BVI Cruising Conditions
General Conditions
During the winter months (November to January) the wind is from the north-east at 15 to 20 knots. The Christmas winds can produce 25 to 30 knots for several days at a time. In February the winds move to the east and by June it changes to the south-east at 10 to 15 knots. September and October the trade winds are at their weakest and the weather can be less settled. By November the high pressure system around Bermuda starts to stabilise and 15 to 20 knot breezes become the norm. Local seas are “relaxed” seas and generally in the 3 to 4 foot range.
Historical weather (averages by month):
Month | °F Max | °F Min | °C Max | °C Min | Avg Precip (in) | Avg Precip (mm) | Avg Water Temp (°F) | Avg Water Temp °C | Avg Wind Speed (knots) |
January | 83 | 75 | 28 | 24 | 3 | 76 | 77 | 25 | NE 15-25 |
February | 83 | 75 | 28 | 24 | 2 | 50 | 77 | 25 | E 15-25 |
March | 83 | 75 | 28 | 24 | 2 | 50 | 78 | 26 | E 15-25 |
April | 84 | 77 | 29 | 25 | 3 | 76 | 80 | 27 | E 15-25 |
May | 86 | 78 | 30 | 26 | 4 | 101 | 82 | 28 | SE 15-20 |
June | 88 | 80 | 31 | 27 | 3 | 76 | 83 | 28 | SE 15-20 |
July | 88 | 80 | 31 | 27 | 3 | 76 | 84 | 29 | SE 15-20 |
August | 88 | 80 | 31 | 27 | 5 | 127 | 85 | 29 | SE 15-20 |
September | 88 | 80 | 31 | 27 | 5 | 127 | 84 | 29 | SE 5-15 |
October | 87 | 80 | 31 | 27 | 4 | 101 | 83 | 28 | SE 5-15 |
November | 85 | 78 | 29 | 26 | 5 | 127 | 82 | 28 | NE 5-20 |
December | 83 | 76 | 28 | 24 | 4 | 101 | 80 | 27 | NE 15-25 |
Tides
In the British Virgin Islands, the tide range is very small: 12 to 18 inches (one to two feet) including the variation of level due to atmospheric pressure and dominant winds.
Weather forecasts
You can listen to the maritime weather forecasts at any time of the day. Weather updates are given hourly during severe weather.
- ZBVI 780 kHz AM – 8.00 a.m. daily with hourly updates on the half hour.
- VHF WX 03 – (not available in all areas)
- WVWI 1000 Khz AM – 7.55 a.m. daily
- FM99 99.5 Mhz AM – 7.55 a.m. daily
- WOSO 1030 Khz AM – every hour daily
- Weather Fax – call 284 496 6900