Although the weather is quite consistent and best described as "sub-tropical" throughout the year in Bermuda, there are a few times when it helps to have some helpful inside information. There isn't a rainy season although the winter storms can be quite rough. The words "sideways rain" probably best describes the fast and windy downpours that occur during the winter months.

Here is your handy guide.

Always needed:

Sun block:

Despite all of the research and all of the articles outlining why wearing sun block is good for us, many people still do not use it. I wear facial sun block every day under my makeup no matter what time of the year it is. I also wear sun block on my arms, legs, chest, and neck from April to September since I drive a scooter and run a higher risk of sun exposure. Since tourists cannot rent cars here, they end up driving scooters around the island. But what they forget is that driving for 30 minutes on the scooter is the same as sitting on the beach for 30 minutes; you're still exposed to UV rays. When we drive around on our scooters we often forget we're getting so much exposure due to the cool breeze. WEAR SUNBLOCK!

Sunhat:

I know, I know, only old ladies wear sunhats. It's true in North America, but in Bermuda everyone wears one, Bermudian and non-Bermudian alike. It's just smart! Bermuda does not have the large foliage of other places and often lacks sufficiently shady areas. Since we are also a series of islands made up from an ancient volcano that is no longer active, we are basically like a hot lava rock that is beaming the reflection of the sunrays up on to you. Wear the large old lady sunhat with pride knowing you won't be the old leathering woman one day who didn't.

Sturdy shoes:

Bermuda is a paved and well-constructed place. However, when walking around some of the more wooded areas, you're basically walking on "Bermuda stone," aka limestone. Old Navy $1 bin flip-flops won't cut it. Neither will driving a scooter in flip-flops either. As you use your legs to steady yourself when stopping a scooter, you'll want to make sure your footwear doesn't expose your toes. There have been many horror stories about tourists losing toes or getting a "Bermuda Tattoo." For my tips on renting a scooter, check out my article here on the Top 10 Tips for Renting A Scooter.

A nice outfit for going out:

Bermudians still pride themselves on their proper British roots. Although within the last decade, the rules have relaxed, most places still require a "smart casual" look. Bermudians themselves seem to live by the motto "It is better to be overdressed than underdressed." Since the business professionals are required to maintain a professional look, it coincides nicely with Bermuda's conservative ideals. One of the best examples of this is a story from when I first moved here. I was walking in town (Hamilton) and saw two tourists (early 20-something guys) on scooters. They were stopped at a stoplight when a parking enforcement officer walked over to them. As they were shirtless, she felt the need to loudly say in a Bermudian accent, "Put your shirt on! This isn't Jamaica!" and blushingly, the boys did.

Water bottle:

Bermudian houses have a distinct white-washed cascading appearance that facilitates the collection of rainwater which provides each house with its own water source. This is because Bermuda, being surrounded by the salty ocean, does not have a fresh water source, so each house is responsible for collecting it's own rainwater. Thusly, bottled water is priced at a high premium. There is however, hope in the form of hydration stations. These water bottle refilling stations are located near tourist friendly areas like the ferry stop terminal in downtown Hamilton. These hydration stations are conveniently located to quench your thirst.

Swim suits:

This goes without saying. If you need two things to come to Bermuda, it's your passport and your swimsuit. Although, if you forget, there are many shops to help you out in a pinch ..... but for a premium.

Sometimes needed:

Water shoes:

Despite the embarrassment of wearing these not-so-fashionable shoes, they do come in handy for one reason: cave swimming. Taking visitors cave swimming is one of my favorite unique things to do. However, it comes with a price, bleeding feet. Climbing in and around the cave has left many a mark on my feet. So even though they are quite hideous, protecting my feet is important enough for me to wear them.

Rain jacket (December to April):

Weather during Bermuda's "non-tourist" season is still a pleasant 60¡F-70¡F (16¡C -21¡C). The locals don't partake in swimming during this time since they deem it too cold, but many tourists, especially ones from colder climates like Canada, don't seem to mind. This time is also a less expensive time to visit, as many of the hotels offer discounts from 20%-60%, but there isn't a cut back in hours for any museums or tourist attractions. The ferries switch to winter schedules but still run quite consistently. Check out the ferry schedule here: http://www.seaexpress.bm

Things you think you might need but won't:

International charger:

Bermuda's voltage is 110-120, which is the same as the US and Canada so for most of our visiting tourist (85% of our tourists are from North America) there is no need for extra adaptors.

Knowledge of the local language:

Bermudians speak a mix of the Queen's English and local slang sometimes referred to as "Bermewjan". You will have no trouble navigating the linguistic streets of Bermuda, but in case you get confused, check out my article to learn such sayings as "Aceboy," "Bakatawn," and "Dahn de heel."  You'll be confidently say things like, "You lot bin acting up in bakatawn?" and "Give me shree dark n' stormys for my aceboys." with ease.

Lindsey Lehman Sirju is the Bermuda Editor for Wandering Educators

All photos courtesy and copyright Lindsey Lehman Sirju