Juldie

What would you say is the best month to go to the panhandle of Florida? I love the beach and the water but don't like excessive humidity. How is early November?

violetduck

For the panhandle part of Florida November would not be your best month. It could be very cool or even cold. I would say May and mid-Sept to mid-October would be the very best. It can be very hot and humid in June,July,August and usually
sometime in September begins to cool down a bit.
Maybe some Floridians can give you some information. We have always loved May and early October. I believe hurricane season is June to the end of November so be aware of the weather situation when planning your trip.

Barbara_in_FL

I agree - although I love the beach year-round (and would choose January over July, myself) the weather can be very changeable when you get into November/December. If you still want some warmth, just not the air-you-have-to-cut-through humidity of summer, October's better than November. On the spring side, April can be lovely, or early May, and not too hot. If you are not tied into a school calendar you can avoid high school and college spring breaks and still get there before the summer rental rates kick in.

SAnParis2

I agree w/VD - even though many people will get into a 'tizzy' about hurricane season, I truly believe October IS the absolute best time of year to spend @ the beach. You can still get in the water, the temps are moderate, it is cheaper, the kids & families have vacated & you can actually catch a fish or two.

MomInFl

My favorite beach month is May. The water is pleasant and the air is warm yet dry. And as stated, you'll be avoiding summer crowds and costs. September can still be quite sticky so I'd hold out until October (but would steer away from the long weekend in mid-October). We usually begin to see a cool-down in November so swimming conditions may not be ideal (depending on your comfort zone - we swim almost year round if the air temps are nice).

Sunshinesue

I live in the panhandle and own a couple of beach houses on the gulf. My favorite time to go to the beach is mid September to late October. The crowds are gone, the air is a little cooler and less humid and the gulf is still plenty warm for swimming.

Late April to just before Memorial day is also nice but the water is not quite warm enough for my wimpy self.

Whatever you do avoid March through mid April. Spring break is crazy.

And if you want the most gorgeous beach (crystal clear water and snow white sand) check out the Beaches of South Walton or Destin.

If you want to take Fido along go to Cape San Blas or St. George Island.

Cranachin

If you want to get in the water, mid-September through mid (or even late) October is a good time to visit (mid-April to mid-May is OK too, although, as Sunshinesue said, the water can still be a bit cool. Of course, "cool" depends on where you are from. Locals like the water to be warmer before they go in than people from up north do).

If you aren't going to the beach, note that March and April are great times to visit, as there are so many flowers blooming. For non-beach activities, I think those months are actually better than September and October.

With respect to water temperature, I stopped briefly at the beach near Apalachicola at Christmas and the air temperature was great. The water felt FREEZING when I stuck my feet in (although it probably was just in the 60s).

As far as sand goes, I think the prettiest beaches are from Perdido Key in the west through South Walton in the east. The sand there is white like sugar. As you go farther east past Panama City, the sand becomes tan.

Juldie

This is wonderful advise. It seems like everyone pretty much agrees. I have a free flight that will expire this weekend if I don't book something and I don't want that to happen.

I have spent plenty of time on the east coast of Fl. and the west coast but have never been to the panhandle. White sugary sand and beautiful water is what we will love. It will be probably be just a 4-5 day get away from Boston.

The other place we considered was Charleston, South Carolina.

Cranachin

If you just want to hang out at the beach, I recommend flying into Ft. Walton Beach/Valparaiso (VPS) and staying in Destin or the Beaches of South Walton.

If you want to do other things, too, fly into Pensacola (PNS) and stay on Pensacola Beach or Perdido Key. Pensacola is a historic city (celebrating the 450th anniversary of the settlement attempt by the Spanish in 1559 - 6 years before St. Augustine) and has the National Museum of Naval Aviation at the naval air station (free), several old forts (also free), and some interesting local museums. The annual seafood festival is September 25-27. If you stay on Perdido Key, you might want to visit the shrimp festival in nearby Gulf Shores, AL, October 8-11.

