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STJ Weather
Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2010 3:23 pm
by BRY1105
Wondering when I should schedule our next trip I realized that the weather & the water is most important to me. I'd like to go in the Spring-ish months. (Summer=hot, Fall=unpredictable weather, Winter=high rates & rough water). When in spring does the water calm down for great snorkeling visibility? March, April, May?
Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2010 3:55 pm
by Pia
We always get, at least in the 6 years I have lived here, 7 to 10 days of solid cloud and rain in April or May and again in October or November (apparent this year but we had them in October and November 
) I never advise my family to visit in these 4 months as I don't want to be responsible for a ruined vacation (I also don't want to be stuck indoors for 7 days with them looking to me for suggestions of things to do)
Now I know many people visit in these months (obviously) and the weather has been great for them - I mean what are the chances you will be here for those 7 days out of a possible 60 days right - but all I know is, if you pick the wrong 7 days ...............well, have a plan B for days at the villa because we are not talking "sprinkles" we are talking downpours.
Pia
Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2010 6:41 pm
by michigancouple
We've gone 3 times now in mid-feb to mid-march. Going again during the same timeframe in 2011. Yes, the rates are high, but we've always had great weather. And knowing that your Wisconsin winters are like our Michigan winters, it's the perfect time for a get-away!
Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2010 12:21 pm
by Gromit
I've traveled in April, May, June, early July and early December.
There's always a chance for crzy weather but when I look back late May and Early June have always been good bets.
December is usually great but the water is cooler and temps overall are cooler. We go in Early December for two reasons: 1) my Birthday is on the 13th and 2) we can get in a trip before high season begins.
But if you want to aim for spring late May is probably a better choice. IMO
Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2010 11:07 pm
by petepie
We've been in early April - great weather, calm warm water. early/mid May - horrible weather - rained several days, bad mosquitoes - I won't book in May again, and we went in late January - great weather, but the northern swells made snorkeling impossible for the north shore beaches. Next time, I think we'll aim for March, although prices are still really high
Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2010 9:21 am
by Beesmom
Gromit wrote:
There's always a chance for crzy weather but when I look back late May and Early June have always been good bets.
What she said - we've had very good luck in this timeframe and are aiming for early or mid-June this year as well.
Our one late July trip was great. We always rent a place with a pool because of the afternoon heat but it's like that in May as well.
The one time we went in late October the weather was perfect, the ocean was warm, and it wasn't that crowded. We were also extremely lucky becuase 4-5 days later a tropical wave sat on top of St. John for a week or so.
-Sandy
Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2010 10:07 am
by BRY1105
When in spring does the water calm down for better snorkeling visibility?
Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2010 10:29 am
by Gromit
This varies based on the weather and can change from day to day. IMHO there is no specific "time" for this.
Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2010 10:52 am
by BRY1105
Gromit wrote:This varies based on the weather and can change from day to day. IMHO there is no specific "time" for this.
Generally April? Just trying to figure out what months I should aviod given that snorkeling is our favorite activity.
Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2010 11:08 am
by Gromit
Honestly Bryan, with the weather is down there it's perfect until it's not.
It rains somewehere on island every single day but showers are short lived so don't panic when you check the weather report and it looks like rain all week.
The only issues that of real concern in terms of long term effect on weather are Tropical Storms and Waves (waves can park themselves for days and dump rain) or the "H" word. Otherwise most everything is short lived.
As I mentioned before I think your best bet is probably late May for ideal conditions. But as everyone will tell you people visit year round, even in the winter mmonths when the north swells are notorious and have perfect beach conditions. Likewise people visit in the middle of Hurricane season and report no issues and gorgeous weather.
Then there people that visit in an "ideal" time and have miserable weather.
No need to overthink it.
Keep in mind that prices are still high for villa rental in early April. April 15 (or thereabouts) drop for low season.
Early April is Regatta season so if you're into sailboats this is a fun time to go.
My suggestion is pick a week (or two) that works best with your schedule and budget and just go. As Pia said April can be rainier so I am suggesting LATE MAY to you as a better time than most. But there are NO GUARANTEES.
Good luck!
Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2010 11:12 am
by BRY1105
Thanks Gromit - I just wanted to figure out when the northern swells die down. Its funny that you guys suggest late May because thats what I was thinking too.
Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2010 12:46 pm
by sea-nile
2010 was a bad year with 2 rainy trips for me.
June is best in my opinion.
Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2010 2:17 pm
by Chet
Oct 2007 Omar; Nov 2010 Monsoon. It's a crap shoot
Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2010 7:25 pm
by Pia
"Oct 2007 Omar; Nov 2010 Monsoon. It's a crap shoot"
Yep Chet that's why I never tell family to visit in April, May, October and November because as I said you will be guaranteed 10 days of crappy weather sometime in April or May and again in October or November and I don't want to be blamed
Hope you have fantastic weather on your next visit 