Sea surface temperature guide
Southeast Florida is the only US offshore destination where the Gulf Stream comes within sight of shore — sailfish stack on the inside edge from December through March in some of the most concentrated billfishing in the world.
Nearest ports
Typical SST
Climatologically typical sea surface temperature ranges based on NOAA CoastWatch SST climatologies. Year-to-year variation is real — verify with current SST imagery before each trip.
| Month | Typical SST | Dominant current | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 72–78°F | Gulf Stream very close to shore | PEAK sailfish season — bait and fish stack on the temperature break. |
| February | 72–76°F | Gulf Stream very close | Peak sailfish continuing. |
| March | 74–80°F | Gulf Stream very close | Sailfish winding down; mahi building. |
| April | 76–80°F | Gulf Stream very close | Mahi run starting. |
| May | 78–82°F | Gulf Stream very close | Peak mahi run. |
| Junenow | 80–84°F | Gulf Stream very close | Multi-species summer. |
| July | 82–86°F | Gulf Stream very close | Peak summer. |
| August | 82–86°F | Gulf Stream very close | Same. |
| September | 80–84°F | Gulf Stream very close | Strong fall. |
| October | 78–82°F | Gulf Stream very close | Continuing strong. |
| November | 74–80°F | Gulf Stream proximity | Sailfish run building. |
| December | 72–78°F | Gulf Stream very close | Peak sailfish season starting. |
Species accessibility
For each target species, the cells show whether typical monthly SST in Southeast Florida Gulf Stream Access falls in that species' preferred or optimal range. Best all-around months: March, April, November, January.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sailfish | ||||||||||||
| Mahi-Mahi | ||||||||||||
| Blackfin Tuna | ||||||||||||
| Wahoo | ||||||||||||
| Blue Marlin | ||||||||||||
| King Mackerel |
Species in range
For each species in their preferred SST range this month, the gauge shows the threshold band — verify against current SST imagery before deciding on the run.
Break patterns
Persistent SST features that concentrate baitfish and predators. Use SST imagery to find the break, then fish the warm side.
Where the Gulf Stream pushes within sight of the Florida coast, a sharp color and temperature change forms between the cool nearshore water and the warm blue Gulf Stream. Sailfish stack on the inside edge during winter cold fronts when bait pushes onto the break.
Active months
Target species
Canyon & structure features
NOAA marine forecast
NOAA Zone AMZ650 →Wind, swell, and tide-stage forecasts for the offshore zone. Pair with SST imagery for trip planning.
Bield: Fish overlays NOAA CoastWatch SST imagery onto your navigation view, highlights temperature breaks within your target species' threshold band, and alerts you when your home zone hits the optimal window.
Start free trial →This page shows climatological SST patterns for planning purposes. Live SST imagery is available in the Bield: Fish app via NOAA CoastWatch — actual conditions vary year to year and verify before each trip.