Guestimate of Key Largo water temperature

[Kharon]

Anyone have a guess what the Key Largo water temperature might be October 29 to November 5?

Looking at weather & climate sites I'm guessing 75 -80°F. At 75°F I was a little cold diving Bonaire in March. In the past I have been fine diving without insulation at 80°F but I'm getting older. I am thrashing between using a 3mm vest, poliolifin fullsiuit under, and a 2.5mm hood or a 3mm shorty or a 5mm shorty.

The 5mm shorty seems awfully thick and would be hard to pack. The 3mm vest and hood might be enough, especially if I wear a polyolifin full suit underneath. A 3mm shorty will cost me about $150 that I don't want to spend if I don't have to for a full front zip. I'm too old to struggle with a back zip or a partial front zip.

If I could get a good idea what water temperature to expect I'd have a better chance of making a good decision.

 

[CajunDiva]

I would say closer to the 80 degree point. In my experience the water doesn't experience a substantial cool down until later in November.

Based on reading previous posts of yours, I suspect you'd be fine with the vest. If it were me, that's what I would pack. If you really get in a bind you could rent something.

 

[Kharon]

I would say closer to the 80 degree point. In my experience the water doesn't experience a substantial cool down until later in November.

Based on reading previous posts of yours, I suspect you'd be fine with the vest. If it were me, that's what I would pack. If you really get in a bind you could rent something.

Thanks. That's what the dive shop said. Hadn't thoought of renting if I need more warmth. Going to go that route and save some money.

 

[CajunDiva]

Going to go that route and save some money.

It's probably not something you'd use much again, so in this circumstance renting would probably make more sense.

Honestly, I think you'll be fine without it. The vest is a great idea, although you may not even need that!