The bays natural drainage leaves the Destin waters crystal clear and perfect. Hello , I just planned a family trip to Destin for October 24th. This year it was perfect all of July and most of August but weve had more storms in September that have churned things up. I tend to think any business can do well here if you are passionate about offering a great product and creating a loyal following. It may change when the cold weather comes though. Dont forget to check out our list of the Best Florida Keys Beaches for some more ideas of places to visit! Clearest Water This esteemed title of clarity includes Destin, Miramar Beach, all the picturesque coastal villages along South Walton's Scenic 30A, and Panama City Beach. December is the best time to visit Destin if you want a warmer climate for the holidays. Plus, the suns light on the minuscule plankton reflected off the white sandy floor. Related Article: What makes Destin's Water Green The jeweled colors are precious, and new visitors are sometimes startled with delight when they first see the dazzling sight. Ive done my best based on my own preferences and those of the many visitors I have spoken with and mixed that with what I think people expect and enjoy in a Destin vacation. Save. We were in Destin a few weeks ago. Things have changed a lot in the last 3-5 years regarding the best time to visit Destin. Destin Tourism Destin Hotels Destin Bed and Breakfast Destin Vacation Rentals We are at silver shells in destin and it is clear and beautiful! The sand in Siesta Key isnt as soft and fluffy as that on the Emerald Coast. "Land Zen" is the whimsical name of this gorgeous, gracious vacation home that can sleep up to 14 fortunate beach-going guests. bigmacfan. Best Times to Visit Destin, Florida Keep in mind, Mother Nature will play a big part in what the water looks like during your visit. A few days in July will be similar priced to a week in winter season. How clear is the water? - Destin Forum The water is frequently clear, like a swimming pool with a dazzling emerald hue. Shark Movie Night at Crab Island is a really unique event that I wrote about in more detail here: Shark Movie Night at Crab Island, Average High = 71degreesAverage Low = 46degreesAverage Gulf Water Temperature = 72 degreesAverage Rainfall = 4.8 inches. Otherwise just make sure to at least discuss the cancellation policies directly with your condo or resort when making the reservation. Clearest Water Powered by Mai Theme, 15 Best PlacesToSeeChristmas LightsinFlorida. It tends to drift, affecting some beaches more than others depending upon the tides. The spring break crowds have left town by May and the summer crowds have yet to fully arrive. WebTo view a chart of average water temperatures at beaches near where you are going, visit the National Oceanographic Data Center website for Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean temperatures. Report inappropriate content. The rest of the year they both will fall over land. Destin Destin, FL is situated on the Florida Panhandle between Pensacola and Panama City. Siesta Key Beach is a beautiful spot that sits on the Gulf of Mexico just south of Sarasota. Do you feel it would be a good place to relocate a business? the water was not cear and it was very rough. Lol. Clearest Water If they say you are covered in the event of a hurricane warning that doesnt necessarily mean you are covered in the event of a hurricane watch, which can be just as problematic for travel plans. We have had a day and a half of red flags though. Seasons The water tends to be more clear in spring and fall, especially on the gulf coast. Even if we enjoy the quiet of off season, its still fun to see it all come alive again. - Ross French Your email address will not be published. The water at Norriego Point is so clear that it makes it one of the best places in Florida for snorkeling. Siesta Key Beach is a beautiful spot that sits on the Gulf of Mexico just south of Sarasota. The activities and tourist offerings in January are at an all-time low making this the worst time of year if you are here for those things. Sometimes its so hot in summer that the rain is a welcome way to cool off in the afternoon after a long day at the beach. Im not current on those two issues so I cant comment on that! When the wind is not blowing at all, it is easier to have clear water. College age spring breakers will start to arrive in late February continuing through early April. This article will be updated to the current year as the month draws closer so you can bookmark it and keep refreshing periodically for updates: October in Destin: Best Things to Do, Average High = 83 degreesAverage Low = 61 degreesAverage Gulf Water Temperature = 77 degreesAverage Rainfall = 4.3 inches (lowest of the year). Parasailing in Destin: 6 Tips for a Great Flight, My Jump off the Harborwalk Village Free Fall Tower, My Fishing Trip on the Vera Marie Party Boat, Stand up Paddle Boarding on Destin Harbor Complete Guide, When and Where to Watch Fireworks at Baytowne Wharf, When and Where to Watch Fireworks at the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk, When and Where to Watch Fireworks at Harborwalk Village, Christmas in Destin: Ultimate Guide to the Holiday Season, How to Have a Beach Bonfire in Destin, Miramar Beach and 30a. I spend a lot of time on these post and glad you enjoyed it. Thankyou for all your hard work in compiling this fantastic article! Has the water cleared up? Ginnie Springs Destin. There will be plenty of restaurant choices in Destin for Thanksgiving Day meals. You wont get to enjoy the typical beach vacation activities during this time