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Caribbean Water Temperature Map

Caribbean water temperature map
The graphic above from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows Caribbean water temperatures within the last 24 hours. Click here for weather forecasts. Temperatures are in Celsius. In the middle range, 24 to 26 degrees Celsius translates to 75 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit and 26 to 28 C translates to 79 to 82 degrees F.

Caribbean water temperatures range between the low 70s and low 80s Fahrenheit during most of the year. But the comfort level depends on several factors.

Water temperature in the Caribbean averages about five to eight degrees cooler than air temperature. It also stays about midway between the daytime highs and nighttime lows.

But occasionally they are just too cold, so it pays to find out which destinations to avoid and when.

Ideal water temperature is a matter of opinion. But 70 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit is the range where most folks feel “comfortable” swimming, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says.

Water temperatures above 78 degrees are often called balmy. They are are usually comfortable in the warmest destinations such as Aruba.

The chart above right shows estimated and average water temperatures each month for some of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean. It also shows that every one of them falls in that range of comfortable temperatures.

But several factors guarantee that sometimes water temperatures will be too cold. Click here for weather forecasts.

10-Day Weather Forecasts | See Caribbean monthly weather in: January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December

Caribbean Trade Winds

The most important factor is Caribbean trade winds, which may be strong enough to create an uncomfortable wind chill factor. They can reach 15 to 20 miles per hour or 10 to 12 kilometers per hour—and sometimes more.

Another factor is time of day. In cooler destinations during the winter, the best time for swimming is mid-afternoon when air temperatures are highest.

Average Water Temperatures for Major Islands

Average Water Temperatures by Month
Click on a destination for a weather forecast
DestinationJFMAMJJASOND
Antigua777778798182838382818078
Aruba797979818182828283838381
Bahamas777778798181828382828178
Barbados787879808182818281807980
Cozumel757678808283838382807876
Caymans777577808183828282828077
Havana727275777981828281797673
Dom. Republic777677788081828282817977
Jamaica767777788081828281807977
San Juan797778798182838383828078
St. Thomas USVI787778798182838382818078

Aruba ranges from 79 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to 83 degrees in the summer. Even this warm southern Caribbean island can have uncomfortable water temperatures at times during winter, especially in the mornings.

The Bahamas range from 72 degrees in the winter to 83 degrees in the summer, but it’s important to note that the range varies based on the location of each island.

The Bahamas will have the coolest water temperatures in the winter of any major Caribbean destination. Coupled with trade winds, the water will be too cool for any swimming in the winter except for the hardiest of swimmers.

Barbados, St. Lucia and St. Maarten are all located close to each other and share similar air and water temperatures. The water temperatures will range from 79 to 83 degrees.

Jamaica is a little more north and will have water just a few degrees cooler.

Dominican Republic will see about 75 degrees in the winter to about 84 degrees in the summer.

The average water temperature in St. Thomas is around 82 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius) in the summer and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius in the winter.

In Turks and Caicos, water temperature in the summer is 82 to 84 degrees (28-29 degrees Celsius) and in winter about 74 to 78 degrees (23-26 degrees Celsius).

Winter Water Temperatures

For some destinations, the water temperature can be uncomfortable in the mornings and more comfortable in the afternoon as the air temperature gets warmer.

For example, one of our visits to Cancun took place in February. The water was fairly comfortable in the afternoon, but the strong trade winds made the water even cooler and kept most people on the shore.

We found that the only time we could swim was early to mid afternoon.

We also had a similar experience in Aruba during February, despite warm temperatures, mainly because of strong trade winds.

Anyone who likes swimming in the Caribbean and plans to go during the winter months of December through February should favor southern Caribbean islands and expect the most comfortable temperatures during early to mid afternoons.