Outdoor Swimming in late February

Greetings!

My wife will be attending/working at a convention in late February (20th - 23rd) in Orlando, and I'm debating whether or not my (almost) 8-year-old son and I should join her.

I'm trying to limit our expenditures for the trip, but thankfully our hotel is covered by the event organizers.

The hotel only has an outdoor pool (unheated) and I am trying to figure out if the weather/water will be warm enough for swimming at that particular time of year.

This is a very important part of my decision for whether or not my son and I will make the trip with my wife, so I am only looking for first-hand info on swimming and nothing else at the moment.

TIA!

Swimming outdoors in Orlando in late February can be a mixed experience, as the weather is mild but the air and water temperatures are often cooler than summer months. February is typically one of the cooler months in Central Florida.

Here are some details based on historical averages and firsthand experiences:

  • Average daytime high temperatures are usually in the mid-70s °F (around 24°C), but mornings and evenings can be cooler, sometimes dipping into the mid-50s–60s °F (13–18°C).
  • Average water temperatures in outdoor hotel pools that are unheated are often around 65–70°F (18–21°C). Many people find this to be chilly for prolonged swimming, especially children.
  • Some individuals and kids may tolerate a quick dip if the air is sunny and warm, but longer swims may feel uncomfortable. Most families with young children prefer heated pools during this time.

Options and considerations if you still plan to swim:

  • Check if the hotel has any nearby heated pools or consider bringing a wetsuit for your son if he wants to swim comfortably.
  • If swimming is a must-have activity for your son, you could consider hotels or resorts with indoor heated pools nearby in Orlando. Many convention hotels don’t heat their outdoor pools in winter.
  • Keep in mind that even if the sun is out, a breeze can make the pool feel colder than the actual water temperature.

In short, late February outdoor swimming in Orlando without a heated pool is possible but likely chilly, and it might not provide the warm, comfortable experience that most kids enjoy. If swimming is central to your trip, looking for a heated pool or indoor facility is strongly recommended.


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