Summer Vs. Winter

[surfnh]

We go to P.R. during xmas and water temp is usually 82F. We do STJ in late April and water temp is closer to 79F. Compared to summer water temps around Boston, that feels really great, we could stay in the water for hours and we never get cold. But I know, when you live there, you get accustomed to the heat, and winters I suppose start to feel cool, though its hard to imagine for us.

Personally we like the feel of NE winter in December, and I think this is the last year we'll go someplace warm for xmas....more fun to have some snow. We really like traveling to STJ in April, because up in New England April just sucks....lots of 45F days with rain....plus we like the cheaper villas.

I just can't imagine going to STJ in summer, when summer is beautiful in New England (not this summer though!)....nothing against other posters, but 2nd half of winter to me is best time to head to someplace warm, and stay there if you can afford it.

[BRY1105]

Michigans summers are just to short and to nice to go any where else. On the flip side...our winters are nasty...

Living in Wisconsin, I know what you mean. Id love to go earlier in Spring. That in mind, knowing that the water is rougher in the winter and less ideal for snorkeling compared to summer months, when in spring does the water calm down for better snorkeling visibility? I guess what I'm trying to say is I want to find a happy meduim between calm clear water for snorkeling, yet not leaving Wisconsin during its short summer of June - August.

[Exit Zero]

The cool nights in the winter are a real difference -- low 70's to high 60's especially higher elevations and much better wind.

[samoka]

We travel the last week of February for a lot of reasons - all the reasons on Grommit's list - partly because I am a teacher and get that week off and it is nice to go someplace warm in the winter - also, we are lucky enough to spend the entire summer on a lake in NH which is as nice as being on STJ = we go boating and noodling and really relas - the best thing is that when we get back it is the first week of March and spring is right around the corner - and it gives us something to look forward to all January and February.

[rdb1204]

This is all good stuff to hear. We usually go at the end of May and we think it's perfect. June starts to get hotter. This year we will be arriving on Thanksgiving into the first week of December. I figure it should still be nice. Does anyone have any experience with this time? Will the water still be warm and calm? What are the chances of the Northern Swells at that time? Thanks for all your inputs.

[CindyM]

We've been in the islands the first week of December only once and loved that time of the year. While we were there, the swells picked up midway through the week and the water turned noticeably colder overnight. The first half of the week was awesome!

[BRY1105]

When in spring does the water calm down for better snorkeling visibility? I want to find a happy meduim between calm clear water for snorkeling, yet not leaving Wisconsin during its short summer of June - August. What is the water like in Jan/Feb/Mar/April/May?

[liamsaunt]

For me personally, April was still too cold and choppy. There were a couple of days we didn't even go in to the water. Later in May was warm enough for me to enjoy snorkeling, but I still really prefer June, July, and October.

[tjwgrr]

Days are shorter - you get fewer daylight hours.

Being closer to the Equator, winter vs. summer daylight varies only by just over 2 hours in the VI's.

In my part of the world our daylight varies by over 6-1/2 hours winter vs. summer.

[Gromit]

Yeah, but two hours does make a difference to some.

Also, one more thing. The beaches are smaller. That is to say, narrower.

At first I thought it was my imagination but I don't think it is. In winter the water line on the beaches is higher and you lose some beach.

Perhaps someone way more knowledgable than I am on the subject can explain why.

[kristen1206]

We went in March and found the air temperature to be absolutely perfect. But the water was rough, chillier than I like and the beaches were crowded. It was also very hard to find a parking spot in town. While the break from the cold was nice, I prefer late April - June.

[rdb1204]

I believe that the happy middle of the road is May. The water is very calm and warm. As long as there are no storms, the water is also the clearest that it can be for snorkling. The air temp is rather comfortable and the humidity is not as high as during the summer months. If I remember correctly late May is relatively dry as far as monthly averages of rain totals and it is pre-hurricane season. It seems as soon as June hits it starts getting hotter (humid). But as all others have said IMHO. What ever you decide, I can say you will have an oustan

[dctac]

I've been in jan, feb, and april. I've never had a mosquito problem yet,,,,I'm not sure if I'd go in the rainy season due to the bugs that I here about.....I couldn't imagine dealing with that,