15 Oct
Visit any beach in the Sunshine State in summer, and you know that Florida boating season has well and truly kicked off. There are boats, water sports enthusiasts, sunbathers, and swimmers as far as the eye can see.
While many people head out for a spot of leisure or performance boating over the summer months, fall boating in Florida can actually be far more rewarding. Learn more about why fall is the secret Florida boating season below.
Think Boating Season is Over? Think Again.
As the sun sets on summer, the beaches clear out, and vacationers head home again. Summer is well and truly over, and that means it’s time to dry off the performance boat and jet ski and put them into storage.
However, nowhere in the rule book does it say that you have to store away your boats and water toys just because fall is on its way. If you think boating season is truly over, think again!
The #1 Advantage: Wide Open Waters
Florida has no shortage of wonderful boating areas. Both the Atlantic Coast and the Gulf Coast are havens for boat lovers. The Atlantic Coast is renowned for its lively waves, which are preferred for water sports. In contrast, the Gulf Coast offers calmer and more sheltered waters for more leisurely boat outings.
However, despite Florida having an abundance of wide, open waters, they certainly don’t feel wide and open in summer. It can sometimes feel as though your performance boat can’t really stretch its wings when it’s surrounded by other vacationers and water lovers.
Less Crowds, More Freedom to Roam
You don’t have the Keys or the Intracoastal Waterway entirely to yourself when you venture out in the fall to dabble in a little performance boating. However, the busyness of the main Florida boating season is noticeably over.
The launch ramps are a little clearer, the marinas have slips available, and the once-popular anchorages are now tranquil retreats. Suddenly, cruising, fishing, wakeboarding, and other water activities suddenly just become easier! As a result, the best time to boat in Florida is definitely the fall.
Florida’s Perfect Weather Finally Arrives
When you think about fall weather, you imagine unpredictable rain, wind, and cooler temperatures. While the weather in Florida is certainly not as pleasant and predictable as it is in summer, it tends to be more bearable and comfortable for many.
Cooler Temperatures and Lower Humidity for All-Day Comfort
As a general rule, Florida’s average fall weather is mild. You can expect temperatures in the upper 70s to mid-80s throughout October, and they gradually drop as November approaches.
You may also notice that mornings and evenings are cooler compared to summer, but the afternoons are still warm. What’s more, there tends to be less rain in the fall months than during summer.
But it’s not just the lower, more comfortable temperatures that will prove desirable for fall and winter boating in Florida. It’s also the lower humidity. While fall humidity generally starts high, at around 80%, it decreases as the season progresses. The further into the tail-end of fall and the start of winter you get, the lower the humidity levels and the more comfortable the temperatures.
The Ultimate Conditions for Performance Hulls
Fall boating in Florida isn’t just more comfortable for us water lovers who don’t always want to be out in the scorching-hot sun with 90% humidity. It could also help your boat perform better.
Why Cooler, Denser Air Can Mean Better Engine Performance
While performance boats will handle whatever air quality you throw at them when you’re out on the water, they do have their preferences. Engines prefer cool air, and they can get their fill of it when the temperatures drop in the fall.
The lower the temperatures, the denser the oxygen. As a result, you might enjoy better fuel efficiency, a touch more horsepower, and smoother combustion.
Less Wake and Chop from Other Boaters
When you’re running a performance hull and sharing the water with hundreds of other boaters, it can feel like you’re fighting the water at every turn. However, fewer boats means less wake and chop. Your next outing might mean a smoother ride and better handling for an overall more enjoyable boating experience.
Unique Fall Destinations and Sights on the Water
With fewer boats on the water, you’re spending less time navigating the traffic and more time enjoying your surroundings. There are certainly some unique fall destinations and sights to appreciate.
Thousands of migratory birds arrive in the Panhandle around fall, and if you’re boating along the Gulf Coast, you’re bound to see the manatees making their move toward the warmer springs.
If you’ve descended upon the Keys for a bit of much-needed performance boating, you’ll also appreciate the crystal-clear water, which creates ideal conditions for snorkeling and diving.
Get Your Boat Ready for the Secret Season
Now that you know that fall is the best time to boat in Florida, it’s time to get ready! Stock up on new boating gear, choose your preferred cruising location, and perform boat maintenance in Florida before you hit the water. Sport Boats in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, will be ready and waiting to help you choose the best Nitra or Nor-Tech performance boat to enjoy the secret season to the fullest.
