What's the winter weather like over there?

[kramynot2000]

Ok, here's a stupid weather question from a west coast (california) diver, but what is the weather like in New England in the winter? My wife and I are looking to take a winter getaway to maybe Rhode Island in January or February since we've never been there at that time and I'm guessing there's lots of snow, right?

But do you still dive in the winter? I'd like to get a couple of dives in if we do get out there. We don't have any specifics as to where or when, we're just tossing the idea around.

Thanks for any info,
Tony

 

[MASS-Diver]

The weather is pretty unpredicatable here in NE - but - in general it's pretty cold in jan and feb - for example it's 70degs out today.

I dive year round in MA and I actually enjoy winter diving more, vis can be very good during the winter months. Water temps will probably be in the upper 30s around that time.

 

[Soggy]

Diving in the winter can be fun, but not for everyone. You need to take some extra precautions when the air temperature is below freezing. For one thing, you cannot test your reg before diving, as the humidity will cause your reg to freeze up. And there is nothing quite like the first time you stick your face in 36 degree water...it's all fine once your face goes numb, but it's quite an experience.

Like MD said, the NE winters are quite unpredictable. We will likely have snow, but I've seen my fair share of green Christmas', New Years, and Valentine's Days.

My first real winter New England dive was 5 days after a trip to the bahamas. Let me tell you...there is a big difference between 75 degree winter water in the Bahmas and 36 degree winter water in Massachusetts.