Nassau, Bahamas

Lanee and I arrived by cruise ship on February 19, 2018. Nassau is the capital and commercial center of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. The city has an estimated population of 274,400 as of 2016 (70 percent of the entire population of the Bahamas). The Bahamas is a left-hand traffic country, but many cars are imported from the USA in left-hand drive.

The coordinates for the island is 25.06^o N 77.345^o W.

Demographics

Nassau had a population of 128,420 females and 117,909 males and home to 70,222 households with an average family size of 3.5 according to the 2010 census. Nassau's large population in relation to the remainder of the Bahamas is the result of waves of immigration from the Family Islands to the capital. Consequently, this has led to the decline in the population of the lesser developed islands and the rapid growth of Nassau.

Junkanoo

The city's chief festival is Junkanoo, an energetic, colorful street parade of brightly costumed people dancing to the rhythmic accompaniment of cowbells, drums and whistles. The word 'Junkanoo' is named after the founder 'John Kanoo'. The celebration occurs on December 26, January 1, and July 10, beginning in the early hours of the morning (1:00 a.m.) and ending around 10 a.m. At the end of the Junkanoo procession, judges award cash prizes for the best music, costumes, and overall group presentation. These Bahamians spend all year preparing their handmade costumes by using colored crepe paper and cardboard. Lanee and I had the opportunity to attend this event January 1, 2013.

Climate

Nassau features a tropical monsoon climate with relatively consistent temperatures throughout the course of the year. Summertime temperatures reach about 90 degrees Fahrenheit and the winter months have daytime temperatures between 73 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit, rarely falling below 59 degrees Fahrenheit.

Climate data for Nassau (1981-2010)
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Average High (degrees Fahrenheit)	78.1	79.0	80.4	82.6	85.8	88.5	90.3	90.3	89.4	86.4	82.2	79.5	84.4
Average Daily Temp. (degrees Fahrenheit)	70.9	71.4	72.9	75.0	78.4	81.9	83.3	83.3	82.2	79.9	76.1	72.7	77.4
Average Low (degrees Fahrenheit)	63.3	64.2	65.5	67.6	70.9	74.5	75.9	75.9	75.4	73.4	69.6	66.0	70.2
Average Sea Temp. (degrees Fahrenheit)	73	73	75	79	81	82	82	82	82	81	79	75	80
Average Precipitation (inches)	1.93	1.97	2.56	2.48	4.53	8.78	5.91	8.54	7.17	5.39	3.11	2.05	54.41
Average Precipitation Days (> 1.0 mm)	8	6	7	6	10	15	17	18	17	14	9	8	135
Average Monthly Sunshine Hours	226	224	251	282	282	240	267	260	222	236	219	211	243

Points of interest

Atlantis Resort
Paradise Island and Hog Island Lighthouse
Fort Charlotte
Ardastra Gardens and Zoo
Queen's Staircase
Fort Fincastle
Rincon

View in and Around Atlantis Resort

The city's proximity to the United States has contributed to its popularity as a holiday resort. The Atlantis resort on nearby Paradise Island accounts for more tourist arrivals to the city than any other hotel property. The mega-resort employs over 6,000 Bahamians, and is the largest employer outside government.