but its still an amazing force of Mother Nature to witness. In Destin Schiller Park, IL (60176) warning40 F Light Rain. Besides events and excursions, there are also tons of activities and water sports adventures to enjoy in summer with new stuff added every year. The weekly summer events at Harborwalk Village, Baytowne Wharf, and the Boardwalk will also be taking place during all of June. Hi my husband and I have rented a house from Dec-Feb curious as to how COVID-19 has affected the area, are the mask requirements in force in the area? Several surveys frequently rate the Emerald Coast in Destin, Florida, as having the clearest water in Florida. Fall is an amazing time of year to visit Destin and the Emerald Coast. Jellyfish are another common concern in the fall in Destin. Has the water cleared up? This gives them greater flexibility for travel and vacation times. What is your favorite month in Destin? The other times The Destin Seafood Festival is one of the most popular events of the year in Destin but it was cancelled again for Covid-19 in 2021 due to the high number of vendors who travel from all over the southeast for it. Participants enjoy the festive atmosphere while sampling various bites and sparkling wine. Weather = Unpredictable. You can access it from the far western point of Holiday Isle or across the Destin Bridge on Okaloosa Island. The jewel colors are amazing. Off season used to be more noticeable, but every year the difference gets less and less since more people work from home now. Destin is really pretty magical in December with the Christmas events and lower overall crowds. You have not recently viewed any properties. Freshwater systems are full of rich nutrients that act as a fertilizer for June Grass. The reason I didnt rank April higher is because the weather can be unpredictable (similar to November in many ways) and there will still be spring break crowds in early April. According to the article Which Beach Has the Clearest Water in Florida, at the end of the last Ice Age, the Apalachicola River carried chunks of white quartz crystal into the Gulf of Mexico. The secret is out now about what a great time fall is in Destin (other than the hurricane risk) so we see an increase in crowds every year in those months. Occasionally when an offshore storm or heavy rain occurs, the water clarity is affected, but it is temporary. Fall in Destin: Mid-August through Mid-November Weather = Hot and Humid in early fall but less humidity and cooler evenings in later months Crowds = Moderate I was very disappointed on the beaches when I went there I was expecting emerald green water. Unlike seas that have a somber greyish-green hue in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, in Destin, the sea resembles the sound of glittering gems. Schiller Park, IL (60176) warning40 F Light Rain. 11 years ago Save We have been coming now for 5 years and have seen it in may june and sept. A summer trip will put you among the crowds and the peak prices. I hope you still enjoyed your trip! Wind blowing away from the shore can help reduce waves and create conditions for clear water. If you do get insurance, make sure you are clear on what it covers. Along the Gulf Coast, east of the Mississippi, there are no major rivers to dump sediment, dirt, or waste into the sea. did not get that. clear ocean water in destin? - Destin Forum - February 13, 2018. If you do, you will miss out on the great feeling of the perfect white sand. The Destin law enforcement is usually prepared for spring break and does a great job keeping the order in town. Book with people who have a policy you feel comfortable with. We are coming back in two weeks. Re: clear ocean water in destin? In fact, its necessary for the ecosystem to thrive. The white sands and the clearest water we have ever seen!!! Fall pricing is higher than it used to be given the increase in demand for travel during these months but it is still going to be lower than summer in most cases. The sun's rays reflect upward through the crystal clear water. There are no chain restaurants or towering beach condos to separate you from the Gulf of Mexico, making this a great location for romance and solitude. It depends mostly on your overall vacation priorities. If you visit any earlier, you risk cooler weather and chilly water. In summary, Spring is the best time to visit Destin if you are trying to escape the cold in other places or to enjoy a family spring break with activities for the kids. Web3. Report inappropriate content. Fall in Destin holds beer festivals, art festivals, fishing tournaments, and so many others this time of year to enjoy along with the cooler temperatures. Key West, Anna Maria Island, Siesta Key, and Destin are consistently on the top of the list. Ginnie Springs This way they can swim off before you accidentally step on them since they like to hide out camouflaged in the sand and shallow water. did not get that. Many people, myself included, enjoy riding out a tropical storm or a category 1 or 2 hurricane and would consider this more of a vacation adventure. Hard to say. Most hotels and condos in the Destin area will impose a minimum age of 21 or 25 in order to attract more families and cut back on some of the issues that come with a younger college crowd. Another point that appears to hold true for Destin having the clearest water in Florida is that during the spring and fall, the water is more clear. This wonderful watery world inspires everyone to play. The water appears to be clarified by consecutive days of light winds and calm sea weather. Wind blowing away from the shore can help reduce waves and create conditions