Newbie Question - Rashguard/Sun in November?

[keado]

Hi everyone - first time posting on here, although I've had the site bookmarked for what feels like months! My husband and I spending a week on St. John in November for our five year anniversary (first real trip away from toddler), and we can't wait.

My question is about heat and the strength of the sun over Thanksgiving week. Although weather and temperatures of course vary . . . is the sun so strong at that time of year that you would snorkel with a rashguard?

We generally are very active on vacation - we like to snorkel, swim, etc. - so we will be in the sun a fair amount. I spent a Mexico vacation several years ago burnt to a crisp due to expired sunscreen, so I want to avoid that.

Thanks for your feedback!

[chicagoans]

Yes, the sun will be strong. We've gone in Dec/Jan and used rash guards (sometimes too late -- and we already had sun burns.) So I'd recommend bringing some just in case, especially since you like to be active.

Sunburn can sneak up on you, particularly when snorkeling. You're having so much fun watching the sea life, and staying cool in the water, then you get out an bingo! Fried back and back of legs.

What a great Thanksgiving you'll have! Have fun!

[tjwgrr]

I'd lather up / cover up regardless of the time of year. The sun's intensity doesn't vary as much seasonally on STJ since they're much closer to the equator.

We do the pre-bake method and tan before going to STJ. Gives a bit more protection by having a decent base. Wife's already started.... see our ticker:

[BuffaloGal]

We always go in Nov., and the sun is intense. We're usually good with SPF applied liberally and often.

[Lindy]

It's going to depend on your skin type. If you are fair skinned and burn easily then you might want to consider a rashguard AND sunscreen. I snorkel alot and use high SPF sunscreen but by the end of a week I need to start wearing a shirt/rashguard for my back and some kind of shorts to cover the tender area on my bum where my swim suit ends. Apparently that area floats the highest out of the water and gets fried the most. Sitting on a painfully sunburned hiney makes for an even more miserable flight on the way home!! LOL!

Also - if you are on any medications you might want to check with your doctor to make sure they don't intensify your exposure to the sun. I take a diuretic, but stop using it during the time I'm on STJ because it makes my sunburn worse.

[stjohnjulie]

The sun is intense here year round, no matter what month you travel. The biggest difference in how hot it feels here has to do with the wind. Even if it feels cooler here in December - April, you still have to watch out for the sun. Our UV index is usually High to Extreme year round.

[Capn Dan and Ruby]

Absolutly! Rashguards are the best any time. Also, they lessen the need for large quantities of sunscreen which kills the coral. When you do apply sunscreen apply it 30 min before hitting the water. It works better and does not all end up all over the coral.

[keado]

Thanks everyone! I appreciate the feedback. I went ahead and ordered one - only $20! I'm sure it will be $20 well spent.