Weather In December

[Sage]

We liked our trip in June so much we booked another in Late December. I know the weather will be different but can anyone give me an idea of what to expect. is it too cold to snorkle, swim etc?

[Shelby]

We were in Green Turtle Cay this past May, and also two years ago this December.

By comparison, December was windier and cooler - particularly at night. The days were warm, although I found the water too cold to swim in. I'm Bahamian, though so my blood is thinner than the average tourist! :-) We did see folks swimming, and my husband did go snorkeling one afternoon. He would have liked to scuba dive, but the water was too rough most of the time. Theoretically, you should experience less rain in December than in June, since winter is the "dry" season.

I would suggest you bring along long pants and a sweater/windbreaker. Although the weather was very pleasant for the most part during our December trip, a cold front blew in for 2-3 days. Honestly, I never knew it could get so cold in the Bahamas!! And of course, the dampness just makes it worse.

Amanda

[Fancy Free]

We have been traveling to Abaco in December for several years, and have experienced pretty much every type of weather. The first year, it didn't stray out of the low 60's-high 50's for 11 days. Not knowing it could get that cold in the Bahamas, we were miserable. But in subsequent years, it has often been pretty hot. So you never know. To be safe, the best clothing strategy is to bring a little bit of everything. And if the sweatshirt stays in the suitcase the entire trip, great!

Overall, I find the water in December to be too cold and choppy (it is usually windier in December) for snorkeling and swimming, and I'm from the north. I am, however, also a wimp. ;-)

But on a positive note, the humidity is usually lower and there are also less bugs!

[ceb123]

We are planning our first trip to the Bahamas and were considering October - can anyone give me idea about the weather? We've been traveling to Mexico the last several years for my annual birthday trip and we've decided to change directions this year - we're looking forward to spending our time on Green Turtle Cay and could use any information. We are also interested in fishing (off shore - not bone) and any recommendations for contact information would be much appreciated - would like to know what types of fish are active in your area during the fall months. Thank you!

[abacoseafan]

We have been to Abaco several times in October, and it is usually very hot and humid when we have been there. Very quite, very few tourists, and some businesses closed. I love it that time of year, because of the quiet!!

[BahamaAngie]

I think you will love it more than Mexico!!!

[JJ]

[Quote] We are also interested in fishing (off shore - not bone) and any recommendations for contact information would be much appreciated [Quote]

We haven't used him, but others have given Ricky Sawyer on Green Turtle Cay good recommendations for bonefishing and I believe he does deep sea fishing as well. 242-365-4261

[ceb123]

Thanks for the recommendations - we are looking forward to our stay on GTC. Staying at the Bluff House. Can anyone tell me if we can travel by golf cart all over the island?

[TurtleDreams]

Yes, at least wherever the roads go...

[ceb123]

Any suggestions for dinner on the island?

[JJ]

There are several places to eat in New Plymouth (you will need your cart to get there). Pineapples is great for the view at sunset and the food is tasty. Laura's Kitchen, The Wrecking Tree, Harvey's Grill, and MacIntoshes in town are also good. I think they serve food at Sundowners and the Plymouth Rock liquor store, but I haven't eaten at either of those places. Also, the new restaurant behind Miss Emily's Blue Bee Bar (home of the Goombay Smash) should be finished with construction by the time of your trip.

There are also restaurants at Bluff House and Green Turtle Club. We have only eaten at the more casual restaurant overlooking the marina at Bluff House (can't remember the name).

[Cathy Arizona]

The last time that we went in December the weather was beautiful for the most part. We did have a bit of rain for several days with power outages (on Elbow). Luckily, we took an umbrella, light jacket and at least one pair of long pants. But for the most part during our 2 weeks we wore shorts. The water was a tad cold for me but then I like the warm waters of May & June.

[Myra]

You can definitely tour the island by cart. Be warned though from the Bluff House it is a long and rocky road to town. We love all the restaurants. Some of my personal favorites.. Wrecking Tree - Conch Salad, Chicken Laura's Kitchen - Grouper fingers Sundowners - Pizza Pineapples - Fish sandwich and grilled conch Harveys Salads, burgers, plantains... All of the above for mac n cheese :)

[ceb123]

Will my golf cart battery last? Or is it like the wild west where they tied up their horses - does the island have battery plug chargers around town where you can plug in while touring the town? Like how long and bumpy?? I bought the hotel part of the trip already!

[JJ]

The battery operated ones last a pretty long time -- we used to run around all day and just plug in each night to recharge and never had a problem. But I think most of the rental agencies have converted to the gas powered carts, which seem a little more rugged. That is what we got this time from Sea Side Carts. The only gas station on the island for the carts is at Green Turtle Club. We used less than half a tank of gas during our one week stay.

The road to Bluff House has been a little rugged. I didn't go there this past trip, so I don't know what it is like now, but it was just a rocky dirt road. Once you get to Green Turtle Club, the dirt road is well maintained and just past the Club it is all paved all the way into town. There are bumpy dirt roads that lead up to the north side of the cay and there is another that leads to Gillam Bay -- be careful and don't go too far at Gillam, because it gets very sandy and you will get stuck.

Maybe you can private message me if you have more questions. We have kind of hijacked this thread about "Weather in December".

[Myra]

The cart ride is long and bumpy. For some reason we never seem to mind it. It is hard to complain when you are in paradise. Plus with the ride you get to see places and explore more. We have stayed in that area a few times with no problems. Just no quick trips to town. I just sit back and enjoy the ride and the view. Lots to see. The Bluff House view is wonderful and they have a nice pool. The food at Jolly Rogers is good too. If you rent a boat it is a great place for that also. Don't worry each location has its benefits. You won't be disappointed except when it is time to go home.

[ceb123]

Thanks Myra - we are looking forward to it!

[BahamaAngie]

When we rent a boat, we go to GTC to a deserted very shallow calm beach and across you can see a small cay with one house on it. Is that by any chance Gillam??? We never knew the name of it, just knew that we loved it and found a lot of sanddollars.

[JJ]

Yep, that's Gillam Bay. The little island is Pelican Cay (I think there is another Pelican Cay(s)). I was told who owned that little house, but forgot. Think it was a developer, maybe of Winding Bay. There are mooring buoys right off Pelican Cay and to the south off No Name Cay that are easy to access for snorkeling.