Nassau Straw Market
Market Traditional Bahamian craft and straw goods market
Nassau’s Straw Market near Bay Street sells woven hats, baskets and Bahamian handicrafts; tourists come for local artisans, souvenirs and to watch straw-weaving techniques.
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The Nassau Straw Market is an open-air craft market in downtown Nassau, New Providence, known for locally made straw products and tourist souvenirs.
Stalls line the market area offering woven hats, baskets, bags and other handicrafts made from palmetto and straw. Shoppers can find a wide variety of Bahamian handmade items within a compact area adjacent to Bay Street and the waterfront.
The market grew around Nassau’s waterfront trade in local crafts and palm products and has long served visitors arriving by sea and staying in the city. It developed into a concentrated craft market catering to tourists over the 20th century.
The market sits on Bay Street in central Nassau, a short walk from the cruise-ship terminals and downtown hotels, with the harbor and waterfront immediately to the north.
- Location and peak times: Located in downtown Nassau on Bay Street, close to the cruise-ship docks and the city market area so it is busiest when ships are in port.
- What to expect: Stallholders specialise in woven straw goods, handicrafts and souvenirs; bargaining is common and many vendors accept cash only.
How to Get to Nassau Straw Market #
The Nassau Straw Market sits near Bay Street in downtown Nassau, New Providence. From the Nassau cruise terminal it’s an easy walk along Bay Street toward the city center; taxis are plentiful for those arriving at other island points.
The area is pedestrian-friendly but keep an eye on traffic and pickpockets in crowded sections.
Tips for Visiting Nassau Straw Market #
- Haggle respectfully and expect fixed-price souvenirs in many stalls; local straw-weavers may have set prices.
- Bring cash in small denominations; many vendors do not accept cards.
- Try locally made straw crafts rather than mass-produced items-a better value and a direct link to traditional techniques.
Best Time to Visit Nassau Straw Market #
Visit during the dry season (November-April) for the most comfortable market conditions; mornings avoid the midday heat and crowds.
Weather & Climate near Nassau Straw Market #
Nassau Straw Market's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 18°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1279 mm/year), wettest in June.
January
January is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).
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March
March is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).
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April
April is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).
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May
May is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm).
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June
June is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (193 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (132 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (178 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (170 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (166 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
