January water temperature

[osprey]

In January you should wear a 3/2 at the minimun. Temperatures will be from 75 to 77 but can be colder on shallow dives with a outgoing tide.

 

[drl]

A couple of years ago we dove in San Salvador in January. Water temps were around 72. I only had a 3mm full suit and 2mm vest and beanie, and I ended every dive shivering. I bought a 5mm suit as soon as I got home!

 

[scubassplayer]

Where in the Bahamas?

Unless you are a polar bear, I don't think that will be enough exposure protection. Remember that the Bahamas is in the sub-tropical Atlantic, not the Caribbean. We're warmer than a lot of the Atlantic but it is still the Atlantic.

Better to err on the side of caution and bring/rent more rubber. Cold divers are not happy divers!

Did not mean to hijack this thread. FYI I have now purchased a full 3mm for my Dec Bahamas and now also Miami Beach dives. Thanks for the heads up from everyone!

 

[scubassplayer]

delete sorry

 

[jujsmith]

I just returned from a week on Blackbeard's in the Bahamas, Dec 5-11. I called their office in FL before, and they recommended at least a 5mm. I brought my 5.5mm full and hooded vest, but after a couple of days I was just diving with just the vest without wearing the hood. The water temperature was was 80-84 degrees. If I had brought my 3mm full, i would have worn it for all of the days.

 

[craigdoc]

I will be in Nassau for a couple of days at the end of January and am a real wuss when it comes to the cold. In 78 degrees I need a 5mil and in 80 degrees a 3mil. Read reports of the temps going as low as 68 during the winter. I am planning on bring a 6mm but am wondering now if I should bring my dry suit - Is a dry suit total overkill????

Thanks

Craig

 

[divebunny13]

I will be in Nassau for a couple of days at the end of January and am a real wuss when it comes to the cold. In 78 degrees I need a 5mil and in 80 degrees a 3mil. Read reports of the temps going as low as 68 during the winter. I am planning on bring a 6mm but am wondering now if I should bring my dry suit - Is a dry suit total overkill????

Thanks

Craig

Hi Craig,

I'm in Andros and the coldest it got last year was 71.

6mm with a hood should be enough but if you are really worried about it, bring your drysuit. Being comfortable is the most important thing. It's no fun diving cold!