Only a week ago in the Northern Hemisphere we officially entered Autumn with the passing of the Autumnal Equinox, which happens when the plane of the Earth’s equator passes through the centre of the sun. Now that the nights are getting longer than the days, open water temperatures start dropping. What we have been consistently asked here at SwimTrek is where we suggest swimming over those autumn and winter months while still staying close to home. So what follows is some suggestion for both European and North American swim locations.
October
Europe
The northern Mediterranean is still a decent bet for this month. While the air temperature is cooling, sea temperatures are still relatively high (> 20°C). To escape the crowds this is an excellent time of year to come.
Hot Spots: Croatia, Italy, French Riviera.
North America
In North America, swimming is still decent half way down the continental USA. As you head south on the East Coast, Virginia averages around 20°C going up to 25°C in Charleston, South Carolina. Although Long Beach, near Los Angeles on the West Coast is an almost latitude to Charleston, it’s average October water temperature is 7°C lower at 18°C.
Hot Spots: Carolinas, Georgia, Bermuda.
November
Europe
Time to start heading south. Also weather becomes more unreliable and storms more likely. However in the southern Mediterranean, temperatures can still be above 20°C. Rather than getting the temperature, the challenge might in fact be finding flights and accommodation available.
Hot Spots: Greek Islands, Cyprus, Turkey.
North America
As in Europe we head South, this time to the states which border the Gulf of Mexico. The coastline here is renowned for being flat with sandy beaches. Also featuring various stunning open water swims is Mexico from Baja in the West to Cancun on the Yucatan Peninsula in the East.
Hot Spots: Florida, Texas, Mexico.
December
Europe
Time to leave Europe all together and head south as temperatures in the Med start to hit between 16-18°C. Cooler air temperatures, warm water temperatures all within 4-5 hours of Europe make the Middle East an attractive proposition.
Hot Spots: Egypt, Oman.
North America
There’s only one area to think about in this month and that’s the Caribbean. Warm waters, blue sea and diverse flora and fauna make it a swimmers paradise. You can till avoid the crowds if you travel in early December.
Hot Spots: British Virgin Islands, St Kitts & Nevis, Dutch Antilles
A Note on Sea, Lakes or Rivers
Just as smaller bodies of water are quicker to heat up in the spring, so they are also quicker in cooling down in the autumn. Hence rivers and lakes generally at this time of year lose temperature quicker than the sea. Hence if you want to swim in warmer waters, sea locations will generally your better bet at this time of year.
