last Friday in February and hosts guests from neighboring Cat Island and San Salvador Island for one big party. Rum Cay Day celebrates the music, craftsmanship and cuisine of native Rum Cay islanders. This warm and inviting event is always open to tourists and visitors who seek to learn more about the island lifestyle.
Conclusion
February in the Bahamas is perfect for Valentine’s Day getaways, romantic honeymoons and any other fun adventures you’d like to have. The great weather makes beachy, outdoor activities all the more wonderful, and these conditions are make for great boating and scuba diving excursions.
If you love the idea of a busy holiday with lots available to you and crowds to go with it, February is a great month for planning to visit the Bahamas. All of the islands are teeming with life on land and in the water, though you should expect to pay a fair price for your trip in February.
If you’d prefer to avoid the crowds this month, visit Eleuthera or the more secluded Cat Island for a bit of natural fun in the sun. The pricing will still be pretty high but the relaxation and adventure will be worth the extra effort to get to these locales.
Looking for bustling villages, beautiful weather and great fishing and diving conditions? Then February will be the best month for planning your getaway to the Bahamas!
This article is part of Roundtript’s series of expert Bahamas travel guides for every month of the year.
 Spring in The Bahamas |  Summer in The Bahamas |  Fall in The Bahamas |  Winter in The Bahamas |
|---|---|---|---|
| March | June | September | December |
| April | July | October | January |
| May | August | November | February |
For a summary of each Switzerland month & season all in one place, check out our big guide to the Best Times of the Year to Visit The Bahamas.
