When is the best time to visit Destin, FL?

Destin is one of the best places to be (for us 24/7) and more and more people are starting to think the same way. There was a time where you only had to make it from Memorial Day to Labor Day and then you could catch your breath for the next 7 months until spring break. But, that’s no longer the case. So, when is the best time to visit Destin, FL? This post is going to not just tell you a time that is it good to visit Destin, Florida, but we’re going to tell you month by month. Let’s Discuss!

Traveling to Destin in the Fall

For the locals, we say the fall is the best time of year. The sun isn’t so hot, it starts to cool off a little bit in the evenings, but the water is still warm. The best part? Most people don’t get much time to vacation in the fall weeks at a time because the kids are back at school. Making it the perfect place to escape for a beach getaway when you need to step away from reality! But when is the best time to really visit Destin in the Fall?

What is the best time to Visit Destin, FL in September?

If you are thinking about heading to Destin, Florida in September, you have made a good choice! Once the Labor Day crowd disappears the island starts to get a little scarce. One tip from one vacation rental pro to another: The rates usually drop the second week of September and then pick up for fall break!

When is the best time to head to Destin, Florida in October?

If you are looking for warm water, cooler air, and less crowded beaches: October is the month for you! But, there is a catch: the first two weeks of October are typically when kids get off for fall break: making it one of the busiest times to visit the island and the rates typically back to summer pricing (Depending on which vacation rental company you stay with.)

But once those two weeks have passed you are back in the game with your lower rates (they dropped the second week of September, remember)?

Is November a Good time to visit Destin, FL?

Ah sweet sweet November, the month of giving thanks! November is a great month to visit Destin, Florida because the rates typically drop on November 1^st! Another thing to be thankful for? If you are wanting to head down South for the winter, this would be a good month to start! Take  advantage of the low prices and go and enjoy your vacation! Want to take your weeklong thanksgiving vacation to the beach? Your family would be thankful for that and this would be the perfect time to do it!  And, really Some companies start their “snowbird rentals” and start renting by the month! For what people used to pay a week for during the summer is now a monthly price for the winter. We hear the locals are typically wearing flip flops this time of year, and it’s most definitely better than getting snowed in! 😉

Traveling to Destin in the Winter

When people think of winter, most of them don’t typically think about the beach. They think about snow skiing, sledding, and hot cocoa. We think about crystal white sand, emerald green waters, and bloody Mary to start out the day. Is it cold this time of year? Sure, depending on who you ask! Our northern friends who come for a visit tell us there is no place they would rather be! When is the best time to travel to Destin, Florida in the winter? The rates dropped November 1^st and won’t rise again until the end of February but read more to find out when is the best time to travel to Destin in the winter!

What is the best time to visit Destin in December?

December is one of my favorite months to visit Destin. Everything is covered with Christmas cheer, the Destin Commons has their giant Christmas tree in the middle of it, and if you are wanting to go ice skating the Baytowne Wharf has their ice rink set up! When is the best time to visit Destin, Florida in December? If you’re not going to spend your Christmas holiday in Destin the best time to come for a visit would be around December 8^th because of the Destin boat parade. Boats lit up with Holiday cheer line the Destin harbor starting at Boshamps and then head up towards Noriega point. It really is a sight to see! To top the night off they have a firework show! You really can’t go wrong visiting Destin, Fl in December.

When is the best time to visit Destin in January?

I would have to say that the best time to visit Destin in January would be either for New Year’s Eve, which just so happens to be Teagan’s birthday! Or, around January 17^th for the annual 30A songwriter’s festival! The Emerald Coast is home to some of the world’s best entertainers (even if it is just their summer home!) These 4 days full of music and entertainment just can’t be missed!

Is there a good time to visit Destin in February?

There is not much happening in Destin during the month of February which makes it the perfect Valentines Day getaway! The rates have still not increased, so you can splurge on a nice place to stay and you could grab dinner at one of the amazing restaurants in Destin including but not limited to: Chan’s wine world, the melting pot, or Emeril’s. If you’re not feeling the love around the 14^th of February on the 15^th if you are an avid runner you can head over to Destin for their Ultra 100 mile run from Destin to Panama City and back to benefit the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. If that doesn’t strike your fancy, you could always help me celebrate my birthday which happens to be February 24^th down in New Orleans! Mardi Gras is February 25^th this year and is only a 4-hour drive from Destin.

Traveling to Destin in the Spring

Now that the weather is warming up, when is the best time to travel to Destin? The spring of course! Although the rates begin to rise, they go down again after Spring Break, making it one of the best times to head to the Emerald Coast. Warm weather, everyone is in school, and the rates are low. Be sure to get your last-minute vacation in before Memorial Day weekend because the rates begin to rise and the people flock to the beaches to celebrate the beginning of summer.

Things to remember about traveling to Destin for Spring Break:

What is the best time to travel to Destin in March?

