Husband and I are looking at going with another couple for a week over new year's. Wanting to stay at the Palms or something similar. Two questions:

1. How far in advance does one need to book for a trip during Holiday season on AC? Is the island "crowded" at that time?

2. Temperature in January? I have seen a description of it being dry season, but I can't seem to locate average temps on AC during january for either water or air temp. Is the water still warm (I ask because some caribbean islands have cooler water during winter - in the mid-70s or so).

Thanks.