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Bermuda Weather in December: Travel Guide, Temperatures and What to Pack

December in Bermuda is a completely different experience than the busy summer months. The massive cruise ships have departed, leaving the streets of Hamilton and the beaches perfectly quiet.

The oppressive August humidity is gone, replaced by crisp breezes and comfortable afternoons that hover right around 71 F.

If you are traveling from the freezing temperatures of the US East Coast, Canada, or the UK, arriving here feels like a mild, breezy spring day.

You can comfortably explore the island without sweating through your shirt, making this the absolute best time for golfing, hiking, and soaking in the local holiday culture.

At a Glance

Data Point	December Expectation
Best Time to Go	Early to mid-December for holiday festivals.
Total Cost Estimate	Medium. Flights and hotels drop significantly from summer peaks.
Ideal Duration	4 to 5 days.
Primary Transport	Scooter, micro-car or the public bus system.

Bermuda Temperature in December at a Glance

If you just want the raw data, here is exactly what you can expect from the weather in Bermuda in December.

Average High Temperature: 71.6 F

Average Low Temperature: 64.0 F

Average Water Temperature: 69.3 F

Average Rainfall: 4.1 inches (spread across roughly 15 days)

Average Humidity: 73 percent

Average Sunset Time: ~ 5:15 PM

Average Daily Sunshine: 5 hours

Typical Bermuda Weather in December

Who This is For, and Who Should Skip

Who This is For:

December is built for active travelers. Golfers will love the cool, dry fairways at courses like Port Royal. Hikers and cyclists can tackle the 18-mile Railway Trail without overheating.

It is also perfect for culture seekers who want to experience local holiday markets, historic walking tours, and excellent scuba diving with a wetsuit.

Who Should Skip:

Do not come in December if your dream vacation involves baking in the hot sun and swimming in bathwater-warm oceans. The beaches are beautiful for walking, but you will not find the classic Caribbean-style winter heat here. Bermuda is in the North Atlantic, not the Caribbean.

What Surprised Me the Most About December in Bermuda

The festive energy here in December is incredible. While the water cools down, the island's social calendar heats up.

The historic town of St. George's (a UNESCO World Heritage site) hosts the annual Christmas Walkabout. The streets smell like burning cedar, and historic homes open their doors to the public.

Another massive surprise is Christmas morning at Elbow Beach. While the historic Elbow Beach Resort remains closed for a total redevelopment by The Loren Group (slated for 2029), the public beach is very much open.

Thousands of expats and locals gather on the sand at sunrise on December 25th to drink champagne and celebrate. It is a bucket-list travel experience.

Is it Warm Enough for the Beach? (Water Temp and Activities)

The Bermuda temperature in December averages a high of 71.6 F, and the water temperature drops to 69.3 F. You will not see locals swimming in the ocean right now. However, visitors flying in from snowy climates often find the water refreshing enough for a quick dip.

If you want to spend the day lounging by the water, the Palmetto Beach Club of Fairmont Southampton is a fantastic spot to grab a cocktail and enjoy the view. You need to purchase a day pass for this though.

For water sports, December offers some of the best scuba diving conditions of the year. The water visibility frequently reaches 150 to 200 feet, making shipwreck dives spectacular. Just make sure your dive shop provides a thick wetsuit.

Pro-Tip: If you rent a Twizy electric vehicle for beach hopping, remember to zip the plastic windows up when driving after sunset. The night air at 64 degrees feels much colder when you are driving down South Road.

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Common Mistakes Visitors Make in December

The biggest mistake is assuming summer infrastructure is still running. Many beachside rental shacks for paddleboards and chairs pack up for the winter. You will need to rely on your hotel for beach towels and amenities.

Another common error is underestimating the wind. While 71 degrees sounds warm, a stiff breeze coming off the Atlantic can make it feel much cooler.

Also, be prepared for shorter daylight hours. You only get about 5 hours of strong, clear sunshine a day, so plan your outdoor sightseeing for the late morning and early afternoon.

Micro-Friction Warning: If you attend the outdoor holiday markets in Bermuda, bring cash. While the island is highly card-friendly, many small pop-up vendors selling local crafts or hot fish chowder do not take credit cards.

Practical Details: Packing, Costs, and Crowds

Packing for Bermuda in December requires layers. Bring t-shirts and shorts for the mid-day sunshine, but you absolutely need a light jacket, a sweater, and long pants for the evenings. Restaurants can be drafty, and you will want to be comfortable walking back to your hotel at night.

The financial upside to visiting right now is significant. Because it is the off-season, luxury hotel rates are often slashed compared to their July peaks. You will also experience zero crowds at major tourist sites like the Crystal Caves or the Royal Naval Dockyard.

Best Weather-Dependent Activities in December

The complete lack of summer humidity makes December the absolute best month for exploring the island on foot. Hiking the 18-mile Railway Trail is finally comfortable, and the cooler air makes it a prime time for golfers to play iconic courses like Port Royal without overheating.

History enthusiasts will also appreciate the crisp weather. Walking the cobblestone streets of St. George's or exploring the massive fortifications at the Royal Naval Dockyard is a completely different experience when you are not hiding from the intense August sun.

If you are willing to brave the cooler water in a thick wetsuit, scuba divers are rewarded with some of the best underwater visibility of the year, often reaching 200 feet around the western shipwrecks.

For complete details of December activities, read our full guide on things to do in Bermuda in December.

Detailed December Weather Planner

To help you plan your itinerary, here is how the temperatures shift throughout the month. The weather Bermuda offers in December is generally consistent, but it does get slightly cooler as you approach the new year.

How December Compares to the Rest of the Year

If you are debating between a winter trip and a summer trip, these two charts highlight why December appeals to active travelers rather than pure beach-goers.

While the oppressive summer humidity drops back down to a very comfortable 73 percent, the water temperature takes a significant plunge. The ocean loses its summer heat, dropping to roughly 69 F, signaling the clear transition into the Bermuda winter season.

Alternatives: If December Isn't for You

If reading about 64-degree evenings and 69-degree water makes you shiver, December might not be your ideal month. If you want guaranteed beach weather and warmer water without the peak summer prices, check out our guide to Bermuda Weather in October.

If you are strictly hunting for the absolute lowest hotel rates of the year and do not mind packing a slightly heavier jacket, you might prefer to wait and read our January weather guide.

About the Author By Raj Bhattacharya
Raj has been writing about Bermuda since 2008, when he launched bermuda-attractions.com, one of the longest-standing independent guides to the island. A Certified Bermuda Specialist (Bermuda Tourism Authority), his work draws on personal visits, local contacts in Bermuda, and questions and trip reports from thousands of readers over the years.
Learn more about Raj Bhattacharya