Water Temps - End of December/New Years

snorkeler525 · Post by **snorkeler525** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 8:36 pm

Our after Christmas trip is sneaking up on us and I know I will think of a ton of questions. First one is what are the water temps like around that time of year? We typically use rash guards anyway but do people prefer long sleeve or short sleeve ones then? Any other suggestions regarding what to wear while snorkeling then would be appreciated - we tend to stay in the water a long time if possible. Please let me know too if you don't deal well with cold water so I can base our decision on whether the water weenies in the family need more than the rest of us

Thanks for all replies.

Teddy Salad · Post by **Teddy Salad** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 1:28 pm

Hi Sharon,

Hard to believe nobody has replied to you yet, so I will.

We were in St. John last January 3-12, which is a week later than you will be there. The water temperature was fine. There are places where it is a little cooler than others depending on depth, currents, sunshine, etc. but I'm pretty sure you won't be cold. My wife is one of those people who's always cold and she never had any problems.

You need to be careful in shallow areas because of the coral and always watch out for sea urchins.

Have a great time!

TS

Pia · Post by **Pia** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 1:34 pm

OK, as I live here I think I have become sooooo used to the warm summer water so I have found I don't go in the water from mid December to late March - woosie I know

I will run in for 2 seconds to cool off (OK freeze) when I get too hot. I bought a long sleeve, high neck rash guard last year as I had friends visiting that wanted to snorkel - it helped and I could snorkel for 15 mins or so even though they would be out without a rash guard for 45 mins or so

Most visitors think the water is fabulous so I guess I just have a very low tollerance for cold

Hope this helps

Pia

loria · Post by **loria** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 1:58 pm

water temps are in teh high 70's they go from about 79 in the winter to about 83 or better in the summer (that's a ball park based on averages.
we'll be there in december too--will you be travelling with kids?

lisak428 · Post by **lisak428** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 2:10 pm

I have only visited STJ in Dec/Jan and I find the water temps to be perfect!! I could be in the water for hours at a time. The kids used rash guards, but more as sun protection. It may be that I'm used to the Jersey Shore, but I will tell you that I don't like cold water and I've never thought of the STJ water as cold or even chilly! Have a great trip!!

tjwgrr · Post by **tjwgrr** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 2:30 pm

snorkeler525 wrote:First one is what are the water temps like around that time of year?

I've heard ice fishing is pretty good on Maho in January....

snorkeler525 · Post by **snorkeler525** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 2:34 pm

loria wrote:water temps are in teh high 70's they go from about 79 in the winter to about 83 or better in the summer (that's a ball park based on averages.
we'll be there in december too--will you be travelling with kids?

10 year old daughter - what about you? We'll be in the Chocolate Hole area.

Thanks for the replies everyone. Will be nice to get in some ice fishing too

loria · Post by **loria** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 3:15 pm

11 year old daughter and 9 year old son (though 11 will be turning 12 on christmas--maybe we can get them together?

snorkeler525 · Post by **snorkeler525** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 3:50 pm

loria wrote:11 year old daughter and 9 year old son (though 11 will be turning 12 on christmas--maybe we can get them together?

cool, pm me to see what we can arrange.

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