Yellow and purple flags are flying at Pensacola Beach today. Water sits at 84°F with wind out of the west early, turning southwest by afternoon at 10-15 mph (gusts to 20 mph). Waves run near 1.8 ft. Storms carry a 50% chance today, building to 80% overnight. A Flood Advisory is also in effect for the area until 12:00 PM from heavy rain.
Is It Safe to Swim at Pensacola Beach Today?
Yellow means moderate hazard — swim with caution, and keep children and weaker swimmers closer to shore, since currents run stronger than the 1.8 ft wave height suggests. Purple means jellyfish have been spotted in the water; give anything drifting near you a wide berth, and don't handle jellyfish washed up on the sand, since a detached tentacle can still sting. NWS has a Rip Current Statement in effect for Pensacola Beach from 7 PM tonight through 6 AM Tuesday, so conditions turn more hazardous after dark. Watch for lightning if storms move through, and get out of the water at the first sign of thunder. Check the flag in person before you go in, since conditions can shift during the day.
Full Conditions Breakdown
| Condition | Reading |
|---|---|
| Beach flag | Yellow + Purple — moderate hazard, jellyfish present |
| Water temperature | 84°F |
| Air temperature | Low 79°F / High 88°F |
| Wind | West 10-15 mph, turning southwest (gusts to 20 mph) |
| Wave height | 1.8 ft |
| UV index | Very High |
| Chance of rain | 50% today, 80% overnight |
Pensacola Beach Tides Today
| Tide | Time | Height |
|---|---|---|
| High tide | ~6:40 AM | ~2.0 ft |
| Low tide | ~6:28 PM | ~-0.5 ft |
Tide times estimated by rolling Saturday's verified readings forward — live NOAA data wasn't available at publish time.
7-Day Outlook
Monday turns unsettled and breezy, with storms likely and a high near 86, west winds gusting to 30 mph. Tuesday continues with storms likely and a high near 87. Wednesday and Thursday trend drier, with highs near 89-91 and a lower storm chance.
Purple flags are flying at Pensacola Beach today, meaning jellyfish have been spotted in the water. Keep clear of anything drifting near you and don't touch jellyfish that wash up on the sand — a separated tentacle can still sting. If you're stung, check with lifeguards on duty for first aid.