While the summer months of July and August are the warmest with temperatures ranging from 28 to 31°C (82 to 88°F). On average, the hottest water temperatures of the year occur during the middle of July.
Summer: July and AugustBut not all beaches are created equal and many people prefer tropical beaches, like those found in the Caribbean in the winter, when it's also less likely to rain. If you can handle the heat, you may find better deals for cruises to these hotter islands in July and August.
Average Beach Water TemperaturesYes, you can swim at our beaches, year 'round! Most visitors find our Gulf water temperatures quite pleasant, especially if they are coming from colder climates. See our chart of average Gulf water temperatures below.
As a general rule, the water anywhere in Florida will be warm enough to swim between April and October. During the cooler months, the farther south you go, the warmer it will be. Fort Lauderdale, Miami, the Keys, Marco Island and Naples will have the warmest water during the winter.
The Manatee Bay reading may be near the highest sea surface temperature observed globally , although there are no official records maintained for ocean temperatures.
Key West, Florida: Not only has Key West never experienced snow, it's never seen frost, ice, or sleet either. That's because Florida's low latitude and low elevation hinder temperatures from getting cold enough for snow to fall, let alone accumulate on the ground.
May and October are best for South Florida beach vacationsAnd you can still find plenty of off-season bargains. Diehard sun worshippers, however, should wait until June to August for the ultimate sizzle!
May and October are best for South Florida beach vacationsAnd you can still find plenty of off-season bargains. Diehard sun worshippers, however, should wait until June to August for the ultimate sizzle!
Our shores have shallow waters often resulting in sandbars, so the sun can reflect off the white sea floors and the surrounding microscopic plankton, which creates the gradient effect of clear-to-emerald-to azure-to-navy waters as you progress further out into the Gulf.