abacos in january and feb.

[Cbarg]

I am thinking of spending jan. and feb. in the abacos and would like to here from someone who has been there during that period in previous years. some have told me to forget it, the weather is to cold and the fronts come thru more frequently than at any other time of year. thank you.

[camaraderie]

I have been there 5 winters. Your friend is correct about the fronts coming through regularly but that is true for Florida and the rest of the Bahamas too and there are good anchorages to ride them out in the Abacos. (A front happens once every 10 days or so and generally means wind and/or rain of 20-30kts) Most days will be in the 70's and water temps will be in mid to upper 70's. You can swim and snorkle and not get cold...it NEVER gets below 60 and while March and April are better...I'd rather be in the Abacos in January than anywhere else north of the Virgin Islands. Lots of friendly cruisers are there too at that time!

[capn_dave]

In few words Cam. has given a great synopsis of what to expect. Some anchorages aren't all that great when a front comes through, so pick them carefully. Waiting for a crossing window can drive you nuts. Last year boats were stacked up trying to get back. It was weeks of waiting for that window.

Do not go with a tight schedule. If you have to be someplace at a certain time, it will end up biting you.

Fair Winds

Cap'n Dave