And if you like lighthouses, you'll want to visit the Pensacola lighthouse aboard the naval air station (I have been there, and I loved it). It is the oldest lighthouse on the Gulf Coast (turned 150 years old in January) and the fourth-tallest brick lighthouse in the US, and it has a first-order Fresnel lens. It is open for tours on Saturday afternoons ($5).

On October 14, 12 (and only 12) people will be able to watch the Navy's Blue Angels flight team practice their air show from the top of the lighthouse tower. The price - just $10! That seems like a steal. The practice last about 45 minutes. Call 850-944-0179 if you want to reserve tickets (I just called --thought I would get a recording and it was the home of the guy in charge! -- and they still have them available). Even if you don't watch from the lighthouse, you can watch from the ground, and the pilots will be at the Naval Aviation Museum afterward.

Enjoy your trip!

Sunshinesue

For the Beaches of South Walton, it is also convenient to fly in to Panama City. BUT I highly recommend going to South Walton or Destin and NOT Panama City Beach.

Charleston is fabuous but for beaches it doesn't even begin to compare to the western panhandle.

Cranachin, you've got me psyched about Pensacola! My son went to school there for about a year but I never really spent any time exploring. Sounds like I may have to.

Juldie

I guess we will try to book this for October, given all of your advise. I don't have a choice of airport, Air Tran is my free ticket and it only goes to Pensacola from Boston.

We will not go to Panama City but instead will head to the gorgeous beached of Destin, South Walton.

Sunshinesue

For further Destin/South Walton advise go to the Destin Board at Trip Advisor. It is very active and has tons of info.

olesouthernbelle

I agree with Sunshinesue's remarks regarding Sept.- Oct. & the Shrimp Festival time is a good one if you don't mind crowds. Reserve in advance as things book up during Festival time.

I'm originally from Mobile & Gulf Shores/Perdido Key is a regular destination for us. It's a bit less hectic than Destin, but I actually prefer the scenic beaches/water color just a bit more in Destin. There are many more restaurant possibilities there, though GS/Perdido definitely has some good ones, too!

Late May - mid to late June is my favorite time to visit the panhandle beaches. The water is too cool for me earlier & the severe heat/humidity is somewhat intolerable in July & August, imo - though I'll go any time the possibility arises & enjoy myself!

People on the east side of AL (where I have lived many years now) LOVE Panama City (all ages - not just the young set). All my young life in Mobile I heard about PC being the 'better' of the Panhandle beaches, & yes, I do enjoy it, but it is no better than GS/Perdido imo. It makes sense that people often just prefer what's closest, with less travel time involved.

violetduck

Be sure and check out the area between Destin and
Panama City on Old Hwy 98, Blue Mountain, Grayton Beach, Watercolors and especially Seaside. It is approximately 15-20 miles from Destin. We have started staying in this area the last few years to avoid the crowds in Destin. Have a great trip.

Juldie

Thank you everyone. I booked the flight for a long weekend around October 16th. We are excited to explore the area and it's gorgeous beaches. Has anyone stayed at Marriott Spring Hill Suites on Pensacola Beach? Trip Advisor gives it great reviews. We are thinking of using points.

nicenancy

October and November - Seeing Red Wine Festival in Seaside is in early November.
The Thirty-A area near Seaside is my choice over Pensacola.

Candynorvell

I am coming at the end of May and I am from Pensacola but moved to Colorado about 15 years ago. I don't remember but I think the water temp at the end of may is fairly warm and the jellies don't come around till end of June. Is this correct? And sunshinesue, I am looking for lodging do you rent on a weekly basis. My email is [email protected] if you could send me some info on your units that would be great, as I am on a budget as a teacher and all.

olesouthernbelle

End of May water temps is usually still a bit cool, imo. First two weeks in June have always been my favorite beach dates for this area.