Is The Ocean In Florida Warm

Is The Ocean In Florida Warm Year Round?

Yes, the ocean in Florida is warm year round. The ocean water is warm enough in January (63.9 degrees on average)for most people if you visit Central Florida or South Florida. That typically means from Daytona Beach or Clearwater Beach southward.

Florida Beaches

South Florida Beaches & Central Florida Beaches

In Central Florida the average air temperatures in January are in the 74 degree range. Combine that with all of the sunshine and most of us can tolerate water temperatures in the high sixties. People from further north may even feel that the water temperature of 65 feels great. We see people enjoy the beaches on the Florida Coast and lakes here each year that so think the water is fine. At night the air temps drop to the mid fifties.

Marco Island, Miami Beach & Key West in South Florida

Marco Island has an average water temperature in January (the coldest month) of 67 degrees. Miami Beach and South beach have an average temperature of 71 degrees and January is their coldest month. The water temperature at Miami Beach in August is about 86 degrees. Key West Florida in January has a water temperature of 71.2 degrees similar to the Florida Keys.

As you can see the Florida Coast in South Florida has the highest temperature but barely. I am quite sure those magnificent coral reefs are glad.

North Florida and The Florida Panhandle or Emerald Coast

High temperatures in North Florida are just not warm enough. Yes, walking down the beach is fine and I actually lived in the Emerald Coast for 15 years. You can expect high water temperatures of around 55 degrees Fahrenheit in January and the air temperature will probably be around 61 at the beach. January and February are a short period but a cold one. The Atlantic Ocean heat is also responsible for keeping the coast a little more tolerable in the winter and summer.

Marine life that are sensitive to water temps leave or sometimes die here. I remember a manatee that made the mistake of finding its way to Pensacola Florida Bay being found dead due to the low water temps. A fish swims south or at least to the gulf stream for warmer water. The stream is 40-60 miles offshore from the emerald coast.

The Heat Wave & Triple Digits Return To North Florida

The warmer water temperatures return to 70 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of March. Monthly records for the air temps and Florida waters at that time are still very tolerable. Most say the late spring and early fall are the best times to visit north of Central Florida. I don't think it takes a fancy meteorological laboratory to confirm that.

In Summary

Florida Ocean Temperatures are quite comfortable in the summer. If you want to visit and be able to enter the ocean waters in the winter months You should visit Miami Beach for the warmest waters and best beaches. If you want the best beach experience in the summer I suggest you visit Clearwater Beach, St Pete Beach, Siesta Key or the Marco Island areas. Sea surface temperatures worldwide and ocean temperatures are just colder when the earth is further from the sun.