for clear water. Here is my most recent March information and events article if you want more details about March in Destin. If you enjoy my posts, please consider supporting my blog by shopping my products or keeping me in mind when you need a gift for someone who loves Destin. Water clarity More and more visitors are taking advantage of the slightly lower prices and less crowds by choosing this time of year for a getaway instead of the crazy summer. The beach in Destin is amazing yes! Every possible factor was been considered including the weather, crowds, events and beach conditions to decide when I think is the best time to visit Destin. Several factors should be considered when choosing a time to visit Crab Island: The tide; The things you want to do WebThe best time to visit Destin is in April and May when the water is warm, the sun is shining and the temperatures are comfortable (expect highs in the mid-70s and 80s). Destin However, storms in the Gulf of Mexico, or if June grass is present, then you will not experience the We come so much the locals call us locals. All Rights Reserved. The water is usually too chilly for most people to swim until mid-April, but begins to warm up considerably in late April and May. There are special extended fireworks shows for New Years Eve so they will be some of the best displays of the year that night outside of July 4th. I wrote more about that here: Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Destin. Events in February include the Mardi Gras parades and festivities all over town later in the month (although Mardi Gras sometimes falls in early March) and Baytowne Wharf will also have their popular Sandestin Gumbo and Bloody Mary Festival in mid-February. It does warm up significantly in April and early May and it starts to become more comfortable to swim in the Gulf of Mexico. It remains mostly undiluted when it returns to the Gulf since the big bay has naturally filtered brackish inland drainage. Crystal clear water pours from the deep Gulf into the bay on a daily basis. I was very disappointed on the beaches when I went there I was expecting emerald green water. It can be surprisingly cold in March and most people would consider the water too chilly for swimming. Be prepared for this spike in rates from Memorial Day through mid-August. July is the most crowded and high-traffic month of the year paired with the highest amount of rainfall. Clearest Water Beaches in Florida Armed with this understanding, lets answer the question of which beaches in Florida have the clearest water. 11 Beachfront Condos for Your Next 30A Vacation! The water here is usually "swimming-pool clear"! So if you are here in March, enjoy them while you can! This time just south of Tampa and away from all the hustle and bustle of Central Florida, this quiet little beach offers an abundance of natural beauty and clear waters. Ginnie Springs Best Beaches In Destin James Lee Beach Just east of Henderson Beach State Park is James Lee Beach. WebThe best time to visit Destin is in April and May when the water is warm, the sun is shining and the temperatures are comfortable (expect highs in the mid-70s and 80s). It is recommended in these hot fall months to do the Stingray Shuffle when walking into the water where you drag your feet in the sand to alert them of your presence. For the water to be clear, it needs to be still for a while. Wind blowing away from the shore can help reduce waves and create conditions for clear water. CLICK HERE TO SHOP MY PRODUCTS or check out the links below. January is the best time to visit Destin if you enjoy peaceful walks on the beach and amazing sunsets over the water. Then they dissipate, resulting in crystal clear water. Destin is one of the most popular beach destinations in the whole world. Harborwalk has spring break events as well including a sunset celebration, a pirate and mermaids event, and a silent disco. There is a natural reason for this. I wish I could be more helpful but I am not totally sure on that one because Im simply unfamiliar with that particular market. This article will be updated to the current year as the month draws closer so you can bookmark it and keep refreshing periodically for updates: March in Destin: Weather, Events, Activities, and Crowds, Average High = 62degreesAverage Low = 40 degreesAverage Gulf Water Temperature = 68degreesAverage Rainfall = 5.4inches. Average High = 64degreesAverage Low = 40degreesAverage Gulf Water Temperature = 64 degreesAverage Rainfall = 5.7inches. WebThe water is very clear and the sand is perfect. Surveys for the clearest water in Florida consistently rate Northwest Florida's Emerald Coast as Number One. Food vendors are available to deliver sandwiches, ice cream, beer, and your favorite drinks by boat, to those who haven't brought their own delicious fare. It is sort of the Spring version of October. water clear in South Walton, Destin, 30A The best time to visit Destin is in April and May when the water is warm, the sun is shining and the temperatures are comfortable (expect highs in the mid-70s and 80s). Just north of Tampa, we find this little gem. Summer is the best time to visit Destin if you love hot sunny beach weather, comfortable swimming temperatures, and a packed schedule of events and things to do, especially aimed at families. It continues to drift and, depending on the tides. Dont forget to check out our list of the Best Florida Keys Beaches for some more ideas of places to visit! Seasons The water tends to be more clear in spring and fall, especially on the gulf coast. The water is usually too chilly for most people to swim until mid-April, but