USVI-On-Line

Even though one can look up water temperature averages online, I have found this to be inaccurate at times. Is it really true that the water temperature at St. John is approximately 83 in summer and 79 in winter? So is it still comfortable for a person to go swimming in the ocean from say November through March - without a wet suit? If we make the expensive trip to visit St. John during the winter months for the main purpose of going snorkeling, we will not be disappointed with cold water?

We have been as early as Apr, and as late as Dec, and always had wm water. Even warm enough for my always cold husband. Never been in heart of winter season. It must be fine because it is so very busy, but I've heard that locals think it's too cold.

We always would visit in Sept/October because the water is perfect right now. In January and February the water has been to cold for me. My husband thinks its fine. It's all what you can tolerate I guess.

We've only been once (so far) but it was nice and warm in late Nov/early Dec 2011! The ocean was much warmer than the pool at our villa! I don't know what the exact temperature was, but I thought it was perfect!!

I'm a January girl and honestly we have no problem swimming or snorkeling... but I will say that last year I wore long sleeves in the water and was more comfortable for longer snorkels of 30+ minutes. After realizing this I'm hunting for a long sleeve heavier weight shirt this year.

I never thought the water was even cool in the winter months. My mother, on the other hand, wears a black long sleeve shirt and long pants of some sort of tech fabric when she snorkels and still "freezes".

Sounds like it will be too cold for me! I really appreciate the feedback from everyone - it is very helpful. I knew I would get help here - thanks alot

FWIW, I've brought a digital food thermometer down to the beach, and recorded 79 F in late January, and 87 F (!) in August. This thermometer nails the freezing and boiling point of water, so it's very accurate. We never find the water too warm in summer, but have to admit that we find the winter water a bit cool for our tastes. Maho and other protected beaches are a bit warmer than exposed ones.

Kevin

We are big snorkelers and stay Tend to stay in the water a long time ( 1 1/2-2 hours at a time two snorkels sites a day usually) i would tend to get chilly much quicker than my husband or teen boys no matter if is March, Oct, June. BUT hubby got me a fleeced lined dive skin short sleeve top and now I can stick with the guys the whole time!! They are great!!! ( they come in long sleeve as well!) much less bulky than a wet suit!!! Hope this helps!!