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Late Oct to mid-Nov on STJ?
Late Oct to mid-Nov on STJ?
We have never visited the islands in Oct or early Nov. I noticed in posts that some of you go there during that time. If there are no TS or hurricanes looming, can you tell me how the water is during that time? We are avid snorkelers and spend a good part of every day in the water if conditions permit, so the "usual" water conditions are of interest to us. (Of course we realize that the weather is unpredictable and may be different than "normal".)
Do the waves kick up in the fall or is that not until Dec? Is it fairly calm with clear water or is it usually stirred up? We found that going in Jan/Feb is wonderful for escaping the cold weather in the states, but the water conditions were very stirred up every time we went. How about at Thanksgiving? I know quite a few of you go then. (not sure I could convince the hubby to ditch the family turkey gathering and go to STJ instead)
thanks!
Do the waves kick up in the fall or is that not until Dec? Is it fairly calm with clear water or is it usually stirred up? We found that going in Jan/Feb is wonderful for escaping the cold weather in the states, but the water conditions were very stirred up every time we went. How about at Thanksgiving? I know quite a few of you go then. (not sure I could convince the hubby to ditch the family turkey gathering and go to STJ instead)
thanks!
We've gone various weeks in October and all times the water at all the North Shore beaches was calm and warm as can be. Last year we decided to try the week after Thanksgiving (last week of Nov, first couple days of Dec) and were shocked at how windy it was and how rough the water was (apparantly the X-Mas winds kicked in early). We couldn't enjoy Hawksnest or Gibney because there were big waves crashing and hardly any beach! Even the water at Maho had a swell to it. The only calm place we found was Francis. But, the breezes made it noticeably cooler than the times we went in October, which made for some great balcony sitting weather enjoying the view from Lavendar Hill where we stayed....
ATG, I was there the same week as you last year and couldn't agree more. I'm sure it's hit or miss though. We were told the same thing by the locals. The Christmas Winds had kicked in early. When I compared my pics of Cinnamon from March of last year, there was quite a difference in the amount of beach.
Going "home" again October 26th!
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St. John Lover
- Posts: 245
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 5:14 pm
- Location: Chicago
I've visited St. John every month EXCEPT December and August. I've loved all of them but they DO differ!
As previous posters have noted, the winter months do tend to bring more wave action (the Northern swells) though there is something so lovely about leaving frigid miserable weather & a few hours later being in the tropics
It's like cheating Mother Nature.
I love snorkeling and, in my experience, you can't beat mid-summer to mid-November for that. The water is usually very warm, very still, and very clear. It's like walking into a bathtub but the color is much prettier and you get to see all kinds of beautiful life below the surface.
Personally September & October are some of my favorite times to visit as the island is so nice & quiet. Not hard at all to be alone on a world-class incredible beach.
Only problem at that time of year is that many of the restaurants are closed and very, very few daysails available. But we don't mind eating in (though we do thoroughly enjoy the restaurants when they are open) & we've already been to most of the BVIs so don't mind not taking the daytrips. Though some day, I still want to visit Anageda (1 of many still remaining on my 'to visit' list...)
As previous posters have noted, the winter months do tend to bring more wave action (the Northern swells) though there is something so lovely about leaving frigid miserable weather & a few hours later being in the tropics
It's like cheating Mother Nature.I love snorkeling and, in my experience, you can't beat mid-summer to mid-November for that. The water is usually very warm, very still, and very clear. It's like walking into a bathtub but the color is much prettier and you get to see all kinds of beautiful life below the surface.
Personally September & October are some of my favorite times to visit as the island is so nice & quiet. Not hard at all to be alone on a world-class incredible beach.
Only problem at that time of year is that many of the restaurants are closed and very, very few daysails available. But we don't mind eating in (though we do thoroughly enjoy the restaurants when they are open) & we've already been to most of the BVIs so don't mind not taking the daytrips. Though some day, I still want to visit Anageda (1 of many still remaining on my 'to visit' list...)
We like to hit the Halloween/Thanksgiving time frame, and have been down every year since 1999 around then. Its great - the water is the warmest of the year, all of the restaurants (except Sweet Plantains) are open, the crowds are smaller, and most of the daysails are back in operation.
In 2002, we had North swells that you could surf on Cinnamon Bay. Trunk Bay was closed. No problem, there are 50 other beaches and the South Shore was glass smooth. In 2003 we had a perfect day excepting the day we left, then it rained for a week and there were land slides. In 2004, the North swells were back with Apple Bay on Tortola packed with surfers, but the STJ North Beaches were fine. 2005 we had perfect weather. Thanksgiving 2006 we had perfect weather.
So, it varies. There's always somewhere to go and snorkel.
Cheers, RickG
In 2002, we had North swells that you could surf on Cinnamon Bay. Trunk Bay was closed. No problem, there are 50 other beaches and the South Shore was glass smooth. In 2003 we had a perfect day excepting the day we left, then it rained for a week and there were land slides. In 2004, the North swells were back with Apple Bay on Tortola packed with surfers, but the STJ North Beaches were fine. 2005 we had perfect weather. Thanksgiving 2006 we had perfect weather.
So, it varies. There's always somewhere to go and snorkel.
Cheers, RickG
S/V Echoes - Coral Bay - St. John, VI
We have been down the last 3 years -1st week in December and always good snorkeling. Last year we did go to Salt Pond one day because the north shore beachs were windy. It's always great at Salt Pond.
This year we are going the day after Thanksgiving (see the turkey on my ticker)... to get a few more days in. Can't wait !!!!
This year we are going the day after Thanksgiving (see the turkey on my ticker)... to get a few more days in. Can't wait !!!!
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