begins to warm up considerably in late April and May. Crowd levels, events, weather, and beach conditions are also considerations. July used to be further down on my list because its such a crowded time to be here but I moved it up this year after going to the beach for sunrise almost every day last summer and observing that the water clarity was more consistent than I saw for any other month in Destin. Mounds of rock line the sides for protection and to ensure an opening into the Gulf, which provides a perfect habitat for colorful fish. The beach itself has been designated as a "Blue Wave Beach" due to its unspoiled natural beauty. September feels quiet following the chaos of the summer when the kids go back to school and we all breathe a collective sigh of relief as things start to settle down. Were not sure why this is, but we hypothesize that it has fewer nutrients or microbes while the water is I hope you enjoy your trip . Water Temperatures in Destin - MyDestinBeach Weather =Nice but still chilly at times Crowds = Mixture of busy and slow Tourist demographic = Mostly Families and College Spring Breakers Prices = Moderate to Peak. Save. Destin However, from early October through Memorial Day Weekend, you can expect to see the very best conditions. makes the water between Northwest FL and The main ingredient that creates the emerald green color is chlorophyll from natural microscopic plankton. Enjoying this content? May holds the popular annual Taco and Tequila festival at Baytowne Wharf which is a really fun event if you love tacos, and who doesnt. Whereas other areas situated along with the coast deal with large sediment deposits into the ocean or gulf. One of the most exciting things about the fall season in Destin is the beautiful sunsets. Destin Siesta Key, Florida. An overview of the seasons of Destin is provided in this post first followed by every month of the year ranked in order taking into consideration all the variables that are typically important to the Destin visitors. Summer is also the season for weekly fireworks in Destin. A Term of Endearment for the Emerald Coast! The best time to visit Destin is in April and May when the water is warm, the sun is shining and the temperatures are comfortable (expect highs in the mid-70s and 80s). Destin water clarity. Weather Rain run-off can darken the water, while days of light winds and sun can keep the waters more clear. Copyright 2023 Ocean Reef Resorts. And due to its remoteness, you will always be able to find a spot all to yourself. WebIn summary, summer is the best time to visit Destin if you love great beach weather for swimming, family activities, excursions, events, fireworks and watersports activities. Destins beach town is the gem in this regions crown. Some stores ask that you wear masks and most people comply. The weather is unpredictable but its similar to March with a mixture of warm sunny days and some chilly nights at times. WebRe: We want to see clear water! The Fabulous Things to See in the City of Malta, Tips for Making the Most of Your Next Trip, Explore the Most Unique Treehouses in Atlanta, GA, Make Money with Admitad A Handy Guide for Bloggers, The Best Comfortable Spring & Summer Shoes, The Most Powerful Flight Ticket Reservation Applications, The Ultimate California Bucket List: Attractions You Cant Miss. Another thing that makes fall so popular is its the season with the most events and festivals that are more aimed at adults, unlike the summer events tend to be. Always be on the lookout for stingrays at the beach, especially in August and September. More seriously, Ross French is a travel junkie & a tech nerd with a slightly concerning love for beer & wine. Theres not much else to say about February except its mostly pretty chilly and uneventful. 17 years ago. Beachgoers can visit a blog called The June Grass Report (junegrassreport.com), which is dedicated to monitoring the amount of algae along the beaches. If you visit any earlier, you risk cooler weather and chilly water. Destin, Miramar Beach, and the picturesque coastal towns along Scenic 30A are all included in this title of clarity. The dirt and sand will sink to the bottom if it is not being moved around. We came in July and were unable to get in the water for 3 days due to red flags high waves days. Or wade into the warm Gulf waters up to your shoulders and still see your toes sinking into the shimmering sand? Many of our winter tourists are retired people from northern states (aka snowbirds) who take advantage of the lower cost of accommodations to stay for several months and escape the harsh winters back home. I enjoyed your article on Destin. Very disappointed. On a side note, the water at Crab Island is clearest during high tide. Its not the time to wait for last minute deals. Destin will see the highest crowds during the summer and traffic is heavy, especially in the evenings and all day on the weekends. There is constant road construction on highway 98 in the last few years to widen the roads and bridges to accommodate more people and this only added to the traffic congestion problems. The bursts are synched to a soundtrack of popular songs from that year and the addition of extra launch spots really take it to the next level. Next on the list of clean beach buddies is Siesta Key. Average High = 89 degreesAverage Low = 71 degreesAverage Gulf Water Temperature =84 degreesAverage Rainfall = 7.6 inches. There are moderate crowd levels in December with the highest levels at Christmas and New Years weeks when a lot of families visit for the school break. This exclusively gated community of privileged residents and their guests is l.