Weather should be fine, ocean water about 77-79 deg.
To have water temps over 80, go to the far eastern and southern Caribbean, say Martinique and south. Air Canada has non-stops to Barbados, a wonderful island, lots of Brits and Canadians, perpetual summer. You'll have water 81-83 and air temps not likely to go below 70 at nite.

I've been told to guarantee warm weather in the Caribbean in the winter months you need to get south of 17 degrees latitude.

I think Jamaica is about 17.5.

We've been to Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis in January. All were warm. Also, to Panama, Costa Rica and Cartagena Colombia.

The further south the better in terms of warmth.

We have been to Grand Cayman during Christmas time and it was warm and beautiful.

We have been to Jamaica during early March and the sea was rather cold for swimming, the air temperature was not that hot either. Very pleasant though, but not hot, about 73F-7F max, bonus was no or little humidity. As others have said, further south is warmer, have been to Martinique and Guadeloupe during Christmas and it was very hot.

Thanks for your comments & suggestions.

So, maybe Grenada, St Kitts, Nevis or Barbados. GC may not be far enough South for us for this trip. Of those 4, I have to check & see which ones have Air Canada direct non-stop.( other than Barbados which xkenx has says has AC nonstop)

OB1

I have always had great weather during the winter. In Grand Cayman, the average high is 83 degrees and the average low is about 75 degrees in December. This is warm enough for me.

This link should help:
http://caymanislands-guide.info/weather/temperature/

However, at this late date you will probably not be able to book a good accommodation on Grand Cayman for the Christmas/ New Years week.

Thanks, George!

Do you know anything about The Reef? It is available.
Could The Reef be classified as "good accomodation"?

Looking forward to hearing your comments. ( & anybody else who has anything...good or bad...to say about The Reef)

OB1

Personally, I wouldn't chance going to the northern Caribbean in late December, January, February or even March. Like Odin, we were in Jamaica in mid-March a couple of years ago and it could have been a couple of degrees warmer for my tastes. It was too cool to get in the water a couple of days we were there. And we live in Boston so it's not like I have thin blood.

We just returned from Grenada last weekend. Lovely. And hot!

You should add St. Lucia and the ABC islands: Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao to your list of possibilities. All should be nice and warm enough during your time frame. You may be able to get to Aruba and St. Lucia non-stop from Toronto.

Thanks, sharona!

OceanBreeze1,
The Reef is on the on the North side of the island, which is less crowded than the other parts of the island. Most people who go to the resort are happy with the accommodations.There are many places near the Reef to snorkel. The downside is that in winter, that side of the island can be windy. Also, the beach is not sandy like Seven Mile Beach and there is a limited amount of restaurants.

George,
Thank you for your comments.
The Reef sounds as if it may be too remote for us.
Also if we eneded up on the first floor, I don't know that I would feel secure...first floor in a remote location.

Still looking & considering our options. Flights are very expensive from Toronto. No surprise given the late date!

OB1

The Reef is pretty rugged and suits those wanting to get away from it all. My parents have been at Christmas time and they said the weather was warm and came home with a tan!

Help me, OB1! You're my only hope.

Sorry.

Counde: What do you mean by "rugged"? Remote? Not good?

Jimmie:
I would be happy to help you but I need to know: What's the problem?

OB1

Just a bad Star Wars reference.