Is it realistic to think that you can swim in the Sarasota beaches in mid-December? (Christmas: college)

[gimme it]

I just read that the average high temp in Dec is around 73 degrees. My husband really wants a beach vacation, so we are concerned that we will go to this lovely place and not be able to go swimming, etc. Any feedback? Please tell me it's much warmer than that in Dec

[FLBob]

Depending on the fronts, and when in Dec. the gulf temps will be upper 60's low 70's. Each years different. I normally don't go in the water unless it's "bathwater". But I'm a local and put on a jacket at 76.

Depending where you stay the pool will probably be heated into the 80's.

The days on the beach will probably be everything you could hope for, walking the beach, hanging out around a beach front restaurant/bar, reading a book in a lounge chair, and watching a sunset together.

Enjoy your vacation.

[MrTudo]

When I had a pool here I kept it somewhere between 85 and 90 degrees.

Then there were times I had it warmer than that

[Ladywithafan]

We keep our pools at 83-86.

The locals will be wearing fur lined L.L. Bean Moccasins and flannels come December while sipping martinis at the tikki bars come December...

[Big House]

Being in MD, I keep my hot tub (which is outside0 around 100 degrees, and I love to have a driink in it when it is snowing during the day, or at night when it is freezing out; hanging in it and looking up at the stars is awesome. This year, I'm going to hook a TV up outside so I can watch some football games!

When the season is over, then I hope to hang out in Florida. Then I guess I'll have to hang out by the pool, and watch college basketball. ;-0 Yea baby!

[longtimenc]

I think that 73 is pretty average for December. Some years it is over 80 Christmas day. Other years, it is 60. But the weather is very pleasant. Since you're from NYC, you could probably go in the gulf in December. It will be upper 60's probably. You will have a wonderful beach vacation if you go in December.

When I lived in Sarasota, there was not one day in the year when I did not go to work in short sleeves. Some mornings were down near 40, but warmed to 60 and it was fine. In December, you should not see this.

[gimme it]

Unfortunately, my husband does not want to swim in the ocean unless it's pleasantly, warm enough. We will have to make a Sarasota trip in a different season Being able to swim in the ocean was a major part of this vacation. Thanks for all your posts.