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How late in the year do you swim in the gulf?

Flossie avatar
FlossieBeach Comber
7,301 views
Hello, everyone. I'm just a lowly tourist who has been coming to SoWal for the past six years. We're coming down next week (13th-17th) for our second trip this year, but it's our first October trip (we usually come in May, and once came in August). We already had a fantastic trip earlier this year in May--I've never seen the water so clear or so beautiful. Anyway, I guess I'm wondering how similar the weather and beach conditions will be in October compared to that fantastic May trip. I've been told October is the best time to come, but I'm now afraid it's going to be a little too cold to get in the water.


So, I have a (lengthy!) list of specific questions for you natives:
  • What's the latest in the year you usually get in the gulf? How cold is too cold for you guys, both air and water temperature-wise?
  • How are dog flies right now? This year was the first time we'd ever encountered them on the beach, and they were awful--my legs were nothing but welts.
  • Are beach chair/umbrella rental companies still open this time of year?
  • Finally, I know it's a common question, but are june grass or other algae/seaweed still around? I've been obsessively looking at those beach cams, and it sometimes looks like big, dark patches of seaweed are still lingering in places. Again, that trip in May was so awesome that I'd love it if the water were that clear again.

But yes, we're coming no matter what; I just like to know what to expect. We're staying in Seacrest, btw.

Thanks so much! I hope my questions aren't too pushy or touristy. We love the area.

Replies

39
scooterbug44 avatar
scooterbug44SoWal Expert
#2
A big factor to help us answer is to let us know where you will be coming from.

My family thinks the water is still too warm in October, but they swim in snow & glacier melt. ;-)
Flossie avatar
FlossieBeach ComberAuthor
#3
A big factor to help us answer is to let us know where you will be coming from.

My family thinks the water is still too warm in October, but they swim in snow & glacier melt. ;-)
Yeah, you're right! I'm from Nashville, where it gets fairly cold in the winter--but I'm not used to extreme cold, of course. I guess I've never gone swimming anywhere when the air temp was below 80 or so. I'd die of immediate shock in glacier melt!

I figured since you guys must be really used to warm water temps, your feelings on "how cold is too cold" would be a good guide for me!

Edited

Kurt avatar
KurtAdmin
#4
The gulf is still warm, which is one reason we still have June Grass. And the threat of tropical weather. Dog flies come when wind is from the north. A good reason to get in the warm water.
Flossie avatar
FlossieBeach ComberAuthor
#5
The gulf is still warm, which is one reason we still have June Grass. And the threat of tropical weather. Dog flies come when wind is from the north. A good reason to get in the warm water.

That's what I thought--that june grass means warm water, which is why it was pretty remarkable that we didn't have any in late May (the water seemed great to me then, but the air temps were in the high 80s-90s). Is it unusual for june grass to still be around this time of year?

The extended forecast (hardly reliable, I know) sees the temps dipping into the mid- to low-70s next week, so that made me wonder if that would make swimming unbearable. It's getting pretty darn nippy here.

Edited

Smiling JOe avatar
Smiling JOeSoWal Expert
#6
If you are okay with May water temps, you will love mid-Oct.
Flossie avatar
FlossieBeach ComberAuthor
#7
That's good to know. Of course, the air temps were pretty high in May. . . Eh, I'm sure it'll be fine!
rosemarydreamer avatar
rosemarydreamerBeach Lover
#8
Flossie, It will be fine--oh so FINE!!!! Just being in SoWal is a different kind of "fine"! We'll be there too.
rogpurf avatar
rogpurfBeach Lover
#9
I might be crazy but I swim in November and December.
ameliaj avatar
ameliajBeach Fanatic
#10
We will be down to Seacrest next week too. October is absolutely the best time. No crowds, beautiful weather. You'll love it.
Matt J avatar
Matt JSWGB
#11
The gulf is still warm, which is one reason we still have June Grass. And the threat of tropical weather. Dog flies come when wind is from the north. A good reason to get in the warm water.

From what I understand we're are most likely not going to see any tropical weather here, but we will have a colder than average winter.
sunspotbaby avatar
sunspotbabySoWal Insider
#12
From what I understand we're are most likely not going to see any tropical weather here, but we will have a colder than average winter.


la la la lalalalalalala (fingers in ears) SHUT UP!!


:wave:
Teresa avatar
TeresaSoWal Guide
#13
From what I understand we're are most likely not going to see any tropical weather here, but we will have a colder than average winter.

didn't we have a colder than average winter last winter? yikes.

la la la lalalalalalala (fingers in ears) SHUT UP!!


:wave:

:lol:here we go again. the heat is barely gone, the fall is so perfect, and winter haters are starting to cringe! I started loving winter at around age 45. hormonal. whattayagonnado?
rogpurf avatar
rogpurfBeach Lover
#14
From what I understand we're are most likely not going to see any tropical weather here, but we will have a colder than average winter.

It was cold last year and also wet. Let's not have another one!
scooterbug44 avatar
scooterbug44SoWal Expert
#15
From what I understand we're are most likely not going to see any tropical weather here, but we will have a colder than average winter.

:whack:
happy2BmeBeach Fanatic
#16
didn't we have a colder than average winter last winter? yikes.



:lol:here we go again. the heat is barely gone, the fall is so perfect, and winter haters are starting to cringe! I started loving winter at around age 45. hormonal. whattayagonnado?

I don't enjoy hormones, so seek real heat......winter be damned! Actually, I love the winter, until it gets below 75 degrees.;-)
Matt J avatar
Matt JSWGB
#17
la la la lalalalalalala (fingers in ears) SHUT UP!!


:wave:

:whack:

I hereby transfer Tootsie's nickname to you both. She knows what it is and I can't post it here or I'll be banned.
Hop avatar
HopBeach Fanatic
#18
The gulf is funn every month of the year. When it gets cold, put on the old wet suit. There is always a brief acclamation period when the water is chilly but it's not as bad you would think. I can't believe more people don't get out and utilize our amazing water all year. I think it's funn to go swimming on Christmas and New Years just to say I did! Also, with a suit, there is no fear of flies or jellies. It's a neoprene security blanket! You guys might think I'm crazy, but I couldn't recommend it more.

Edited

sallyhBeach Comber
#19
Are beach chair/umbrella rental companies still open this time of year?

Yes - in my experience. We rent through ResortQuest, and it's included thru the end of Oct. Only problem is that there are fewer "beach dudes" (what we like to call 'em), this month, so they come later in the a.m. - BUT they leave them set up later for wonderful sunset viewing time!

You will love it in October! I think the water is definitely warmer than in May.
Flossie avatar
FlossieBeach ComberAuthor
#20
You will love it in October! I think the water is definitely warmer than in May.

That's great! I'm excited--which is why I'm obsessing.

Beach service isn't included with our condo, so we rent on our own. I can't remember who we used in May, but they would evict us from our chairs and umbrella really early. We noticed another company waited much later; of course, we can't remember its name either.

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