cdt

We've vacationed several times in the Caribbean, including the USVI and BVI, usually in late Feb. or March.

Last month we were in Akumal, Mexico, in early Feb. and both the air and water were cooler than we would like.

It looks like next year we may need to go in January - thinking about another St. Thomas/St. John trip, and wondering what the air and water temps will be like.

Any comments?

Sunnyboy

There's not much difference between averages temperatures in the USVI's/BVI's between January and February or March (probably only 2 or 3 degrees F.) but those are only averages. For instance temperatures throughout the Caribbean this past February (when you were in Mexico) were somewhat below average so you were not the only ones who felt cool. You see, you are dealing with mother nature and there's no telling now what the "real" temperatures will be in the USVI's/BVI's next January during the week or so you are visiting other than that during the day they will probably be in the low to mid 80's F. but could range anywhere between the low 70's and high 80's. The one thing that you probably will encounter in January are the so called "Christmas Winds" which as their name implys beging around Christmas time and last thruogh most of January - makes for good sleeping weather. Sorry I can be of more help but anyone who tries to be more specific is only fooling themselves.

cdt

Sunnyboy makes some good points, so let me try posing a slightly different question:

Is there anyone out there who has found the water in the USVI to be too cool for comfortable snorkeling during January?

(assuming the sun is shining and you're not wearing a wetsuit)

Sunnyboy

I hope I'm not the only one to respond but I go to the Caribbean often and in December and January have been as far north as the T&C islands and found the water temperatures to be fairly comfortable. To be fair I've been south of the USVI's/BVI's in winter and at times felt a slight chill while snorkeling but never enough to be uncomfortable. It's really hard to predict what water temps will be.

That said, two years ago at the suggestion of a friend, I purchased a "shorty" wet suit and found it kept me very comfortable regardless of the water temperatures. I was able to stay in the water for much longer periods and it provided some extra bouancy which was an added plus for an older gent like me. Now I won't go snorkeling without it. They are not that expensive (between $60 and $90 dollars - they are cheaper on the internet than at your local dive shop) and they will last many years if you rinse them out and air dry them after each use. Also, they fold up neatly so they don't take up too much room in your luggage. If you enjoy snorkeling give it some thought.

ScottB

My wife & I were just in St Thomas in the end on January, and snorkeled quite a bit. We actually thought the water was a little cool for our comfort zone. We definitely like the 82-84 range, and it was closer to 78-79 when we were there. It certainly didn't keep us from snorkeling, but we got chilly faster than usual.

We were kind of surprised, as this was the first time in the caribbean we felt a bit chilly in the water. We have travelled during Jan thru May, and never felt cold in the water. We are however, admitted cold-water wimps!!

sueoz

Hi - We snorkeled in St. John both this January and last. This year was much cooler! We also have shorty wetsuits and love them. We tend to snorkel for hours and the wetsuit lets us do it in relative comfort. If you are only going in for a short time - probably no problem without. I saw lots of people in the water without any extra covering and they didn't seem bothered.

The locals said they found this year very cold.

It's beautiful there. sue