Hamilton is the capital of Bermuda, a British Overseas Territory of small islands in the North Atlantic. The city sits on the main island and is small enough to explore on foot. Its harbor-side streets are lined with buildings in pastel shades. Front Street is the main stretch for shops, cafes and waterfront views.
A short stop suits a first visit, before the beaches and St. George's, the old town in the east. Parliament, the seat of Bermuda's legislature, sits in the city. Ferries from the harbor reach other parts of the island, so the capital works well as a base for a first visit. April, May and October rate best for weather, and one or two days in the city is enough before you move on to the rest of the island.
Hamilton in five
- Get around by bus, ferry or taxiVisitors cannot rent cars in Bermuda, so the public bus and ferry network, taxis and scooters are the main ways around. Hamilton's center is small enough to walk.Getting around
- Ride on the left and wear a helmet on a scooterTraffic keeps to the left, and helmets are required for scooter and moped riders. Roads are narrow with blind corners, so ride slowly and watch for cars coming around them.
- Carry US dollars or a card for small purchasesThe Bermudian dollar is tied one-to-one to the US dollar, and US notes are widely accepted. Small shops and cafes are where cash is most useful.Money and costs
- Set up an eSIM or roaming plan before you landA working data plan lets you check bus and ferry times and maps once you are on the island. Set it up before you land.Phones and eSIM
- Check your insurance covers scooter ridingSome travel policies exclude moped and scooter accidents, so read the riding clause before you rent. Keep your policy number on your phone.Travel insurance
Need to know
- Currency
- Bermudian dollar (BMD), US dollars widely accepted
- Entry
- Visa-free for many passports; check the Government of Bermuda site Read more
- Emergency
- 911 police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Service charge often added; check the bill before tipping extra
- Time
- UTC-4 (Atlantic Time), UTC-3 in summer (daylight saving)
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCool, quiet
- FebruaryCool, quiet
- MarchCool, breezy
- AprilMild, sunny
- MayMild, pleasant
- JuneWarm, storms begin
- JulyHot, humid
- AugustHurricane peak
- SeptemberStorm season
- OctoberWarm, sea still warm
- NovemberCooling, quiet
- DecemberHoliday, cool
Right now in Hamilton
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
22
- Feels like
- 18°
- Humidity
- 68%
- Wind
- 31 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 21%
Royal Naval Dockyard
04:36 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today23°21°21%Monday: Drizzle. High 23°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 21%.
- Tue24°22°58%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 24°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 58%.
- Wed24°23°14%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 24°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 14%.
- Thu25°23°37%Thursday: Drizzle. High 25°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 37%.
- Fri25°23°51%Friday: Thunderstorms. High 25°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 51%.
- Sat25°23°38%Saturday: Thunderstorms. High 25°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 38%.
- Sun25°23°19%Sunday: Drizzle. High 25°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 19%.
Updated 01:52 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 1 BMD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- St. George'sabout 1 hour by bus or ferryAn older colonial town with forts and narrow lanes, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Read the guide
- Royal Naval Dockyardabout 1 hour by ferryOld naval buildings, museums and a waterfront at the western end of the island.Read the guide
- South Shore beachesabout 30 to 40 min by busPink-sand beaches on the south coast, a good half day from the city.Read the guide
Before you go to Hamilton
Rules for Hamilton, checked
- Visitors cannot rent cars in Bermuda; scooter and moped riders must wear a helmet and drive on the left.
- Check entry rules and passport requirements on the Government of Bermuda site before you book your flight.Source
- Single-use plastic bags are restricted in Bermuda; check the current rules on the government site before you pack.
Plan around Hamilton
Island regions, entry, transport and money for a Bermuda trip
Read the guideGetting around BermudaBuses, ferries, taxis and scooter rules for the island
Read the guideMoney and costsBermudian dollars, US cash, cards and typical daily prices
Read the guideVisas and entryPassport and entry checks before you book flights
Read the guideWhere to stayHotels and guesthouses in Hamilton and the nearby parishes
Read the guideTours and ticketsFerry passes, island tours and bookings for day trips
Read the guideHamilton FAQ
Can you get around Hamilton without a car?
Yes. Visitors cannot rent cars in Bermuda, so buses, ferries, taxis and scooters are the main options. Most of Hamilton's center is walkable.
Is Hamilton worth visiting?
Yes, if you want a compact capital with waterfront shops and a base for ferries to the rest of the island. One day covers the center and the harbor.
How many days do you need in Hamilton?
One day covers the center and the waterfront. Add a night if you want early ferries to St. George's or the Royal Naval Dockyard.
Is Hamilton or St. George's better?
Hamilton is the modern capital with shops, offices and the waterfront. St. George's is an older town, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with narrow lanes and forts.
Is Hamilton expensive?
Prices in Bermuda run high. The costs table shows typical daily figures in Bermudian dollars.