Marathon, FL Keys water temp in Feb?

[ls1mtz]

I'll be heading down to Marathon hopefully, on February 10-11 for OW checkout dives and was wondering what the water temp usually is around that time of the year. Getting my g/f talked into going is like pulling teeth. She insists the water will be 60degrees and wants me to hold my dream until the water gets warmer in April or May. What do you guys think?

 

[matts1w]

I'll be heading down to Marathon hopefully, on February 10-11 for OW checkout dives and was wondering what the water temp usually is around that time of the year. Getting my g/f talked into going is like pulling teeth. She insists the water will be 60degrees and wants me to hold my dream until the water gets warmer in April or May. What do you guys think?

Although it is impossible to see a month into the furture, it will most likely be between 72-68 degrees.

 

[ls1mtz]

Is a 3mil full good enough for that or should it be a 5?

 

[Walter]

Water temps in the 60s is unusual for the Keys even in mid-winter.

Is a 3mil full good enough for that or should it be a 5?

We are all different. Some folks are comfortable in just a swim suit, other need a 7 mm. It all depends on your comfort level.

 

[deeper thoughts]

Today the water temp is around 78-79(molasses) about 2-3 degrees higher then normal

 

[fldiver1]

The water temp. Saturday at Elbow reef and City of Washington wreck was 78-79. Wonderful in our 3ml suits. We also had 100' vis. on Saturday. Heard that Sunday vis. dropped ALOT though because of the wind and 4-5ft seas

 

[Jupiter31]

I'll be heading down to Marathon hopefully, on February 10-11 for OW checkout dives and was wondering what the water temp usually is around that time of the year. Getting my g/f talked into going is like pulling teeth. She insists the water will be 60degrees and wants me to hold my dream until the water gets warmer in April or May. What do you guys think?

68 - 75 - more likely closer to 75 if you do the reefs; lower on the deep wrecks (I had 68 last Feb on the Dwayne) - which you will not be doing if you are down for your check out.

Monitor the weather - you can have flat seas in Feb, but its winter now and you could get blown out if we get a cold front, which happes frequently during the winter.

3mm should be ok, especially w/ a hood, depending on your tolerence.

If you have the option, places in the Carib might be more consistant for good weather and calmer seas - if you have to fly down to FL, check Cozumel; great place to finish your certification - good luck.

 

[Tienuts]

While temps in the 60s is not the norm, be prepared for it. I dove the Speigel last Feb during a cold spell. The water temp was 67 and the air temp was 55! We had 6mm on and FROZE.

 

[lmorin]

Today the water temp is around 78-79(molasses) about 2-3 degrees higher then normal

Lucky you! We were on the Benwood and French Reef in late December. Temps were low 70's. I always am colder than my wife, so we even things with 5 and 3 mm suits, respectively. Had to abort the second dive after 35 min because of the cold. First time for everything, I guess.

Water temp at Sombrero Light is presently 78.6 (see here).

 

[DawnBarber]

The water temp is unusually high for this time of year, on average well be in the low 70's by the first of Feb. For those of us that live here...we like 80 and up though. We are recommending 3mm fulls at a minimum to all divers through the cold spells.

Hummm...we look one way...see girls in bikinis snorkeling (obvisouly from Up North somewhere)....we look the other way....see Florida divers in Dry suits. Normal thing. Depends where you are from.
Dawn