Weather:  For the most part, the days are sunny but we do get our share of overcast, cloudy days during this time of year.  Temps can drop down to the 50's at night so bring warm clothing along.  Rain can also be expected.  In general the Winter patterns call for sunny, cool days, and cold nights, but with occasional overcast & sometimes rainy days. The early morning hours are usually calm, with the North wind kicking in by 9:00 or 10:00 a.m.

Winds:  Prevailing Winter winds are from the North.  Mornings can appear still and calm in the early hours, but by 9:00 or 10:00 the North winds almost always come up and can at times be quite strong.  If boating, best to head out no farther than the near islands and avoid trips to the Big Island or South towards Bahia Pescador and Bahia Animas.    The North winds sometimes blow all night out in the channel and the waves pile up out there. The configurations of the reefs and bottom can make for extremely risky boating when rounding Punta Pescador and other points when making the return trip to Bahia under strong North wind conditions.  Thomas had affectionately named this area, "Cape Horn" and for good reason! The waves can get scary big out there in winter, with short distances in between.  When the current runs against the wind it gets especially nasty, so use caution.

Bahia's notorious West-Winds are also prevalent in winter.  Set up your camp so it has a wind break to the West and North as well if possible, but most certainly from the West as these are the stronger winds of the two.  Secure and tie down any loose items.  West Winds can easily blow 50+ mph, taking with them whatever is not sufficiently fastened down, and it's really no fun camping under these conditions.  One can expect West Winds when the barometric pressure is very low.  When it's high, that means North Wind.  Expect and prepare for windy conditions in Winter.

Suggested Items for Winter-Time Camping:  Warm clothing & jackets; rain gear; extra tarps; warm blankies or sleeping bags; rope/bungees to tie things down with; extra batteries for flashlight and camp lights (the daylight hours are very short during winter); matches; lighter fluid; firewood.

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