Florida Keys Water Temperature, Tides & Buoy Report
Region: Florida
The Florida Keys stretch 120 miles southwest from the mainland, separating the warm, shallow waters of Florida Bay from the deeper Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. The island chain sits at the confluence of multiple current systems — the Gulf Stream flowing north through the Florida Straits, the Loop Current pushing east from the Gulf, and the tidal exchange between Florida Bay and the Atlantic through the passes.
NOAA Stations Near Florida Keys
Frequently Asked Questions
- What conditions does Big Buoy track near the Florida Keys?
- Big Buoy provides real-time water temperature, wave height, wind speed and direction, swell period, and atmospheric pressure from NOAA stations across the region, including Key West, NE of Bahamas, and N of Puerto Rico. You also get 7-day tide forecasts, solunar tables, and extended weather outlooks covering the Gulf side, Atlantic side, and backcountry of the Keys.
- What is the tidal range in the Florida Keys?
- Tidal range in the Keys is minimal — typically 1–2 feet on the Atlantic side and even less in Florida Bay. Despite the small range, tidal movement is critical for conditions on the flats and in the passes. Rising tides push clean water onto the flats, while outgoing tides flush water through the passes and create concentrated current.
- What conditions should I check before heading out in the Florida Keys?
- Wind direction is the first thing to check — it determines which side of the Keys is protected and which is rough. An east wind makes the Atlantic reef line uncomfortable while the Gulf side stays calm, and vice versa. Water temperature along the reef shifts rapidly as the Gulf Stream moves closer or farther from shore. In the backcountry, even moderate wind stirs up the shallow Florida Bay bottom and reduces visibility. Big Buoy shows real-time wind, water temperature, and tides so you can pick the right side of the Keys for the day.
- What NOAA stations does Big Buoy track near Florida Keys?
- Big Buoy tracks 882 NOAA buoys and 3,400+ tide stations nationwide, with many in the Florida Keys area — including Key West, FL (KYWF1), NE BAHAMAS - 350 NM ENE of Nassau, Bahamas (41047), 41043. Each station reports water temperature, wave height, wind speed and direction, and more — updated every 10 minutes. Open the map to see all stations near Florida Keys.
- What marine conditions are available for Florida Keys?
- Big Buoy shows real-time water temperature, wave height, swell period, wind speed and direction, 7-day tide tables with exact high and low times, and daily solunar peak windows for Florida Keys.
- Is Big Buoy free to use for Florida Keys marine conditions?
- Yes. Real-time buoy data, tides, and solunar for Florida Keys are completely free with no account required. Big Buoy Pro adds the Wind Tab, the Depth Chart, satellite overlays (sea surface temp, chlorophyll, currents), 16-day forecasts, and forecast model switching.