When Is the Best Time to Visit Destin?
Destin is one of the best places to be 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 travel to Destin, FL? We’re not going to 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, FL 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 for weeks at a time because the kids are back in 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 in September?
Heading to Destin in September is such a good choice! Once the Labor Day crowd disappears, the beaches start 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 back up for Fall Break!
When is the best time to head to Destin 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 our area, and the rates typically go back to higher pricing (depending on which vacation rental company you stay with.) Once those two weeks have passed, you are back in the game with your lower rates!
Is November a Good time to visit Destin?
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 1st! 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 week-long Thanksgiving vacation at the beach? Your family would be thankful for that and this would be the perfect time to do it! Another pro tip – 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 definitely better than getting snowed in! 
Traveling to Destin, FL in the Winter
When people think of Winter, most do not typically think about the beach. They think about snow skiing, sledding, and hot cocoa. What do we think about in Destin, Fl? We think about crystal white sand, emerald green waters, and Bloody Maries 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, Fl, in the Winter? The rates drop November 1st 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 our favorite months to visit Destin. Everything is covered with Christmas cheer; the Destin Commons is filled with a huge Christmas display with a giant Christmas tree in the middle, and if you’re wanting to go ice skating – the Baytowne Wharf has their ice rink set up!
If you’re not going to spend your Christmas holiday in Destin, the best time to come for a visit would be around 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 – check out the firework show! You really can’t go wrong visiting Destin, Fl, in December!
When is the best time to visit Destin in January?
We would have to say that the best time to visit Destin in January would be either for New Year’s Eve or around January 17th 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 you don’t want to miss!
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 Valentine’s Day getaway! The rates are much lower than your peak season rates, so you can splurge on a nice place to stay! With all of the money you saved on rent you can 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 Coastal Italian. If you’re not feeling the love around the 14th of February but are an avid runner, the 15th is the perfect date for you! Head over to Destin for their Ultra 100 mile run from Destin, Fl to Panama City, Fl and back to benefit the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.
Traveling to Destin, FL 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 do go down again after Spring Break, which makes 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 people flock to the beaches to celebrate the beginning of Summer!
What is the best time to travel to Destin in March?
If you have kids in school or in college then you have probably thought about this question a lot. As far as rates go: the first two weeks are the best time to visit Destin in March. We believe the best time to travel to Destin is for your kid’s Spring Break vacation. Will there be a lot of people? Absolutely, but if you know the right places to stay – you can avoid the crowds and be the hero of the family!
If you make your reservations at the beginning of the school year when you get the school calendar (or SOONER), you will have the prime pick of properties to book! We’re not saying you can’t find a gem last minute, but you have way more options in advance! 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.
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 – it is only true for the first two weeks. After that, the rates typically go down and stay that way until Memorial Day! We don’t recommend hopping in a car and heading to Destin for Spring Break and hoping to get a place because properties get booked up well in advance for Spring Break. Destin is the #2 Spring Break destination falling just behind Panama City Beach.
The Gulf waters haven’t warmed up just yet during this time of year, but most of the complexes have heaters in their swimming pools – making it comfortable for your spring vacation! The weather is beautiful, and from April 10th – 14th, you can join us at one of our favorite events: 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 or Tailfins!
Traveling to Destin, FL in the Summer
Is the summer the best time to head to Destin? If you are like hundreds 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 see the three mistakes to avoid when planning summer vacation!
For Memorial Day, we 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 and be aware that failure to pay can 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 must 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’re in prime time booking season, so the answer is yes! But most vacation rental properties offer you the option to buy beach chair service, giving you some extra space if you wish!
If you like partying with crowds of people, you can head over to the Billy Bowlegs festival on the Ft. Walton Beach Landing.
When is the best time to head to Destin in July?
We’re not going to lie, there is nothing better than being in Destin on the 4th of July! You can usually find us out on crab island sporting our 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 stick around Destin Harbor, you get the chance to see two fireworks shows! Harbor Walk Village puts on one of the best 4th of July shows that we have ever seen!
Is there a good time to visit Destin in August?
August is a great time to head to the beach! The rates usually drop after the first week 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 even a 2-night stay!
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 pocketbook. 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: June and July are your months to go. You really can’t go wrong!
Are you looking for your next vacation rental or want to read other great tips we have to offer? Check us out at https://www.gibsonbeachrentals.com/blog/
Published by Tiffany Rowbatham
Wednesday, January 1, 2020