Cruise weather in Jan or Feb? About This Page:

[Novak Family]

We are planning our first cruise, and our schedules are pointing us toward Jan or Feb. Can anyone who has cruised at this time, give me a hint about what to expect weather wise?

Thanks

[maryjane]

We sailed on the Disney Wonder this past Feb. And it was very coldand windy on the ship. As a matter of fact the last nite of the cruise there were only a few people on deck because it was so cool. It may have been just this year with the crazy weather we've been having. I don't know but we wonn't book in Feb again. We did it because of the kids school vacation but next time we'll goin April. Of course nassua was warm but your not there very long unless you're enjoying a 7 day cruise. We only did the 4 day. I wondered why i didn't see to many people on the boards going the same time as us. Now I know why!
MaryJane

[KathyL]

I have not cruised on Disney, but DH and I have cruised on other ships. We always cruise in late January to the Caribbean. During the days (as long as it was sunny) we have always encountered warm weather in the high 70s to lower 80s. Of course, if the sun wasn't out, it does feel a bit cooler especially with the sea breezes. In the evening, it was a bit cooler, but never unbearable. I usually used a sweater if I was out on deck or sometimes even inside with the air conditioning, because after a day of sun, even the high 60s can feel cool! We love to cruise in late January, because usually the ships are not quite as crowded since most people took some time off over the holidays (or spent too much money ) and the rates are usually a little lower. I will say, that when we cruise, we usually leave from Fort Lauderdale, and we have left and arrived Fort Lauderdale in some very cold weather. And, once when we had a stop in Nassau, it was a little cooler (we still had on shorts, swim suits etc.) than islands farther south. Good Luck with your decision.

KathyL

[Dave Marx]

It's generally a good time to cruise, but you're not totally immune from cold snaps if you're on the 3- and 4-night itineraries. While the ocean moderates temperatures by a good 10 to 15 degrees over daytime temperatures on the mainland, you have to realize that the Bahamas is only about 60 miles due east of Miami. On a cruise last January during the worst cold snap of the season in Florida, we encountered daytime highs of no more than 60 in Nassau, with very blustery winds (wind chill must have around 50). This is the exception, though, but you should be prepared for it.

If you're on the 7-night itineraries you'll usually see temperature relief after your first night at sea - you're much farther south, and are in very different weather patterns than experienced on the mainland. It's a great time to head south.

Now, evenings on deck are usually quite breezy, as the ship is normally steaming to its next destination. Regardless of any other sea breezes, the ship may be generating its own winds of up to 20 knots. Temperatures naturally drop faster over water than over land, and the wind always picks up when the sun sets. No matter when you sail, you should have a windbreaker or sweater if you're headed up to the exposed decks or onto your verandah.