Question on water temp

[dhanc1]

We have generally gone to StJ in the summer months, June through August or October. We have always found the water to be a perfect temperature for swimming, snorkeling and lounging. On our one trip in Janruary a few years ago the water was a little cold, ok, a lot cold for us and it limited our time doing some of our favorite things. The water, of course, was not unbearable but you definitely had to ease in and get used to it before you were comfortable. We also noted that although there were a lot of people on island, water activity was more limited than what we were used to seeing.----My question: We are planning on trying to get down sometime in April or May. When does the water warm up to that perfect lounging temperature.

[Pia]

Perfect lounging temp for me - July, August and September

Pia

[tipsy]

when your water temps run in the mid 50's to low 60's till mid August, any temps are good. !
That is what it is here in NY oceans. Nothing like going into the water and your toes curl up from the cold, esp after laying in the hot sun..
So water temps in STJ are going to be like a bathtub for us.

[Gromit]

I have found April and May water temps very comfortable-- but April can be wet otherwise.

I agree that Winter water temps are noticably cooler. Still manageable and comfortable mid day but definitely colder. Of course that's all relative.

[dhanc1]

Thanks--I think we'll wait till early May. Let me know if there's anything unique to that time of year that I may not be aware of. Thanks again

[deejayjay]

We've only been in apr and May. Both were great. Water temp prehaps a bit cooler in Apr. Air temp much hotter in May. But we're real wimps about cold water, and Apr water was warm enough. We're going back again this april.

[Captain John]

Perfect lounging temp for me - July, August and September

Pia

I'm with Pia on this one.

[captainjay]

Perfect lounging temp for me - July, August and September

Pia

I'm with Pia on this one.

You have to excuse those of us that have been spoiled. Prior to living here I used to come down in Feb and go diving without a wet suit. Now I freeze if the water isn't 85 degrees.
Jay

[Gromit]

I was told by a friend who lived on STT years ago that locals don't usually get in the water until after Memorial Day.

I was like "What??!!??"

Sadly, after 13 years of regular trips down, I feel like a quasi local and understand why.

It's not like it's really cold. But when you're used to bathwater temps in the summer there's definitely a difference.

I won't even get into the water on an East Coast beach anymore either -- even in the summer. I'll go to the beach and sit on the sand but I won't go near the water.

SOOOOOOO spoiled!!

[KTinTX]

We were there last June and it was perfect. A few years ago we were on Maui in June and my wife couldn't stay in the water more than a few minutes and I'll wager the water temp was about 72-75.

We are spoiled being in Houston and don't even get in our swimming pool until the water temps creep into the low-mid 80s. Of course, by August my pool water is usually around 90!

[dhanc1]

Well, I'm glad to know I'm not the only one that could tell a difference. I felt like a big sissy even bringing it up but I've determined that if I can only go down once a year it won't be in January. I definitely prefer the summer months.

[bubblybrenda]

My first trip was in April, my last trip in February. I definitely noticed the water to be much cooler in February but it still didn't keep me out of the water. As another member said you just have to ease into it.

[flip-flop]

I have only been in May, June and November. Soon to add March. That said, I got in the water EVERY time and was comfy every time. I did notice being slightly (ever so much) chilly a time or two during the November trip right after getting out of the water, but nothing significant and only if it was cloudy or overcast.

Spoiled locals!!