early January trip..will we freeze?

[lawmom]

Wondering about water temps as I'm chicken in cold water. I just saw another post about a Rash Guard and plan to buy one today....

[datwaymon]

From personal experience, while I have noticed a difference between winter and summer water temps, I would never consider the water cold.

From a Google search that led me to another site...

Water Temperatures

Water temperatures in the Virgin Islands do not change greatly from summer to winter, however the 4 or 5 degree change is noticeable to those acclimated to consistently warm tropical weather. In the summer months the water temperature is about 83 degrees and in the winter about 79 degrees.

[iowaguy]

I have been to STJ twice later in January and found the water temps very comfortable. I cannot say what someone else will find comfortable---I'm a northerner after all--but being cold was not an issue for any of our group.

[lawmom]

We went last March and it was just a touch chilly for me...so that's why I'm concerned about January. Trying to figure out the best time of year to go to STJ, so we're just experimenting.

March was great. Weather was PERFECT! It will be hard to beat!

[RidgeRunner]

I found that wearing dive gloves while snorkeling in the winter really helped, especially if you like to spend a lot of time in the water.

[SCMako17]

I actually noticed a difference in early December vs. middle of January. The rash guard was perfect in early December but I wish that I'd had a bit more in January. If you have any question, I would vote for one of the tops thats between a rash guard and a full on wetsuit. I'm a skinny Southerner so I tend to get cold pretty easily.

[Iluvstjohn]

we've been in December....and April...but many times in June....June is by far our favorite!

[JJShaw]

I agree with Iluvtjohn. We prefer June. We also went in April and to me the water was cold, so we didnt snorkel alot, did more site see and Hike that trip. However Im one of those people that freeze at 70 degrees. This past August was really enjoyable, I thought it would Hot Hot Hot...but it wasnt too bad at all. But June is by far our favorite as well...

[GoldenDaze]

I too will be on STJ in January and tend to freeze in the water. I would recommend either a 0.5 mm or 1.0 mm neoprene long sleeve top. I wear one from Oneil, you can probably find one or something similiar online. A rash guard will give UV protection but no significant thermal protection.
Time of year is a toss up. January is usually dry with comfy air temps but cooler water temps. In summer the water temp is great but it can get pretty hot on land. Keep trying different months, it is fun research!

[lawmom]

Just bought one today!

[lisa mcg]

We always travel in Jan or Feb and are always fine in the water...no wet suits, no rash guards...but that's just us!!!

[stjchica]

We always travel in Jan or Feb and are always fine in the water...no wet suits, no rash guards...but that's just us!!!

Yeah shoot...I think I'm so happy to be in the islands, I don't even notice the water temps..Have been in late Dec/early Jan and never thought a thing about the water temp..definitely wasn't "freezing"..to me.