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The best time to swim in Florida
Atlantic, Gulf and Keys water temperatures for every month of the year.
5 min read
Florida is the warmest year-round mainland coastline in the United States. The Gulf of Mexico side is usually a degree or two warmer than the Atlantic, and the Florida Keys are warmer still.
Month-by-month
- December–March: Atlantic 21–24°C, Gulf 20–23°C, Keys 23–25°C — swimmable with a light layer in the north.
- April–May: all coasts rise into the mid-20s; the Keys are already warm.
- June–September: 28–31°C everywhere; afternoon storms are the only real obstacle.
- October–November: 25–28°C and often the calmest, least crowded stretch.