Panhandle Trip - Best Month to visit

[tahoeJoe]

I am considering visiting the Florida panhandle, specifically Destin, FL. I have never been to that area.

I am considering mid-November or mid-February. Any thoughts on how the weather would be during these 2 months? November concerns me because it is still Hurricane season, but February might be a little chilly. Any thoughts or insights is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[jlwquilter]

We leave Friday for Destin. First time going in March (DD's spring break). Temps are predicted to be low 70's during the day and low 60's overnight. Cooler due to wind on the beaches/water. Gulf water temps around 60... a bit chilly for swimming! The resort has a heated pool and hot tub and there's plenty to do around the area that doesn't include swimming in the gulf. It all should be fine for us - we've been known to go to beach locations and never go on the beach! But for others, not being able to swim and all of that could be a real vacation downer.

We've gone in mid-June a few times in the past. Weather was awesome and so was the gulf water. Just as a FYI.

I'd guess November would be overall a better month to go in for more agreeable temperatures. You can always buy the exchange insurance just in case a hurricane hits.

 

[tashamen]

I'm also leaving Friday for Sandestin. I was there last March at the same time, and it was a bit cooler than this coming week looks to be. I've also been in September (delightful temps) and October a few years ago, when it was downright cold in the 50s during the day (unusual).

If you look at the monthly average highs on weather.com. November is definitely warmer than February on average. However, as my October experience shows averages are just that.

In fact it's going to be nearly as warm here in Vermont as in Sandestin over this weekend...

 

[Talent312]

While hurricane season technically lasts thru November 30th, the chances of a strike in the Panhandle during the week you are there is remote. The most likely path that time of year is thru the Turks+Caicos and Bahamas.

-- Source: National Hurricane Center, NOAA

The Mariner's Ditty:
June - too soon
July - stand by
August - it must
September - remember
October - it's over

 

[scootr5]

My father-in-law lives in Pensacola,so I've been at all different times of the year (the first time I went down to meet him at Christmas one year I got off the plane to see snow flakes falling). Of the two, I'd choose November if you plan to do anything on the beach.

Take a drive over and give my regards to the Flora-Bama!