The Emerald Coast is famous for its sugar white sand beaches, numerous golf courses, deep sea, fishing, boating, windsurfing and an unlimited number of additional water reaction activities. A subtropical climate with mild southern winds and few weather extremes make the greater Destin, FL area ideal for year round living or visiting. Winters are mild with January and February cooler. There are 343 days of sunshine per year, with summer temperatures averaging 70 - 92 degrees and the Gulf of Mexico waters averaging 80 degrees.
Air Travel
Air travel to the area is provided by the Okaloosa County Regional Airport, a commercial airport located on State Road 85 between Fort Walton Beach and Niceville. Additional regional service is available at the Pensacola Regional Airport.
Flying time to the Destin, Pensacola and Panama City Beach area.
- 1 hour and 15 minutes from Atlanta
- 1 hour and 30 minutes from Nashville
- 2 hours and 30 minutes from Dallas/Ft. Worth
Climate
The Emerald Coast's balmy subtropical climate is one of the area's most valued assets. An average annual climate of 67.2 degrees provides just enough of a change in the temperature to mark the passing of four mild seasons. High temperatures in the summer range from 80 to 91 degrees, and winter highs range from 50 to 75. Rainfall averages between 50 and 60 days per year, so few days are without sunshine for year-round outdoor activities.
Average of 343 Sunny Days Per Year
- Summer Average Temp | High 88° 31C | Low 62° 17C
- Spring Average Temp | High 82° 28C | Low 56° 3C
- Winter Average Temp | High 70° 21C | Low 48° 9C
- Fall Average Temp | High 84° 29C | Low 54° 2C
Central Time Zone
Unlike the majority of the state, the northwest panhandle of Florida resides in the central time zone!
The Intracoastal Waterway allows commercial and recreational passage from Brownsville, Texas to the west and Apalachicola to the east. The intracoastal route passes through Fort Walton Beach along the shores of Santa Rosa Sound and onto Choctawhatchee Bay.
