JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – This weekend marks the highly anticipated opening of the beach season at Jacksonville Beach. People will gather at the water’s edge to partake in silent discos, fishing tournaments, volleyball and other festivities to mark the beginning of another summer by the sea.
For some people, staying dry is just fine but for others, it may be their first time going back into the ocean for the year.
One of the focal points for swimmers is the water temperature, a key factor in determining whether to take the plunge or not.
Based on data provided by the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), the average water temperature along the coast in April typically hovers at 69°F.
However, as May approaches, a gradual warming trend takes the average to 71 before peaking around 84 in August.
Right now in Mayport, at the river mouth, the water temperature is 72 and already reached 75 for the first time this year on April 20. Similarly, in St. Augustine, the current water temperature is 72 on April 25.
For comparison, right now it’s as cool as a North Florida spring, or as warm as a peak summer day in New England. However, for some, it may still be too brisk for a leisurely swim.
If your comfort zone hovers around 80°F, you might consider scheduling your “Opening of the Beaches” celebration for late May, after the season’s warmth has taken the edge off the chill.