Weather on Castaway Cay

[kamcgrory]

I am sure this has been asked somewhere on this site previously. But searching on this forum is somewhat daunting. I was hoping someone would be able to tell me how the weather is the first week of January versus the last week of March. We are trying to decide between two cruises, and want to make sure that the air temperature, as well as the water temperature are not too cold.

TIA!

 

[AgentMama]

I think this depends on where you're from and/or your tolerance for cold. We've been in January and thought it was chillier but enjoyed the day. Our friends on the same cruise thought it was too cold to enjoy the water. We haven't been in March.

 

[Mr. Drauer]

January is typically the coldest month with the highest likelihood of a cold front moving through and dropping temps - could be just in the 50's, or even colder. The water temp will be coldest in January. Late March the water may still be cold to you, but it will most likely be warmer temps outside. You have a much better chance of warm air and water in March than January if that is the deciding factor.

 

[bbn1122]

My family was at CC first week of January 2020. The weather was gorgeous. The water was cool but not freezing. I was with my DH and 3 twenty something sons. I was the only one who went in the water. I got a tube and floated around Serenity Bay. It’s the kind of temperature that the longer you are in the more comfortable it felt.
They all thought it was too cold. it wasn’t.

I was in Bermuda on a DCL cruise in late October and water was about 78. DH thought it was too chilly. I loved it.

If I am in the Bahamas or Bermuda I am getting in that beautiful blue water!

 

[lklgoodman]

We've done 3 Jan cruises and had great weather for all 3. Air temps were high 70's- low 80s. The water was a little chilly when first getting in, but once you're in it was fine. We've also been 4 times in March and had great weather then also. Air temps were mid 80s each time. The water was slightly warmer at the end of March, but not a huge difference. March is Spring Break time in the US. Because of Spring break, the cruises we've gone on in March have cost more than the exact same cruise in Jan and flights in March have been triple the cost than those in Jan.

 

[auntlynne]

If weather is the determining factor, in an average good day in those two months, March is going to be nicer beach weather. But the difference is not like other parts of the US. It’s not Winter v Spring.

As others point out, it’s what your body tolerates. The sun has moved farther north, so the lighting is a little different.

If you like it hot at the beach, January will not do it.

 

[Girl of the South]

Just Google "Bahamas Weather March" and "Bahamas Weather January"

 

[Cheburashka]

I am sure this has been asked somewhere on this site previously. But searching on this forum is somewhat daunting. I was hoping someone would be able to tell me how the weather is the first week of January versus the last week of March. We are trying to decide between two cruises, and want to make sure that the air temperature, as well as the water temperature are not too cold.

TIA!

I've cruised there at the beginning of January as well as late December. Air temperatures are typically warm during the day, but the water at Castaway (the most northern port by far) will be chilly. Not too cold if you are used to swimming in cold water springs (ie, it isn't hypothermic, just chilly), but it isn't warm water. Your body does adjust after 30 seconds of being submerged, and the air is typically warm enough so that it's comfortable to get out the water and walk around in your bathing suit without drying off first.

That said, March water temperatures aren't going to be much better, due to the water having been cold all winter and not had time to really heat up yet.

Personally, I prefer sailing in winter to spring. Less hot weather (I'm from a hot region so I don't need heat on vacation) makes riding bikes on CC more pleasant. Less chance of sea lice, though they're always a possibility. The water & air are warmer in the Caribbean than on Castaway, btw.