Oct or Nov?

[AquaGirl]

If you could choose any week in the last half of October or first half of November to go to St John, when would you choose and why? We've only been in April and May, but I am going to start working on hubby for a fall trip. Other than the obvious about possibility of hurricanes, any differences in weather, stores/restaurants open, etc? I seem to recall that the winter swells sometimes start in November, so perhaps Oct is better? We love to snorkel and spend lots of time in the water, so calm water is really important to us. Thanks!

[John LMBZ06]

The closer to winter you get, the further from a hurricane you get, but yes the swells start. I have been in October and December and prefer October for the slightly warmer calmer water, but have never been there in November. I like to dive and spend time on a boat and that is why I like the calmer water. Either way you win though. Not important to me, but some of the restaurants and shops are still closed in October. The island is not as busy in October. That may or may not make a difference to you.

[Lulu76]

If you are planning to do a lot of snorkeling, I would say October would be better. We have gone in October and in November, and this past trip our lone snorkeler in the group only was able to go out once and didn't stay long and was absolutely exhausted when she got back. The other girl who had planned to learn to snorkel left her gear in the Jeep because the water was so much choppier than usual.

October there are less shops and restaurants open, but we didn't go hungry and still managed to spend a ton of money, so I don't think that matters too much either.

[UF Prof]

We have gone in later part of Oct and the early part of Nov. I tend to favor Nov personally. More places seem to be closed in Oct. Also, if you are planning on a day sail, a number of captains seem to have their boats out of water in Oct. I really didn't notice any different in the snorkeling. We were there in early Nov last fall and I snorkeled both north and south shore beaches. A possible down side is that there seem to be more people in Nov than in Oct, even on the Coral Bay side.

[Roberto]

Our first trip was late October/early November and I absolutely loved it. Water was warmer than our winter trips and crowds significantly less. And low season rates.

[RickG]

Halloween week! It's a great party time.

Cheers, RickG

[liamsaunt]

October is absolutely wonderful. We've been twice in October (and are coming back this October!). I love it because the water is so warm and calm. You can spend hours snorkeling and not get cold. It is very quiet, you may have the beach to yourselves some days if you choose one of the less popular ones.

As far as restaurants go, I remember that a lot of things in Coral Bay seemed to be closed, but Skinnys, Shipwreck Landing, Donkey Diner, and Aqua Bistro were open. A few places in Cruz Bay were closed also, but we still enjoyed great dinners out. Ruth has that closing list on her website that you can check. Caneel is going to be closed in October this year, so you won't have access to their restaurants and beaches.

[mindehankins]

We're "planning on October." Hoping for October might be more correct. Will Caneel closing in October affect the Honeymoon Beach access where you park in their lot?

[alw1977]

I don't know for sure, but I'd imagine the lots at Caneel would be off limits while the resort is closed. You can, however, reach Salomon and Honeymoon via the trail from Cruz Bay. It's not a terribly long walk, but bring plenty of bug spray. We got eaten alive last October on that trail, but we were sans bug spray.

As for the October/November dilemma... I've never been to the Caribbean in November, but I've been twice in October. The water is incredibly flat and calm, and the snorkeling is great. I frankly enjoyed how quiet the island was in early October. We went last April as well and the air temp was perfect, but the water was a little cold and rough compared to what I'm used to. We normally travel in the May-July timeframe.

[cool breeze]

Going back for our 3rd trip the last week of October. As Rick G says Halloween week is a great time to spend on the Island. Weather has been great during our 2 previous stays. Good luck in your planning and if your on the island the last week in October I am hoping to get a gathering of forumites at the Beach Bar for a meet & greet.

CB

[sea-nile]

Late Oct and early Nov are nice. Further from hurricane season has to be better!