Planning a trip to Destin and wonder what the weather will be like a certain month? A lot of people think just because Destin is on the Gulf Coast in Florida, it’s sunny and warm year-round. So it may be a big surprise to learn that this is not always the case. It’s true that Destin definitely has more warm, sunny days than cold, but you may want to rethink your whole plan. The “perfect” months may not be when you think they are. Read on to find out what to expect during the month you plan to visit.
Let’s start at the beginning:
What is the weather like in January in Destin
January is the coldest month of the year in Destin. The Weather Channel states that the average high is around 61 degrees (F) and the average low is around 47 degrees (F). Which is true. However, it’s not to say it never gets below freezing. Destin has seen ice storms and snow. It’s not a normal occurrence of course. Most days are over-cast. Some days feel chillier than what the thermometer says, and then you get a lovely sunny (still chilly) day. Some days the water is brilliant emerald others an angry gray. On overcast or sunny days, the water is frigid. Standing in it for even a minute will make your feet and legs go numb. The sand is even chilly to the point that you want to wear shoes on the beach. You definitely will be wearing sweatshirts and jeans. Bring a raincoat!
What is the weather like in February in Destin
February starts off about the same as January but towards the end of the month, you start to see and feel slight changes. Average highs are a couple of degrees warmer for both the high and lows (64 degrees (F)/49 degrees (F)). As the month goes on though, there are more sunny days. The water is still cold but by the end of February, you can walk on the beach without shoes at times and be comfortable. Walking down the beach away from the sun can be chilly, but once you turn around and head back towards the sun you may get a bit warm. Layer!
What is the weather like in March in Destin
March is the start of the 8 month-long tourist season. However, Destin weather has no idea what it wants to do in March. Highs are usually around 70 and the lows around 50, but that’s not a guaranteed thing. People flock to Destin for Spring Break. A lot of days are just too cold to ‘lay out on the beach’ not to mention the water is still really chilly. However, that doesn’t stop people from trying to enjoy their Destin beach time. Bring your bathing suit and hop in your resort pool or hot tub, but otherwise, shorts and sweatshirts. Jeans at night.
What is the weather like in April in Destin
April is when the magic starts to happen with Destin weather. The days are warmer and sunnier. Daytime temperatures usually settle around lower to mid 70’s and 60’s at night. The water in the Gulf of Mexico is starting to warm up nicely with water temps in the 70’s. Vacationers are in town for Easter or a late Spring Break. Bring your cute dresses, bathing suits, and shorts… maybe pack a cardi, just in case!
What is the weather like in May in Destin
May is pretty much perfect as far as temperature and crowds. This is kind of the sweet spot. The weather is beautiful, the water is beautiful and the huge crowds have not descended on Destin (for the most part!). Daily temperatures are in the 80’s now with nighttime temperatures in the 60’s. Summer has begun!
What is the weather like in June, July and August in Destin
June, July, and August are the hottest months of the year, both temperatures and tourists-wise. June 1st is the first day of hurricane season and Junegrass starts making an appearance. Highs range from mid to upper 80’s into the 90’s. Water temps are around 80 degrees. And speaking of water, the clarity! Most days the water is so clear that you could find a diamond engagement ring in 5 feet of water – True Story!! Beautiful, emerald, clear water. Très Magnifique!
July and August bring in the most rain. Pop-up afternoon storms are a common occurrence. Watching a storm come inland from your gulf front balcony can be a scary but awesome sight. Maybe you’ll get lucky and catch a water spout as it forms and spins its way across the gulf. Mother Nature is powerful. Between the weather and the ocean (gulf), it will leave you in awe.
Keep a hair tie handy because it’s going to be hot and humid!
What is the weather like in September in Destin
Ohhh September. For the most part, the crowds are leaving but the weather is still beautiful. Highs are back into the ’80s and evenings are still in the lower 70’s. One moment you can feel a hint of Fall in the air, but in the next moment, you know it’s still summer on the Gulf Coast! The water in the gulf is still warm and there are still plenty of beach days left to enjoy.
What is the weather like in October in Destin
October is traditionally the busiest month for hurricanes. On the upside, it’s the least humid month. Summer crowds have gone and it’s an easier time to get into restaurants not to mention up and down 98!! Fishing rodeos are an October thing. So if love to fish, this is your month! Highs are usually in the lower 80’s and the lows in the upper 60’s.
What is the weather like in November in Destin
November sees things cooling off and the end of hurricane season. The highs are in the mid-’70s and the lows are in the upper 50’s. Autumn is here! November is beautiful. The days are still warm with a few more beach days to be had. The gulf waters are still warmish but towards the end of November, the chill will be creeping back in. If you’re walking on the beach in the evening, bring a light jacket or sweatshirt.
What is the weather like in December in Destin
December temperatures fall throughout the month. Highs are usually in the upper 60’s with lows in the upper 40’s. December begins the chilly months. Throughout the month of December, it gets cloudier and more overcast. Some days are so foggy that you can’t see 10 feet in front of you. The water is getting too chilly to swim in, and it’s back to sweatshirt and jeans weather.
We hope this little guide was helpful. As you can see, it’s not all about sunshine and warm weather on the Emerald Coast. However, we feel like that’s what makes Destin so perfect. Even though we are in the south, we get to experience a little of all four seasons! No matter when you get to visit, a chilly overcast day in Destin is better than no day in Destin. It’s still the most beautiful place on Earth.
Ta-Ra!
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