Beaches & Islands · Best Mar–Jun
Nassau and Paradise Island packing list for families
Nassau and Paradise Island are an easy flight from the US, but the cool winter water and long waterpark days catch families off guard. Here is what our family packs for both.
Photo by Yash Mannepalli on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Nassau & Paradise Island
- The Bahamas are farther north than many people realize, so the water is cool in winter, often in the mid 70s. If you travel December through March, pack a thin wetsuit top for little swimmers.
- Waterpark days on Paradise Island mean long hours in the sun and a lot of stair climbing. I pack rash guards, water shoes, and a waterproof phone pouch so I am not holding anything in the lazy river.
- US Customs preclearance happens at the Nassau airport on the way home, which means a longer departure. Arrive early and keep everyone's passports in one place.
Best timeMar–Jun
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyBahamian dollar (equal to and used alongside the US dollar)
PassportYes
Your packing edit
Nassau & Paradise Island
This time of year
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Every item links to what Kristina would buy. Tap Add to bag on what you're missing, then check out on Amazon in one tap.
Carry-on8
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Clothing5
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweatshirtWinter evenings can be breezy and cool.
Shoes2
Sandals
Water shoesHot pool decks and waterpark stairs are hard on bare feet.
Beach & pool9
Swimsuits2 per person
UPF rash guardsKristina's pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysKristina's pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
Lightweight beach tote
Goggles
Kids' thin wetsuit topKristina's pickWinter ocean and pool water can feel cold to small kids.
Little ones4
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Little things15
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Tap night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Kids' sunglasses
Wet bag for swimsuits
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Health & toiletries4
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Bug spray
Hanging toiletry bag
Documents & tech3
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Waterproof phone pouchKeeps your phone safe on water slides and boat trips.
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
The outfit edit
Island whites
White, sand, sea glass, coral
For photos
- Everyone in white and one pop of coral
- Shoot at golden hour on the sand
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Nassau & Paradise Island weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 77°F 25°C | Dry and mild with cooler water; evenings can be breezy | Junkanoo parades on Boxing Day and New Year's Day Fish Fry at Arawak Cay for local food and music |
| February | 78°F 26°C | Dry and mild with cooler water; evenings can be breezy | Fish Fry at Arawak Cay for local food and music |
| March | 80°F 27°C | Dry and mild with cooler water; evenings can be breezy | Fish Fry at Arawak Cay for local food and music Spring break crowds, so book early for these weeks |
| April | 82°F 28°C | Dry and mild with cooler water; evenings can be breezy | Warm water and drier weather, my favorite window for families Fish Fry at Arawak Cay for local food and music Spring break crowds, so book early for these weeks |
| May | 85°F 29°C | Warm, sunny, and humid, with the rainy season starting in late May | Warm water and drier weather, my favorite window for families Fish Fry at Arawak Cay for local food and music |
| June | 88°F 31°C | Warm, sunny, and humid, with the rainy season starting in late May | Warm water and drier weather, my favorite window for families Fish Fry at Arawak Cay for local food and music |
| July | 90°F 32°C | Hot and humid with afternoon storms; peak hurricane season August–October | Fish Fry at Arawak Cay for local food and music |
| August | 90°F 32°C | Hot and humid with afternoon storms; peak hurricane season August–October | Fish Fry at Arawak Cay for local food and music |
| September | 89°F 32°C | Hot and humid with afternoon storms; peak hurricane season August–October | Fish Fry at Arawak Cay for local food and music |
| October | 86°F 30°C | Hot and humid with afternoon storms; peak hurricane season August–October | Fish Fry at Arawak Cay for local food and music |
| November | 82°F 28°C | Warm and drying out, with storms still possible early in the month | Fish Fry at Arawak Cay for local food and music |
| December | 79°F 26°C | Dry and mild with cooler water; evenings can be breezy | Junkanoo parades on Boxing Day and New Year's Day Fish Fry at Arawak Cay for local food and music |
Questions families ask
Nassau & Paradise Island with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Nassau & Paradise Island with kids?
The best time is Mar–Jun. Dry and mild with cooler water; evenings can be breezy
What's the weather like in Nassau & Paradise Island?
Typical daytime highs range from about 77°F (25°C) in January to about 90°F (32°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Nassau & Paradise Island?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Nassau & Paradise Island?
None. Nassau & Paradise Island uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Nassau & Paradise Island with kids?
The Bahamas are farther north than many people realize, so the water is cool in winter, often in the mid 70s. If you travel December through March, pack a thin wetsuit top for little swimmers.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.