What to Do in Bermuda in October: Events, Weather & More

October brings some of the island's most comfortable weather for getting outside. Daytime temperatures hover around 80°F (27°C), and the Atlantic stays warm enough for swimming and snorkelling if you're up for it.

If you've been wondering whether October is still beach season in Bermuda, the answer is yes. The water remains inviting, although you may notice more locals leaving the swimming to visitors as the month progresses.

It's still hurricane season in October, so check the Bermuda Weather Service forecast, especially if you're planning boat trips. A bit of flexibility in your plans can make all the difference.

For a closer look at conditions throughout the year, explore our monthly Bermuda weather guide.

October is a busy month for festivals and sporting events. This year, you'll find a mix of local traditions and international competitions on the calendar, along with plenty of chances to get to know Bermuda's creative side.

Bermuda Art Month: October 1-31, 2026

October is Bermuda Art Month. It's when galleries, museums, and spaces you might not expect celebrate the people behind Bermuda's creative scene.

In Hamilton, visit the Bermuda National Gallery at City Hall to discover local and international artists, or head to the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art in the Botanical Gardens to explore works inspired by the island's landscape, history, and culture.

If you're after something more hands-on, Art Month has workshops, guided sessions, and chances to try your own hand at creating.

One of the more unusual offerings is Sip & Paint in the Caves at Grotto Bay Beach Resort. These guided painting sessions take place inside Prospero's Cave, where local artist Carlos Santana Dill helps participants create their own artwork in an extraordinary underground setting. Sessions are scheduled for October 4, 11, 18, and 25, with another on November 1.

Outdoor painting is another way to get involved. The Art by the Sea plein-air painting course begins October 24, taking participants to scenic locations around Bermuda to learn painting techniques inspired by the natural surroundings.

Bermuda Gombey Festival: October 3, 2026

Few experiences introduce you to Bermudian culture quite like watching the Gombeys perform.

The annual Bermuda Gombey Festival brings local troupes together to celebrate a tradition passed down through generations. Elaborate costumes, colourful masks, energetic dancing, and the unmistakable sound of Gombey drums make this one of October's most distinctive events.

The 2026 festival takes place at the Bermuda Botanical Gardens Main Show Ring, from 5 to 9 p.m.

Admission is free, and it's a great family event. Bring a blanket or folding chair, settle in, and watch as Bermuda's Gombey troupes take the stage.

Taste of Bermuda: October 8-11, 2026

If experiencing Bermuda through its food sounds like your kind of holiday, make room for Taste of Bermuda.

Hosted by the City of Hamilton, this four-day celebration brings together chefs, bartenders, and culinary talent for a series of events showcasing the island's diverse food culture.

The 2026 programme includes an island-wide Tastemakers dining series, the Art of the Pour cocktail competition at Bacardi Headquarters, and Table Top Theatre at Pier Six on Front Street, where food, storytelling, and 3D projections come together over a multi-course meal.

The weekend wraps up with The Edible Movie — an outdoor screening of Ratatouille accompanied by dishes inspired by the film taking place at Fort Hamilton.

Bermuda Gold Cup: October 14-18, 2026

Bermuda has a long and proud sailing history, and the Bermuda Gold Cup offers a front-row seat to the competitive side of that tradition.

This series of high-stakes international match races brings sailors from around the world to Hamilton Harbour. Unlike larger fleet regattas, the match races at Bermuda Gold Cup pit boats against one another in tactical contests where every manoeuvre matters.

The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club welcomes the public during the competition, making it a great opportunity to experience the excitement of international sailing in the heart of Hamilton.

Butterfield Bermuda Championship: October 22-25, 2026

Golf fans have a particularly good reason to visit Bermuda in late October.

The Butterfield Bermuda Championship returns to Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton Parish as part of the PGA TOUR's FedExCup Fall schedule.

Port Royal is famous for its dramatic coastal layout, especially the par-3 16th hole, where players must hit their tee shots across the Atlantic to a green perched above the water. Even if you're not tracking every shot, it's a memorable spot to watch the pros in action.

Spectators can spend the day following their favourite players around the course and experiencing the atmosphere of an international sporting event. For more information on the championship weekend, read our guide to 72 Hours in Bermuda for the Butterfield Bermuda Championship.

