Abe

My wife and I want to go to Cozumel for our 10th Anniversary. Is hurricane season still in force in early October? Would it be better to go in late October or early November? Does the ocean water get colder the later you go? Also, where to find shallow areas to snorkel - wife gets nervous if deeper than 15 feet. <BR>Thank you.

debbie

Yes, it's a 50/50 situation in October, early November but then again last year a late season hurricane hit in mid-November. You will find that it is very steamy and hot at this time of the year but do try and go later in November. Even if it does rain it will be quick. <BR>No the ocean doesn't get colder - at least not that I've been aware of - we've been in November and in February and find the water temps no colder. <BR>For shallow snorkeling - try Playa Corona beach.

Shell

Abe, I'd personally avoid Cozumel during the time you mention. The official Caribbean hurricane season runs from June to November, but they seem to hit mostly in September/October (though Mitch hit in early November in 1998). Even if you don't hit a hurricane, a tropical depression or tropical storm elsewhere in the Caribbean can signficantly affect the weather hundreds of miles away. <BR> <BR>The ocean does get cooler in the fall and winter months. Though at that time of year, it's probably still quite swimmable. We tried Cozumel in early March and the water was 77-78 -- too cold for a pleasant swim, in my opinion. Two weeks ago temps were in the low 80s -- bathwater by comparison. <BR> <BR>Shallow snorkeling can be found at Dzul-Ha and Playa Corona. Also in front of the Presidente, but you'll have to act like you're a guest there -- no public access except through the hotel. Chankanaab may be a little deep for your wife -- I'd say it starts out in 15-20 feet and gets deeper. <BR> <BR>I have a site at www.gringoguide.com if you'd like more info on Cozumel.

dmotl

We go to the area for two weeks starting thanksgiving week and have found this to work well. We used to go earlier but we always got burned on the weather. We find no water temp differance between this time and when we go the second half of march. <BR>

abe

Ok - thanks Debbie, Shell and DMotl for the advise. Will probably 'postpone' our anniversary until right after Thanksgiving. A bottle of Dom Perignon will have to do in October - sigh.

Leila

Now Im worried, Im supposed to be going to Playa del Carmen late Sept/early Oct. Ive been reading the www.xaac.com/playaboard and everyone there says thats its hot and it usually rains for an hour or so every afternoon, not to let it change my travel plans. Alot of people who have and do travel there during that time says its ok, of course except for the chance of hurricanes, but I found an insurance company that sells insurance just for this situation. I guess I'll take my chances.

Carole

Dear Abe, <BR> <BR>Hi have traveled to my rental villa, Casa Tropical, just north of the Tulum ruins, every October since 1992. I have only run into trouble once with bad weather. The last hurricane that actually hit our area (including Cancun and Coz) in October was Roxanne. Mitch missed us except for some rain. The water is also very pleasant that time of year still warm in the 80's. You should be ok going in late October or early November. <BR>http://CasaTropical.com