We are planning a trip to Puerto Rico during the December holidays. We have two boys - 14 and 8. As I am looking into the activities, I wonder how warm is it in December to do all the water activities? Most importantly, will they be able to get into the ocean? Or will it be too cold? We are looking for beach front properties and it will be disappointing if they can't swim in the waters.
Also wanted to find out how to pack for the trip? Do I pack for a summer destination or take light sweaters? I appreciate any input from people who have travelled to PR in winter.
Thanks in advance!

While Puerto Rico is a territory of the US, as far as Fodors is concerned, it is on the Caribbean forum. Search there and also look at the destinations tab at top.

Average high/low in December is 84 and 73. Average water temperature near San Juan is 81 or so.

All those temps are about 4-5 degrees cooler than the warmest months. But it is not winter by any stretch.

I was perfectly comfortable in the water at Luquillo Beach last December.

Rent a car and take the kids to the Camuy Caves (sp?) National Park and the tropical rain forest. It will be lovely and warm, nice for swimming.

I have been there in January and it warm and went into the ocean. The kids would probably like to tour the fort and climb around. As others said there is the rain forest etc. Go to the Caribbean forum for more info.

This is the Carib. It is warm (not like much of FL) and in winter the water is warmer than you ever get in the NE US - so of course they can go in.

BUT - I would always take one sweater or light jacket since in the evening right on the water you can always get cool breezes.

I thought of posting in Carribean but felt more people will be reading here if I posted in the US. Thanks everyone for the heads up. Here we come in our summer wears (plus that light jacket).

My 23 year old daughter and I were there early Jan 2014. It was shorts, sundresses and go in the ocean weather every day. We stayed a few nights near San Juan but then went to Ponce - there is a Hilton Resort there right on the water.

We wore a light sweater a couple of nights. Best thing about traveling someplace so warm in January is that you can procrastinate unpacking since you will not need any of the clothes you bring for months.

I highly recommend PR for a vacation - it is so easy. No passport, currency or cellphone issues.