Around Cape Canaveral is the ocean suitable to swim in during late October?

Question

Pardon my complete lack of knowledge of Florida. Is the water warm enough to swim in, or is this too late in the year?

If it is too late in the year, when is a good time to visit that isn't a major holiday or super busy?

Answer 1

I live near the Cape and Oct its still pretty warm here!

Answer 2

Yes.  The average surf temp in Central East Coast Florida in Late October is 76F.  That's a bit brisk, but not too cold for most folks who like the water.  No wetsuit required unless you plan to be in the water more than an hour at a time.

The local springs are 72 year round and people swim in them year round.  

Answer 3

Depends what you're used to, the water is unseasonably cold right now, but in October I still skin it (no wet suit) while surfing.

Frankly, I think the water around Cocoa Beach/Cape is never so cold you need a full wet suit.

But, if you want warmer water, keep driving south.

Also, Cocoa Beach is, in my opinion, nicer to stay in than Cape. The beaches are also easier to get to, more parking, etc.

The most crowded beach days are always the weekend, Sunday is usually the most crowded because everyone who isn't beach side drives down for the day.

I suggest sometime during the summer during the week.

Answer 4

Afraid not unless you have a wet suit.

Will be very chilly.

So chilly that the manatees some inland to natural springs with annual temp of 72.

If 72 is ok for you consider swimming with manatees in some of state parks.

http://orlandotouristinformationbureau.c...

Answer 5

To be honest.. the water is about the same year round. We don't really go through dramatic climate changes. The only reason why the water would be cold is because of hurricanes or lots of rain. It's not 72 like the guy before said.. It's usually about 76. Which is good to swim in. People swim year round down here. It could feel extremely cold when you first get in, just because you're baking in the sun a little while. But when I have relatives come down from New York or Texas.. they say it's comfortable, when I get a chill.. but after you dunk your head a time or two, you're already used to it.

The only thing to be cautious of is Red Tide. But I'm sure you'll hear of it around the time you come down here. Let me just tell you one thing, that is something you don't want to mess with. It gets you coughing so bad that it almost  burns and you're eyes get all puffy and red. But last year was the worst is has ever been. Don't get worried that it will ruin your vacation though. It's not common, but it's not rare. It could just happen. But if it does happen, be at least a mile from the shore line. You can still feel it abut 3 miles off the coast.. but it's not as bad.

Overall, October is a good time to visit. It's not as busy because most of the kids are in school. But even in the summer, there are many beaches that only have a few people on them. It just depends on if you want to go to a more popular beach like the Pier or Coconuts (beachside bar). The entire coast is lined with beaches, so when you are on A1A , you can basically turn onto any street (as long as the dock isn't owned by a condo) and there's a beach. Just bring plenty of quarters, most beaches have parking meters, and they are like n***s with those things down here.. seriously, the meter maid will sit by your car the last 10 minutes to write you a ticket before your car backs out. You have to be backed out of a space before the time says expired if they are watching you.. it's a little ridiculous.

But have fun in Florida! I'm not trying to scare you away from coming here. Those are probably the only things you have to worry about. And yes, October is a good time to go swimming in the ocean.

****Also... the one guy who said that there are manatees in the ocean is COMPLETELY wrong! The manatees stay in the canals and rivers.. not the oceans.

Answer 6

I just came back from Orlando.  I drove 45 miles to Cocoa Bch for a day and the beach was awesome, however the water was pretty cold, I think it's due to currents.  Usually I go to Myrtle beach every summer and the water there is much warmer.

Daytona Bch is weird because people are allowed to drive on the beach and the water was just as cold.