Bermuda is a wonderful, fascinating island. There are many things to do, places to go and things to see. To prepare for your visit, please explore some of the information presented here to help you plan your stay.
A Brief History of Bermuda
In the 16th century Spaniard Juan de Bermudez discovered the islands. He visited there in 1503 but failed to claim them for his country. Although La Bermuda appeared on a map of the world as early as 1511, it was known to early explorers as "The Isle of Devils". Many a Spanish galleon plying the routes from Cartagena to Cadiz foundered upon the reefs surrounding Bermuda. Survivors brought home tales of terror, shrieking phantasms, and mysterious storms. Bermuda was eventually settled by fortuitous accident in 1609.
"A dreadful Storme ... an Hell of Darkness," wrote a member of the Sea Venture in his diary. Originally bound for the struggling colony at Jamestown, Virginia, Admiral Sir George Somers and the shipwrecked adventurers found the island anything but forbidding. Eventually they pressed on to America, but for Bermuda it was the beginning. This lead to the British colonization in 1612 of what is known officially today as Bermuda or Somers Island. For more than three and a half centuries Bermuda has remained under the flag of Great Britain and Bermudians are proud of the fact that their country is the oldest British colony with a House of Assembly elected by the people.
Bermuda Climate
Bermuda is a semitropical island about 650 miles (1046 kilometers) east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. The Gulf Stream which flows between Bermuda and the North American continent keeps the climate temperate - not too hot, not too cold. The weather is interesting because it has two seasons and two "changes of season".
Bermuda has no rainy season as such and there is no normal month of excess rain. Showers may be heavy at times but the skies usually clear quickly. The weather does not often interfere with the enjoyment of outdoor sports and recreation. Summer temperatures prevail from May to Mid-November, with the warmest weather in July, August and September.
The thermometer rarely rises above 85 F (29.5 C) - perfect for sunning, swimming and all water sports. There is nearly alwaays a cool breeze at night and all accommodations have air-conditioners or ceiling fans. Spring-like temperatures give us cooler weather from mid-December to late March, with an average of 70 F (21.1 C) dropping to low 60s F (15-18 C). Very often the months of December and January are warm with good swimming. Changes of season, mid-November through December, and late March through April. Either spring or summer weather may occur and visitors should be prepared for both.
Hurricanes are more of a legend than an experience. In the past ten years very few hurricanes passing have brought winds of hurricane force to Bermuda, although they do bring high winds.
Bermuda Geography
Bermuda is about 1065 km east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. The Gulf Stream which flows between Bermuda and the North American continent keeps the climate temperate. There are about 181 small islands, the seven largest of them are connected by bridges and causeways. Total land area is 20.59 square miles.
