Pool/gulf water temps in October

[micki]

My husband and I are contemplating a trip to Seacrest Beach from Oct. 8-12. Is the gulf still warm enough to swim in? How about unheated swimming pools - specifically, the nice big one at the High Pointe? We LOVE the beach, but it's also a treat to get in the water.

Also, any other interesting things that might be different about being at the SOWAL beaches in October, as opposed to June when we are usually there?

[JB]

My husband and I are contemplating a trip to Seacrest Beach from Oct. 8-12. Is the gulf still warm enough to swim in? How about unheated swimming pools - specifically, the nice big one at the High Pointe? We LOVE the beach, but it's also a treat to get in the water.

Also, any other interesting things that might be different about being at the SOWAL beaches in October, as opposed to June when we are usually there?

As a rule, yes. Normally, the water is still 80F+ until mid-October or so. Can't speak for pools, as there is really no rule of thumb. A few cold fronts/cold rains can change pool temps in a hurry.

Other things that are different? For one, you will find about 60 percent fewer people in the area in October as opposed to June. It's a great month to be at the beach, save the threat of tropical weather.

[scooterbug44]

The weather and crowds will be quite a bit better in October. Potential for a hurricane or tropical storm is higher, but overall I would much rather vacation in October than June! Lower prices too.

As far as water temps, it depends on what you're used to - my parents think the water gets too hot starting in May! I'd hedge your bets and stay somewhere w/ a heated pool if cool water is a dealbreaker!

[Smiling JOe]

Don't even get me started on the miserable month of October, when no people are hear, biting flies come down with the northern winds, etc ...

[Cheering472]

Don't even get me started on the miserable month of October, when no people are hear, biting flies come down with the northern winds, etc ...

..and the hurricanes, don't forget the hurricanes

[micki]

The weather and crowds will be quite a bit better in October. Potential for a hurricane or tropical storm is higher, but overall I would much rather vacation in October than June! Lower prices too.

As far as water temps, it depends on what you're used to - my parents think the water gets too hot starting in May! I'd hedge your bets and stay somewhere w/ a heated pool if cool water is a dealbreaker!

Pool water at about 80-82 is OK. 70's gets a little tough, but we can be brave on a hot day. Yes, the hurricanes - that could be an issue. I'm sure we can find a place to stay in Oct. even if we keep our eye on the tropics and book last minute.

[Snerd]

October:
less crowds
lower rental rates
better temperatures (today had a heat index of 109; it was disgustingly hot!)
better sunsets (aren't they in the water in Oct instead of over land?)

And the best is that the beach is more beautiful than any other time of the year. The water glistens like diamonds! Does anyone know why?

Hope you can come!!

Oh, sorry, just noticed this was about water temps. Sometimes the temp is nice and warm, sometimes it cooler, but it's still the best month!

[Smiling JOe]

October:

And the best is that the beach is more beautiful than any other time of the year. The water glistens like diamonds! Does anyone know why?

maybe its the LSD.

[Snerd]

maybe its the LSD.

Ohhh, Oh. Was that a prerequisite for joining SoWal? If so, please don't kick me off now!!

[Smiling JOe]

Ohhh, Oh. Was that a prerequisite for joining SoWal? If so, please don't kick me off now!!

"Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" I thought you were making a reference to the sparkly waters.

Snerd, we need to send you the brochure of the list of reasons why people should not visit SoWal in the month of October.

[Snerd]

I meant to say that there are lots of bugs in October and wouldn't advise taking a vacation then! Horseflies and mosquitos, nevermind the gators that come out of the dune lakes and lay eggs in the sand! They only do this when people are around and momma gators can be quite mean!

Hurricanes too! Only the bad ones come in October, like Opal did. Can someone post some pics? The ones of the traffic heading out of town would scare anyone away!

Snerd <(googling Lucy in Sky now)

[micki]

October:
less crowds
lower rental rates
better temperatures (today had a heat index of 109; it was disgustingly hot!)
better sunsets (aren't they in the water in Oct instead of over land?)

And the best is that the beach is more beautiful than any other time of the year. The water glistens like diamonds! Does anyone know why?

Hope you can come!!

Oh, sorry, just noticed this was about water temps. Sometimes the temp is nice and warm, sometimes it cooler, but it's still the best month!

This is great info, Snerd! It would be nice to see a sunset over the water, instead of trying to get photos of it before it goes down over the housetops! I didn't even think of that. It sounds like the only thing that would prevent us from coming would be a hurricane. Did anyone mention those?

[grace]

Don't even get me started on the miserable month of October, when no people are hear, biting flies come down with the northern winds, etc ...

Maybe we could ask the county to spray some kind of insecticide to help controll them

[Smiling JOe]

I meant to say that there are lots of bugs in October and wouldn't advise taking a vacation then! Horseflies and mosquitos, nevermind the gators that come out of the dune lakes and lay eggs in the sand! They only do this when people are around and momma gators can be quite mean!

Hurricanes too! Only the bad ones come in October, like Opal did. Can someone post some pics? The ones of the traffic heading out of town would scare anyone away!

Snerd <(googling Lucy in Sky now)

Snerd, glad you received the SoWal in October brochure. That's what I'm talking about.

[seacliffes]

October is a great time for you to come down!

[Miss Kitty]

Snerd, glad you received the SoWal in October brochure. That's what I'm talking about.

Get that CRAP off the beach!

[Cheering472]

Oh man we are gonna need more tags.

[Mango]

I never go in October. Those damn pesky butterflies banging into you all the place. Like they have someplace to go. Hmmmmp.

[Smiling JOe]

October is a great time for you to come down!

I see you need a copy of that SoWal in October brochure.

[30A Skunkape]

Don't even get me started about mid-September