CLEARWATER, Fla. — As air temperatures across Florida fell in the wake of a passing cold front, many beachgoers may be left wondering if it's too cold to enjoy the water.
Right now, the water temperature at Clearwater Beach is around 70 degrees, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration — which would be great if it were a bit warmer outside.
And it's a far fall from earlier this summer when water temps approached the mid-90s.
NOAA says that while there's no "optimal" water temperature, most people feel most "comfortable" swimming in water between 70 and 78 degrees. Based on those average temperatures, October could be ideal for these "comfortable" water temps. November and December also have temperatures in the low-to-mid 70s, but some people might begin to find those conditions a little "chilly."
10 Tampa Bay's meteorologists predict that outdoor temperatures will start off in the mid to low 60s in the morning but will progressively get warmer throughout the day into the next few days. The warmest day is predicted to get up to 85 degrees next week.
According to Visit Florida, most people will start venturing into the ocean when the air temp hits around 80 degrees, so if beachgoers can wait until the afternoon, there should be no problem with them taking a dip into the Atlantic.
"As a general rule, the water anywhere in Florida will be warm enough to swim between April and October. During the cooler months, the farther south you go, the warmer it will be. Fort Lauderdale, Miami, the Keys, Marco Island and Naples will have the warmest water during the winter," the Visit Florida website reads.
For the latest weather forecast, click here.
