We have not been to Florida for several years and never in Sept. Now that we are empty nesters-we would like to go for a relaxing week on the beach, preferably the gulf side. If we go in mid-Sept, what is the weather like in the Panhandle area vs Ft Myers/Naples area. Or if we go Atlantic side -st. Augustine's vs. Daytona vs. Ft. Lauderdale area?

I would like to lounge on the beach- don't want super hot, but don't want to risk it being too cold for beach lounging. We need to relax after several vacations with other people where we did sight seeing daily!

Thanks for your help.

We have looked at an RCI condo (exchange) on Vanderbilt Beach- resort is between the Ritz and LaPlaya according to the reviews. Will it be too hot Sept 20-27?

Is that a nice beach area?

Thanks.

That's the beginning of the best weather stretch for florida... it could be hot, but some prefer the fall weather as better than spring, plus the kids are back at school...

I can tell you that the Naples/Ft. Myers area will be hot still in September, by any definition! I don't really notice a difference until well into October, although temperature averages will tell you there is a slight drop.

Thank you for the replies. Does the water cool down again at all by Sept? I remember bring around Treasure Island in June and the ocean being like bath water.

Maybe we should move further north around Destin?

There is no risk that it will be too cold in mid-September, even in the Panhandle. However, you do run the risk of tropical storms and hurricanes.

Yes, hurricane season continues through November, it's true. What can you do but hope for the best??

On the gulf side, I do not think the water cools off at all by September, even by the end of the month. It's still a summer month down here. Farther north might well suit you better...

Agree with above. September is the time of year we just can't take it anymore and make an escape out of Florida for cooler climes (mountains, way north). Even Thanksgiving can be unbearably hot (nearly 90).

Wherever you decide, stay close to the ocean/gulf and avoid inland destinations.

On the other hand, September is a far sight better than July and August. 8-)

I've never thought September was that much different from July/ August, but I also don't think there will be much difference between the Panhandle and Naples in September.

LOL, NeoPatrick! For me, the difference is that I am completely OVER the hot, humid, bug ridden weather and looking forward to some relief. The entire state will likely be hot. Tropical storms are always a consideration during September, of course;

I've lived in Northwest Florida for almost 40 years, and it never cools down here until mid October. September is usually one of the prettiest months here, but still very, very hot. We might have one night where the humidity is lower, but day time temps will remain in the 80's and 90's.

Well, the Panhandle averages 3 degrees or so cooler than the SW coast in September.

With respect to hurricanes, however, it's a whole lot easier to evacuate from the Panhandle than the SW coast!