Panama City questions
 

Hi folks, our son has an 'opportunity' to travel to Panama City with some friends for his reading week mid-February. Having never been to PC, he's not sure what to expect or if it's even warm enough to swim in the ocean. Also, is it one big party town at that time of year for college kids. Thanks for any feedback.

Unfortunately, he will not be able to swim in the Gulf of Mexico in February -- the water is frigid.

In February, because of the weather, Panama City Beach is pretty quiet. It picks up, of course, in early March when college spring break begins.

(Even in March, however, it's often too chilly to be on the beach, much less in the Gulf.)

If anywhere has any action at all, it will be these two mega-clubs:

www.spinnakerbeachclub.com

www.clublavela.com

I think some colleges do have their "Spring" Breaks in February. If it's sunny and slightly warm people will be on the beach but only the very brave in the water. Most PC restaurants and bars are all geared up for the Spring Break partiers by February. FYI - My brother owns some restaurants in PC and my 24 year old son worked a "season" at the beach restaurant a couple of years ago - the stories he tells!

The first week of college spring break begins on February 26, but with only a handful of colleges (~142,000 students).

(In contrast, during the next week of March 5, ~700,000 students will be on spring break.)

Panama City will be quiet and chilly/cold in mid-February.

Sorry!

Many thanks for the great info. which is as I suspected - at least if they decide to go they'll know what to expect. Cheers!