If you have kids in school, or in College – you have probably thought about this question a lot. As fare as rates go: the first two weeks are the best time to visit Destin in March. I have to say the best time to travel though is for your child’s spring break vacation. Will there be a lot of people? Absolutely, but if you know of the right places to stay you can avoid the crowds and be the hero of the family!

“Pro Tip” Make your reservations at the beginning of the school year when you get the school calendar (Or SOONER), while their 2020 rates will already be uploaded into their systems you will have the prime pick of real estate. Most vacation rental companies give the people who stayed prior until the end of their vacation to re-book, but after that it’s fair game. (Booking a year in advance should let you get the rate you got this year) Usually if you are a frequent flier of the same rental company, they typically give you a repeat guest discount (IF YOU ASK FOR IT!)

Spring Break on Okaloosa County Beaches: Alcohol is allowed on the beach but not in the state parks. Again, no glass bottles, etc. Underage drinking is not permitted. (If you are caught drinking underage in on Okaloosa Beaches, you will be cuffed and brought to the County Jail in Crestview, and probably featured in Cuffed

When is the best time to head to Destin in April?

While you may think the beaches are still flocked with people during April, contrary to popular belief: that is actually only true for the first two weeks. After that the rates will typically go down and stay that way until Memorial Day! Making the best time to head to Destin, Florida in April the last two weeks. Unless, you plan on going for your kids spring break. Then the same as in March is true for April – book in advance to take advantage of having your choice in property. I don’t recommend hopping in a car and heading to Destin for Spring Break and hoping to get a place, because that is likely not going to happen. Destin is the #2 spring break Destination falling just behind Panama City Beach.

The water is not scolding hot during this time of year, but most of the complexes have heaters in their pools making it comfortable for your spring vacation! The weather is beautiful, and from April 10^th – 14th you can join ME at my favorite event: the Sandestin Wine Festival!

Is there a good time to go to Destin in May?

May is a great month to head on over to Destin, Florida! The rates went down in April and won’t rise again until Memorial Day Weekend. Take full advantage of less crowded beaches, great rates, and fun in the sun! There aren’t any crazy events happening in May besides Memorial Day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t head on over to the Destin Harbor and listen to live music and eat some good food at the boathouse!

Traveling to Destin in the Summer

Is the summer the best time to head to Destin? If you are like millions of people, the answer is yes! While you are heading to the beach among the masses, you can still have a great time with your friends and family. We suggest you follow our Ultimate Guide to Visiting Destin, Florida to see how you can make the most out of your summer vacation!

For Memorial Day I suggest planning this vacation far in advance. You want to get dibs on a good location, and most places don’t allow last minute bookings because that is how packed it gets! You can put a deposit down on a place and your group can pay it off monthly. For most rentals the balance is due 30 days prior to your arrival, so be ready for that. Failure to pay will result in a loss of the unit.

Pro tip: GET YOUR TRAVELER’S INSURANCE. This is a post for another day, but life happens – and your summer vacation is expensive, don’t let it ruin your finances if for some reason you have to cancel.

What is the best time to travel to Destin in June?

Now that summer is underway, you are probably wondering if June is a good time to travel to Destin? The answer is yes! Are the beaches crowded in June? You bet! But you could find a place to stay (like on Holiday Isle) where the beaches aren’t as crowded because their condos don’t fit as many people. The beach homes are also spread a little further apart giving you more space.

If you like partying with crowds of people, you can head over to the Billy Bowlegs festival on the Ft. Walton Beach Landing that party doesn’t stop until June 2^nd.

When is the best time to head to Destin in July?

Not going to lie, there is nothing better than being in Destin on the 4^th of July! You can usually find me out on crab island sporting my red, white, and blue gear and having a ball. There are more people here than normal, but that’s OK. It’s fun for people of all ages! If you stay at Sandpiper Cove like I do, you get the chance to see two fireworks shows! From the Gulf by the beach, and the Destin Harbor if you go by Louisiana Lagniappe. HarborWalk Village puts on one of the best 4^th of July shows that I have ever seen.

Is there a good time to visit to Destin in August?

August has great times to head to the beach! The rates usually drop on August 1^st making it a little cheaper of a time to go and spend the last few days of your summer. This is also a time where weekly rentals are no longer required so you can sneak a 3 day rental in there, or if you stay with our friends at Gibson Beach Rentals, some of their properties allow you to stay for 2 nights!

As you can see, there is really no wrong time to head over to the World’s luckiest fishing village. It all depends on your calendar availability and pocket book. If you are looking to save money: fall and winter are your best bets. If you are looking to party: spring break and Memorial Day are the dates for you. If you are wanting to be there during the hottest parts of the summer for one or two weeks at a time like everyone else: June and July are your months to go. You can’t go wrong! Unless you aren’t protected by the Destin bubble and are afraid of a little rain. For that, I encourage you to check out our Things to do in Destin on a rainy day post!