FAQ

When does sargassum season hit Florida?

Florida's sargassum window runs roughly May through August, peaking in June and July. The Keys and the southeast Atlantic coast — Miami up to Jupiter — see the most; winter months are essentially seaweed-free statewide. The amount varies hugely year to year depending on the Atlantic bloom, which is why we track conditions with satellite data updated four times a day instead of quoting seasonal averages.

Which Florida beaches get the least sargassum?

Gulf coast beaches like Clearwater almost never see meaningful sargassum — the currents rarely deliver it there. On the Atlantic side, Daytona and the central coast get far less than the Keys or Miami. Within South Florida, conditions can flip beach to beach in a single day, so check the live map: our satellite data, refreshed daily, shows exactly which beaches are clean right now.

How accurate is this sargassum tracker?

We use the same AFAI satellite index NOAA relies on, sourced from Copernicus and NOAA imagery and refreshed four times a day. Floating mats have a distinct spectral signature that satellites detect reliably in clear weather; clouds can delay readings, so every beach displays its data age and a confidence level. Beachgoer reports fill the gaps. It is the difference between a measurement and a guess.

Can you really forecast sargassum a week out?

To a useful degree, yes. Once satellites detect mats offshore, their drift is largely set by wind and the Gulf Stream, which we model daily for each beach. Days 1–3 are the most reliable; days 4–7 show the direction of travel. Seaweed already beached decays on a 3.5-day half-life unless resupplied. The forecast re-runs every day as fresh satellite passes arrive.

Do Florida beaches get cleaned of sargassum?

Most tourist beaches do. Miami Beach runs daily mechanical raking, and resort and municipal crews work the main Keys beaches each morning. Smaller and natural beaches are cleaned rarely or never. Cleaning resets the sand, but if satellites show fresh mats inbound, seaweed returns within hours — which is why pairing the cleaning schedule with our daily satellite forecast tells you more than either alone.

What should I do if my beach is covered in sargassum?

Drive — Florida gives you options. If Miami Beach is buried, Daytona or the Gulf side at Clearwater almost certainly is not, and our live map shows the nearest clean sand instantly. Small amounts are harmless to swimmers; large rotting piles smell of sulfur and are worth avoiding. Premium alerts notify you the moment a saved beach changes status, so you stop guessing and start rerouting.