What the weather is like in December
December is the driest month (43mm) and comfortable at 27°C, though sunshine is the year's lowest at 6.8 hours. Rates climb through the month to a Christmas peak, and Junkanoo — the national street parade — runs through the night of December 26 and again on New Year's Day in Nassau.
Against November, December runs 1°C cooler with 44mm less rain and 0.5 hours less sun a day.
These December averages are station normals for Nassau (Lynden Pindling International Airport) (Bahamas Department of Meteorology, via Wikipedia, 1991-2020); other parts of the Bahamas vary. Full sources below.
Bahamas in December, on the ground
December brings the Bahamas its driest, freshest weather, with the hurricane season over and cooler evenings that suit Nassau’s outdoor dining. Cold fronts from the north can bring a breezy, grey day or two, then clear again.
Crowds and prices in December
Early December is quiet and well priced; from Christmas week, Nassau and Paradise Island fill and rates jump. Cruise ships are frequent, so downtown Nassau is busiest on ship days.
What to do in December
- Walk Nassau’s Bay Street and the Straw Market for Christmas shopping and Bahamian crafts.
- Visit the Out Islands, such as the Exumas or Eleuthera, for empty beaches before the holiday rush.
- Take a boat to the Exuma Cays on one of the calm days between fronts.
Before you book: The water is at its coolest of the year from now until March; it is swimmable, but some find it brisk.
What to pack for Bahamas in December
- Light layers for warm days
- A light jacket for the evenings
- Swimwear
What's on in December
- Junkanoo (Nassau (Bay Street)) — The national parade of costumes, drums, and brass, held overnight on Boxing Day and New Year's Day. The single biggest cultural event of the year.
Is December the right month?
Bahamas's best month, April, is four months after December; the toughest, September, is three months before. If December does not fit, January is the closest month in the same best-season window. For the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds, aim for May. See the full month-by-month breakdown for Bahamas, or where else to go in December.
Where to stay in December
December is peak season in Bahamas, so prices are at their highest. Book early for the best choice of rooms.
- Paradise Island / Cable Beach, Nassau$$$Resorts, casinos, familiesThe big-resort strips, with the most restaurants and the easiest airport transfers. Loud during spring break.See hotels in Nassau for 12–18 Dec 2026
- Exuma (George Town and the cays)$$Sandbars, quiet cays, boat daysThe postcard water. Small lodges and villas; several close September–October.See hotels in the Bahamas for 12–18 Dec 2026
- Eleuthera / Harbour Island$$$Pink-sand beaches, quiet, couplesHarbour Island is the upscale pick; mainland Eleuthera is cheaper and emptier. Ferries and small planes from Nassau.See hotels in the Bahamas for 12–18 Dec 2026
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Before you go
Book the rest of your December trip
Tours and tickets
Day trips, attraction tickets and guided tours in Bahamas.
Browse Bahamas on KlookAirport transfer
A fixed-price car from Lynden Pindling International Airport (Nassau, NAS) to your hotel, booked before you land.
Book a transfer on KiwitaxiMobile data
An eSIM for Bahamas installs before you fly, so you have data when you land. Check your phone supports eSIM first.
See Bahamas plans on AiraloCar hire
Compare rental car prices in Nassau.
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Frequently asked questions
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Sources: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism (bahamas.com) · Bahamas Department of Meteorology: Nassau (Lynden Pindling International Airport), 1991-2020 · NOAA National Hurricane Center · Bahamas Department of Meteorology. Full provenance on the Bahamas guide.
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