Swimming in January in Miami

[Diane67B]

I am staying 2 days pre cruise in South Beach. I have heard that January is the coldest month here. Do you think the ocean will be too cold to swim in, or will we have to swim in the outdoor heated pool. Does it really get down to the teens in temperature? Anyone here been to Miami in mid January?

[JohninDC]

I have seen it freezing in South FLA in Jan, and also seen it at 80+ - it all depends.  The ocean will be a bit chilly if you are from VA like me - but may feel reasonably warm if you are from Maine.

[Diane67B]

I’m from just outside Toronto so it will probably feel balmy. Lol Thanks for answering. Here’s to hoping it’s in the 80’s.

[KeepCalmBearOn]

The ocean temperature will be in the low 70s°F, which is plenty warm to me being from CA, but others think any ocean temp under 80°F is too cold.

[Capt_BJ]

plenty of folks swim in January

 

we have a special name for them

 

tourist

[Diane67B]

Ahahaha🤣🤣🤣

[Diane67B]

4 hours ago, scottca075 said:

The ocean temperature will be in the low 70s°F, which is plenty warm to me being from CA, but others think any ocean temp under 80°F is too cold.

Sounds good to me!

[Oviedo32765]

[Diane67B]

4 hours ago, Oviedo32765 said:

That was very helpful! Thank you!

[KeepCalmBearOn]

On 12/4/2021 at 3:52 PM, Capt_BJ said:

plenty of folks swim in January, we have a special name for them, tourist

 

There are plenty of locals. They are called Open Water Swimmers and Tri-athletes.

 

https://www.floridaopenwater.com/ow-clubs-1

[OrlandoSquirrel]

I live in Florida and no way would you find me in the ocean in January or February. But YMMV. 

[Cienfuegos]

South Florida weather can be iffy in January and February. Cool and dry is typical, but windy and cold is not  unusual. Rarely lasts more than 3-4 days. Most hotel pools are heated.

 

President's Day weekend often sees a lot of vacationers

[KeepCalmBearOn]

16 hours ago, OrlandoSquirrel said:

I live in Florida and no way would you find me in the ocean in January or February. But YMMV. 

 

What you would do is completely irrelevant to what the OP asked. The OP asked if the ocean in January is too cold to swim in. No is the answer. There will be people swimming and surfing in January in FL, and yes they will be locals.

 

71° is the average ocean temp in January, which might feel cool to some Floridians, but that isn't close to too cold to swim in the ocean.

[Cienfuegos]

It isn 't unusual for Miami Beach ocean temp in January to be warmer than air temperatures, especially in the mornings.  That may impact how people perceive cold.

 

With the Gulf Stream a dozen miles off shore, the Florida ocean will always be warm by most standards.

 

Irrelevant tidbit, the average August water temp in Boothbay Harbor ME is 66 degrees F. And People enjoy it.

[Diane67B]

Thanks for everyone’s very helpful responses to my question! I really appreciate it.

[Diver2014]

My scuba diving club in Miami quit diving after October and don't resume until April because the water is too cold......

[Noxequifans]

We had a place in FL and never went near the ocean in Jan. Preferred to use the pool as the weather permitted. Bottom line …. I feel it is personal preference.

[BlueHerons]

I'm a local and I swim in the ocean in January.  The cool water cools off my sunburned skin and it feels wonderful!  I swam in the ocean yesterday and Saturday.