Are you planning a vacation to the Florida Panhandle? Then you may be wondering when the best time to visit the Florida Panhandle is. Despite the beauty of the glimmering white beaches and jade green ocean stealing the show year-round, there are certain months of the year that are better for visiting. Whether hot, sunny weather is top priority, you’re restricted by a budget or you’d like to avoid crowds, we’ve got you covered with our analysis on the best times of the year to visit the Florida Panhandle.
Best Time To Visit The Florida Panhandle
While it also coincides with the busiest time of the year, Summer is undoubtedly the best time to visit the Florida Panhandle. Temperatures swing between the 70s and 80s on average for warm days beckoning you to enjoy the pristine beaches and ocean water. Besides the influx of tourists, the other downside of summer is the humidity can make the temperatures feel like they’re in the 90s, which some people may find uncomfortable and unpleasant. Summer is also the rainy season, bringing up to 15 days of rainfall per month and up to 6 inches of rainfall per month.
If humidity is a major concern for you, consider making a trip to the Panhandle in the Fall instead. The temperatures are still in the 70s and 80s but there isn’t that same crazy level of humidity so days on the beach, on nature trails or in the water are much more enjoyable. Plus while the rest of the US is drinking pumpkin spice lattes, you’ll be enjoying sunny skies and tropical drinks poolside.
Best Time To Visit The Florida Panhandle To Avoid Crowds
If crowds are your pet peeve on a vacation then December and January are two months that are best avoided in the Florida Panhandle. This period sees a huge influx of tourists escaping the cold, miserable weather back home in exchange for the more moderate weather along the Emerald Coast. Hence why it gets the name snowbird season. Spring and Summer both also tend to be busy seasons in the Panhandle with a lot of families visiting the area during Spring and Summer break.
The best times to visit to avoid crowds are February and during the Fall. You’ll have the beaches practically all to yourself and avoid the peak season queues at restaurants, shops and attractions during the off-season.
Best Time To Visit The Florida Panhandle For Deals
The most expensive time to visit the Panhandle is during peak season which is December, January, Spring and Summer. Because of the increased demand, prices everywhere skyrocket, making a trip too expensive for those on a budget. However, if you want the best deals then traveling during off-season is your secret to big savings. Plus it’s actually a better time of the year to travel because it’s not as crowded! During off-season, you can expect great deals on vacation rentals, resorts, activities, in shops and at restaurants. This gives you the opportunity to enjoy your dream Florida Panhandle vacation while still staying within a budget.
Best Time To Visit The Florida Panhandle: Weather By Month
January: Average temperatures in January are around 53°F with around 5 days of rain expected. There are around 6.7 hours of sunshine per day.
February: February warms up slightly with an average temperature of 55°F by day. There are also around 5 days of expected rainfall, however there is on average 3.3 inches of rainfall as opposed to 4 inches the previous month. Humidity levels dip to 67%.
March: The temperature starts warming up nicely in March, with an average temperature of 61°F with highs in the mid-to-high 60s. Rainy days increase to 7 with a jump to on average 5 inches of rainfall.
April: April sees a nice increase in average temperatures to around 68°F with warmer days of up to 74°F often experienced. Humidity levels drop to an all-time low and the amount of expected rainfall also decreases significantly compared to March. Hours of sunshine increase to around 9 hours per day in April.
May: There is a big jump in temperature in May, up to 75°F on average. The hottest days are almost near the 80s, being on average 79°F. There are now up to 10 hours of sunshine per day, making for longer lazy days on the beach. There are on average 6 days of rain with only 2.4 inches of rain, so showers are short lived and fleeting.
June: June marks the start of the summer season with average temperatures now around 80°F and highs of 86°F. Summer brings with it an increase in humidity levels to around 74% which also influences an increase in rainfall, on average 13 days.
July: July tends to be the hottest month of the year, with average temperatures of 81.5°F and sweltering highs of 89°F. Humidity rises as does the number of rainy days, which are on average 15 days in July.
August: August is the wettest month of the year with up to 6.9 inches of rain over an average of 15 days. Temperatures remain steady and hot at around 81°F on average. Humidity rises to around 81% making for very hot and sticky weather.
September: Temperatures start to drop but not by too much, hanging at around 79°F while some days are still as hot as 84°F. Rainfall decreases to around 10 days of rain and 5.2 inches of precipitation, while sunshine hours decrease to on average 9 hours per day.
October: Temperatures drop significantly to around 71°F and humidity levels drop to 68% making for much milder Fall weather. Rainy days decrease back down to 5 days per month with only 2.7 inches of rainfall on average.
November: Average temperatures fall to 61°F with a low incidence of rainfall recorded. Hours of sunshine drop to around 7.5 hours per day.
December: The chill sets in with average temperatures of 55°F and highs in the mid-60s. This is the second coldest month of the year but there is less chance of rainfall and much lower humidity. Hours of sunshine decrease to 6.7 on average.
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