Hi Dive,
Well, that depends on what you consider cold. Right now, the water is 64 degrees. I get cold after about 15 minutes at 70 degrees. My husband says I am a wimp. When he got certified, they were chipping ice to get in the water. Needless to say, I don't usually do a whole lot of diving during the winter, but lots of people go out every weekend. I do know quite a few people who use dry or semi-dry suits here all year long.
It all in the perspective.
I would love to dive with the killer whales, but unless they come up with something that will keep you really, really warm, I don't think I will be doing any artic diving.
They say the colder the water the better the vis but I wouldn't know.
If you ever do get to do any artic diving, let me know, I would love to hear about it.
Cheers,