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.

 

[Sarah Moss]

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.

 

[Sarah Moss]

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. ;-)