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Flossie

Beach Comber
Oct 4, 2010
16
0
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.
 

scooterbug44

SoWal Expert
May 8, 2007
16,706
3,339
Sowal
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

Beach Comber
Oct 4, 2010
16
0
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!
 
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Kurt

Admin
Oct 15, 2004
2,303
5,005
SoWal
mooncreek.com
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

Beach Comber
Oct 4, 2010
16
0
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.
 
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Flossie

Beach Comber
Oct 4, 2010
16
0
That's good to know. Of course, the air temps were pretty high in May. . . Eh, I'm sure it'll be fine!
 
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