Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Local Dining Customs
One of Bermuda's most delightful tradi-
tions is the English ritual of
afternoon
tea,
which many local homes and
hotels maintain.
In hotels, the typical afternoon tea is
served daily from 3 to 5pm. Adding a
contemporary touch, it's often served
around a pool, with guests partaking in
their bathing suits—a tolerated lapse
from the usual formal social and dress
code.
At some places, more formal tea is
served at a table laid with silver, crisp
white linens, and fine china, often
imported from Britain. The usual
accompaniments include finger sand-
wiches made with thinly sliced cucum-
ber or watercress, and scones served
with strawberry jam.
2
animated discussion about politics, sports, or the most recent royal visit—is an
experience to be cherished as truly Bermudian.
WHEN TO GO
The Weather
A semitropical island, Bermuda enjoys a mild climate; the term “Bermuda high” has
come to mean sunny days and clear skies. The Gulf Stream, which flows between the
island and North America, keeps the climate temperate. There's no rainy season, and
no typical month of excess rain. Showers may be heavy at times, but the skies clear
quickly.
Being farther north in the Atlantic than The Bahamas, Bermuda is much cooler in
winter. Springlike temperatures prevail from mid-December to late March, with the
average temperature ranging from 60° to 70°F (16°-21°C). Unless it rains, winter is
fine for golf and tennis but not for swimming; it can be cool, and you may even need
a sweater or a jacket. Water temperatures in winter are somewhat like the air tem-
perature, ranging from about 66°F (19°C) in January to 75°F (24°C) through March.
Scuba divers and snorkelers will find Bermuda's waters appreciably cooler than
Caribbean waters in winter. From mid-November to mid-December and from late
March to April, be prepared for unseasonable spurts of spring or summer weather.
In summer, the temperature rarely rises above 85°F (29°C). There's nearly always
a cool breeze in the evening, but some hotels have air-conditioning. And local water
temperatures can be as high as 86°F (30°C) during the summer—warmer than many
inshore and offshore Caribbean waters.
As a result, Bermuda's off season is the exact opposite of that in the Caribbean. It
begins in December and lasts until about March 1. In general, hotels offer off-season
rates, with discounts ranging from 20% to 60%. This is the time to go if you're travel-
ing on a tight budget. During autumn and winter, many hotels also offer discounted
package deals. Some hotels close for a couple of weeks or months at this period.
A look at the official chart of temperature and rainfall will give you a general idea
of what to expect during your visit.