The festival calendar is packed, but there's just as much to do between events. October's weather is perfect for getting outside, especially if you like to stay active.

Swim and Snorkel Along Bermuda's South Shore

October still gives you plenty of chances to enjoy the beach.

For classic pink sand, Horseshoe Bay Beach is always a favourite. If you want something more sheltered, Jobson's Cove in Warwick Parish is a great pick. Limestone cliffs wrap around its shallow, clear water, so it's popular with families and anyone after a relaxed swim.

For more ideas, explore our guide to Bermuda's best beaches.

Explore the Bermuda Railway Trail

The trains stopped running decades ago, but their route lives on as the Bermuda Railway Trail, an 18-mile network of walking and cycling paths across the island.

If you want a walk that mixes coastal views with a bit of history, start near Somerset Bridge and follow the western trail toward Scaur Hill Fort and Park in Sandys Parish.

You'll pass through shaded stretches before reaching the fort, where you can climb up for views across the Great Sound and the island's western tip.

Go Birdwatching at Spittal Pond Nature Reserve

October is a great time for birdwatching in Bermuda, as autumn migration brings all sorts of visiting species heading south from North America.

Spittal Pond Nature Reserve in Smith's Parish is one of the best spots to look. Its mix of wetlands, woodland, and coastal habitats attracts birds all year, but migration season brings even more visitors.

Play a Round of Pickleball

If you're up for a little friendly competition, October's milder weather is perfect for getting out on the pickleball court.

Several resorts have their own courts, and you can also book time at the W.E.R. Joell Tennis Stadium near Hamilton.

The stadium has dedicated pickleball courts and rents out equipment. It's smart to book ahead, especially if you want to play at a certain time.

Learn more about playing pickleball in Bermuda, including where to find courts around the island.

Make the Most of Bermuda Spiny Lobster Season

After months off local menus, Bermuda spiny lobster is back, and October is a fine time to make a dinner reservation around this island favourite.

Coconuts Restaurant at The Reefs in Southampton lets you dig into grilled Bermuda lobster with a view of the South Shore. They serve spiny lobster stuffed with crab and mashed potato, finished with a garlic-lemon hollandaise. If you're after a classic local spot, Red Carpet Bar & Restaurant on Reid Street in Hamilton is a longtime favourite for seafood. During lobster season, keep an eye out for guinea chicks on the menu. They're a smaller, sweeter cousin of the spiny lobster and a real treat if you spot them.

Want more ideas? Our Bermuda spiny lobster guide has plenty of spots where you can try this seasonal favourite while it lasts.

What to Pack for Bermuda in October

Packing for October is simple. You'll want your summer basics, but a few extra layers come in handy when the temperature drops or the breeze picks up.

Here's what we recommend bringing:

    •    Shorts, T-shirts, sundresses, and breathable tops for warm afternoons.
    •    Swimwear for swimming, snorkelling, and beach days.
    •    A light sweater or windbreaker for breezy evenings, waterfront dinners, or boat trips.
    •    Comfortable walking shoes for the Railway Trail, nature reserves, and exploring Hamilton or St. George's.
    •    Sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and reef-friendly sunscreen. October sunshine still calls for it.
    •    A compact rain jacket or umbrella
    •    Bring an outfit or two for restaurant dinners, cultural events, or special occasions.

If you're here for the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, comfortable shoes and sun protection are especially important when you're out following the action at Port Royal.

Where to Stay in Bermuda in October

With events happening all over the island, where you stay can shape your October plans.

Hamilton is a convenient base if you're here for Taste of Bermuda, gallery shows, or the Gold Cup. Staying in or near the capital puts restaurants, shops, and cultural spots within easy reach.

If you're after a beach-focused trip, look to Bermuda's South Shore, where oceanfront resorts give you easy access to some of our best stretches of pink sand. If you're here for the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, staying in Southampton Parish puts you close to Port Royal Golf Course.

Explore Bermuda's places to stay and latest travel offers to find the right home base for your trip.
 

This October, come to Bermuda for the warm water and pink sand, but make sure to leave space in your plans for everything else happening around the island. With local food traditions, cultural celebrations, and outdoor adventures, there's a lot to enjoy this time of year.

Explore our Bermuda travel inspiration and start planning your October getaway.