Will you be visiting the Florida Panhandle in April? We’ve put together a handy guide to help you get the most out of your trip ranging from the weather in April to events and a packing list! The Florida Panhandle boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the USA and is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico, which is where it gets its shimmering emerald green waters from.
While along the shore you can find swamps and beaches, inland you’ll find forests, hilly terrain and rivers teeming with wildlife. This is why the Florida Panhandle continues to be a popular destination for tourists looking for an eco-holiday that includes plenty of hikes, bird watching and exploring. Read on to find out what you can expect when visiting the Florida Panhandle in April.
Weather in the Florida Panhandle in April
The average temperature in the Florida Panhandle in April is 67.5°F, with highs of 78°F and lows of 58°F. These mild and pleasant temperatures lend themselves to enjoying all the outdoor activities the Florida Panhandle has to offer. The Spring weather brings with it sunny skies for most of the month with almost 12 hours of sunshine a day in April. The sunsets this time of year are pretty spectacular so be sure to take a late afternoon stroll along the beach.
Depending on which town you visit, there is usually only around 3 inches of rainfall in April so most days are clear and great for spending time outdoors exploring. There are on average 5 rainy days during the month of April, making it one of the drier months of the year with little chance of your planned activities being rained out.
The sea temperatures are slightly warmer to those experienced in March, in the high 60s, so a lot of people are more comfortable venturing into the water in April.
Prices in the Florida Panhandle in April
Visiting the Florida Panhandle in April does happen to be in the middle of peak season. As a popular destination for families and spring breakers, you can expect higher prices during the month of April as demand for accommodation, flights and car rentals increases. It is also a busier time of the year to visit with hotels, restaurants and attractions often at capacity. This is the one downside of planning a trip in April.
What to do in the Florida Panhandle in April
The warmer weather brings beach days back into full swing, giving you plenty to do in the Florida Panhandle in April. Here are a few must-do activities to consider…
- Take part in some water sports – with the sun shining and the water heating up, April is a good time to dip your toes back into the water for a range of fun water-based activities including snorkeling, jet skiing, paddleboarding and more!
- Listen to some tunes – During the month of April, the Baytowne Wharf puts on a Wednesday Night Concert Series between 7pm and 9pm. Bring your lawn chairs, picnic blankets and some snacks along and enjoy the music.
- Sip on a vino or two – the Sandestin Wine Festival is one of the highlights of the social calendar each year and is not to be missed. Sample hundreds of wines over the course of the 4 day event and learn more about all the varieties of wine available to enjoy. This is an extremely popular event with limited tickets, so book early to avoid disappointment.
- Explore the wilderness – from the swamps to forests and parks, there is plenty for nature lovers to love about visiting the Florida Panhandle in April. Hit one of the many hiking trails, visit one of the local wildlife parks or rent bikes to explore the towns from a different perspective.
- Shop til you drop at Pier Park – Pier Park is a popular shopping complex in Panama City Beach with a wide range of stores, restaurants, cafes and cinemas to enjoy.
- Embark on a dolphin cruise – Chase-n-Fins runs interactive dolphin cruises from Pensacola Beach, a fun-filled family-friendly activity to add to your itinerary.
What to pack for Florida Panhandle in April
The weather in the Florida Panhandle in April has warmed up significantly as summer approaches, however there can still be cool days and nights that need to be considered when packing.
- A print out of your reservations and/or booking confirmations for accommodation, car rentals, tours etc.
- Sun protection including sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, hats and rash guards.
- Sea sickness medication if you’ll be heading out on a cruise or charter
- Beach chairs, umbrella, toys, towels and snorkeling gear
- Compact umbrella in case of rain
- Light jacket or windbreaker for cooler days
- Casual clothing like jeans and t-shirts for the days, beachwear and one or two smarter outfits for any nights out on the town.
- A power bank to charge your devices on the go and never miss a Kodak moment.
Should I visit the Florida Panhandle in April?
Visiting the Florida Panhandle in April is prime time for long, lazy days on the beach with beach weather at its finest…not too hot and not too cold. So if your plan is to stretch out on a beach lounger with a magazine and cooler filled with snacks, April is an excellent time to visit. It’s also a perfect time to visit if you are a nature lover planning an itinerary filled with outdoor activities like hiking, snorkeling and fishing. If you are on a tight budget or shy away from crowds, then it may be better to visit in a quieter month like May, September or October when prices drop and crowds thin out. Overall, you will love the weather that April brings and will enjoy many wonderful days under clear skies during your stay.
See Also:
Everything To Know About Visiting The Florida Panhandle In March