Seasonal· St Croix· Virgin Islands (BVI, USVI and Spanish Virgins)
Christmas Winds and winter north swells (St Croix)
17° 45.6′ N · 64° 42.0′ W · approximate
From December to March reinforced trades, the 'Christmas Winds', blow strong, and northers send ground swell onto the north shore, which shuts the reef entrances and makes Frederiksted roll.
Practical
Position approximate: off the north coast at Christiansted. The NPS gives December to March as the coolest months with strong winds from the north called Christmas Winds. The Coast Pilot notes that ground swell with northers is especially heavy around White Horse at Salt River, and that the Christiansted entrance is hard with wind from the north; Noonsite warns against night or poor-visibility entries. Plan Salt River, Teague Bay and Buck Island lagoon visits for calm spells, and use Frederiksted only when the wind is east of north. Low temperatures rarely fall below 73 F (NPS).
Best for
Timing reef entrances and anchorages in winter
Season
December to March
Nearby
- Fort Louise Augusta (Christiansted Harbor Entrance)0.4 NM away
- Altona Lagoon Park & Boat Ramp0.6 NM away
- Gallows Bay Anchorage (Christiansted)0.6 NM away
- Hurricane season (St Croix)0.6 NM away
- Protestant Cay0.6 NM away
- St Croix Christmas Boat Parade0.6 NM away
- St Croix Marine (Gallows Bay)0.6 NM away
- St Croix Marine Fuel Dock (Gallows Bay)0.6 NM away