Weather in February in Cozumel?

[Kimela]

We're thinking of going to Cozumel this February and are wondering about the weather and diving. I'm assuming a 5 mil will be needed (I get chilled easily) and can deal with it being a little cooler. I'm concerned about how often diving may be cancelled due to nortes? I've read mixed reviews on tripadvisor but I think those can be slanted (people complain a lot there!).

I'd appreciate input from those who are there or have been there a few times in February. Thanks.

 

[mobeachlovers]

I was there last February and have a trip planned this February. I also get chilled easily, I wore a 2.5mm in February and was fine. I've been there twice so far in February, I recall one dive at the end on my stay this past February that was cancelled due to port closure.
The weather this past February was nice and warm, however, February 2016 we had more rain and wind and it was colder, the port also closed I think a few days then. I always pack a few pairs of pants and light sweater and/or jacket...just in case.

 

[Dave Dillehay]

You need to consider how long your dives will be. If they are going to be 1 hour + I'd go with the 5 mil. 40 minute dives, a 2.5 is probably OK.

Dave Dillehay
Aldora Divers

 

[scbaNE2179]

If you're using Aldora and going in Feb be prepared for LONG(65-95min) bottom times so I would probably even consider a vest/hood with your 5mm. It all depends on your cold tolerance I guess. I've never used any other Cozumel dive op other than Aldora so I cannot comment on how long another dive op stays underwater. I have seen an Aldora DM once had a electric heated vest, and a full 7mm with hood for December dives!

 

[BRT]

A hood or a hooded vest is a good thing. If I feel a little chill I just put up my hood and almost never think of it again. A 3 mil is plenty for me but I guess more could be better.

We have not been stormed out in February but it is certainly possible.

 

[Dave Dillehay]

Mid December to the end of March the water temp may be at its lowest, 88 F. North Storms that close the port may happen anytime between now and the end of March. January is the most likely.

I remember one year (maybe 2001) January when the port was closed at some level for 20 out of 31 days (some days the port was open to boats of 40 ft or longer). In that period there were many divers on their, once a year vacation, who never got to dive at all. That seemed terrible to me.

That year was the reason we opened up diving the east side (a lake when the port is closed in the west side) and built a custom 40 ft go fast boat to go out when needed on the west side. So in almost any situation we can take our divers out for diving.

Actually the Eastside diving is so much better in my opinion. IT is all pristine but shallow, with a sunken Spanish Galleon, micro atolls, and many unique things that you will never see on the west side. It is a lot of grief for us to support diving there but we do so as a special service for our divers. I don't believe that any other shop has the capacity to so on a regular basis.

Dave Dillehay
Aldora Divers

 

[Frank Storms]

88f or 78f?

Mid December to the end of March the water temp may be at its lowest, 88 F. North Storms that close the port may happen anytime between now and the end of March. January is the

 

[cicopo]

I usually go the first 2 weeks of Feb & have for several years. Last year we had the best weather of just about any trip. Most trips we loose 1 or 2 days of diving to high winds / waves but we go for 2 weeks & it's not a biggie for me. I think Dave has a mis print re the water temp though & it's usually about 79-81 F on the surface & 2 or 3 degrees cooled at depth. Coldest my computer ever recorded was 76 F & that was while passing through fresh water as it mixed with the ocean. Didn't last more than 20-30 seconds to clear that area. As for a wet suit I like being cold & don't wear one but I am the oddball on that as most need a 3 mil or warmer & some want a hood.

 

[divingjd]

I have been there often in February. Nortes are not unusual, but I haven’t seen them every year. They usually seem to last a day or two. Since I started diving with Aldora, a norte usually means diving the east side rather than missing a day. Water temps are usually 78-80. I’ve seen 81 a few times. Like you, I tend to feel cold and have been wearing a 5 mil and a hooded vest. Works great for long Aldora dives. When I dove with another dive op and did 45 minute dives, I was wearing a 3 mil and hooded vest. You might want a sweater or jacket for evenings and they certainly come in handy when there is a norte. If you want a winter getaway, it’s a good time to go. Nortes are possible all winter.

 

[uncfnp]

Two words...Boat coat.

The water for us was 79 to 80 but it was the SI’s between the dives that got chilly.