The Best Time to Visit the Emerald Coast

Deciding the best time to visit the Emerald Coast can be a little overwhelming. Since this area never gets too cold, there are options for visit year-round. Below we’ve outlined the pros and cons of vacationing in each season.  

Summer (Mid-May through Mid-August)
Summer at the Emerald Coast is a hot and humid time. It also features daily rainfall, peak crowds, and the highest prices. However, in the summer all activities, from paddleboarding to jet skiing and more, are plentiful. Restaurants also keep great hours since this is the peak of tourist season. While you may have to suffer through humidity and crowds, summer does offer the most things to do for families vacationing here. Events include Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival, Emerald Coast Blue Marlins Classic, Concerts in the Village, and more.

Fall (Mid- August through Mid-November)
The fall at the Emerald Coast is a great time. The weather is ideal, having left behind the heat and humidity of summer. The crowds are moderate. You will still find people vacationing here but not in the same capacity as summer. You can also experience the Destin Seafood Festival and the Destin Fishing Rodeo in October. Of course, any demographic can vacation on the Emerald Coast at any time, however fall typically finds the most adults and couples.

Winter (Mid-November through Mid-February) 
Winter on the Emerald Coast is an unpredictable time. Temperatures can range from comfortable 70s to freezing overnight. The crowds and prices are low, but there aren’t as many activities and many restaurants either close or cut down hours in this season. Winter finds its most common vacationer in snowbirds (retired people escaping from the harsh winters in the north). Events include Pardi in Paradise Mardi Gras Parade.  

Spring (Mid-February through Mid-May)
Spring weather is mostly at a comfortable temperature but can be chilly at times. The water is usually quite cold at this time as well, so swimming is not assured. Spring will find most of its vacationers in spring breakers. Activities and restaurants will open up to cater to this crowd. Since it is spring break season, the crowds will increase. Prices tend to stay moderate at this season. Events include Tequila and Tacos Fest in March and Burning up the Beaches in May.

Every season on the Emerald Coast has its ups and downs. Whether you choose to visit in tourist season summer or off-season winter, we guarantee you will have a great vacation. Of course, Salt Water Vacations offers year round vacation rentals for any beach-goer.

Published on Friday, July 6, 2018