Diving conditions in Key Largo / Key West in January?

[Hintermann]

As mentioned elsewhere, I have to go to Miami in January 2014 and as part of that visit have already organised a side trip to Cayman Isles to dive. It looks now like I can squeeze-in 3 or 4 more days of stay while still in Miami. I am considering driving down to the Keys and among other things try some more diving. I am keen to try the Spiegel Grove wreck etc.
My question is, are conditions going to be too diver unfriendly in January in the Keys?

 

[Randy g]

No, we dive FtL and KL every dec/jan. Temps can be cooler and ocean state a little bumpy but if you can get out on a boat, the diving is amazing. We scootered the SG from bow to stern, top to bottom the first of Jan this year. Great wreck and a lot to see.

 

[mrokern]

What are average water temps that time of year? May be down there this winter as well...

 

[reefman]

What are average water temps that time of year? May be down there this winter as well...

I looked back @ my previous dive reports for this past janurary and temps were 76-77F @25-100FT on the SG and molasses reef. this was a relatively warm winter in the keys so you could possibly encounter slightly lower temps(low-mid 70"s),,,,,,,,,,

reefman
key largo

 

[sportxlh]

A couple yhears ago, I dove the SG in Jan and temps were a little cooler: in the 72 degree range. Jan can have really nice conditions or be terrible. Fortunately, there are other things to do in the Keys if marine conditions are blown out.

 

[mrokern]

Thanks guys. Wife is looking at early November now...guessing it'll be slightly warmer...

 

[rockinrebel]

Link to a shop in Tavernier. Just look up the month you're interested in for conditions.

Dive Portal - Dive Calendar

 

[mrokern]

Thanks! That's actually the shop that has been recommended to me!

 

[Sea Dwellers Rob]

January is hit and miss...a good "winter" day in the Keys can be awesome...clear blue skies, north wind is a good direction for smaller waves...OR...it can be gray skies and colder if a front has moved through. Call a shop that's honest, (Like mine I have to say Sea Dwellers Dive Center)...so you can get the real scoop on weather...we don't lie and I'm sure many other don't either!

 

[mrokern]

Thanks Rob! It will be early November...no January travel anymore.