Fall & Winter Guide To Enjoy St. George Island, Florida

The leaves are beginning to change, the temperatures are beginning to fall… it’s time for a beach vacation?

Believe it or not, fall is the second most popular time of year (and our personal favorite time of year!) to visit St. George Island.

And, even when fall transitions to winter, rest assured that “winter” on our Florida Panhandle barrier island is quite enjoyable and a great oceanfront destination for travelers seeking reprieve from their winter wonderlands up north. You won’t be able to make a snowman, but a sandman is a pretty close second!

If you’re considering an off-season getaway along Florida’s “Forgotten Coast”, learn more about getting on island time and embracing the island life at St. George!

Fall & Winter Weather on St. George Island

Photo Credit: theendlesssundayclub via Instagram

Goodbye snow, hello sand! Though the palm tree leaves don’t change to festive colors of orange and red, the balmy temps and pristine views more than make up for the lack of autumnal aesthetics.

Fall highs range from the mid-80’s in September to the low 70’s in November. Low’s range from the mid-70’s in September to the mid-50’s in November. How’s that for sweater weather?

Highs in the winter months top out with highs in the low-60’s and lows rarely dipping below 50. St. George Island winter weather is quite mild with little rain, making it an ideal place to relax and recharge.

If you’re curious about true beach weather, you’ll be able to dip your toes into the water through October and possibly into November, depending on the season. The warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico provide a later beach season than many east coast destinations.

Things to do on St. George Island in the Fall & Winter

Photo Credit: Rachel Kramer via Flickr CC2.0

Saint George is known for being a sleepy island; in fact, that’s the main draw for many visitors! However, you’ll still find plenty to occupy your time during your fall or winter getaway. Remember, the island has plenty of full-time residents, so local businesses will be open!

Watersports are still a popular activity for fall visitors, and the options are endless! Keep things casual with a leisurely paddleboard or kayak rental, or enjoy a thrilling ride on a jet ski rental or a boating adventure.

Visit the St. George Island State Park, which is easily accessible on the east side of the island and open year-round for visitors. The park is an ideal spot for sea shelling, scoping out native island wildlife, an impromptu beach picnic, fishing, and other leisurely beach activities. Wildlife is a big draw, and the state park is also a great place to catch sight of a sea turtle or catch your own dinner, like flounder or redfish.

Check out local island restaurants and the downtown bar scene. From homestyle BBQ to south of the border fare and plenty of fresh seafood (of course!), there’s a spot for every budget or craving. Fall and winter also provide the ideal weather for al fresco dining, and many local spots have expansive outdoor decks to accommodate just that!

Many island visitors also pencil in a day or two for a leisurely day trip to nearby destinations. Apalachicola and the famous Apalachicola Bay are just a few miles up the road and offers fantastic shopping and dining. Other popular spots like Tallahassee and Panama City Beach offers tons of activities and are just a few hours away.

In addition to all of the great activities noted above, here are a few annual events that might pique your interest.

St. George Island Fall Events

Photo Credit: historicgibsoninn via Instagram

Fall in St. George Island is full of festivals and events! From Oktoberfest to seafood celebrations, check out these lively events!

  • Apalach Oktoberfest
  • Lantern Fest
  • Running for the Bay Marathon
  • Florida Seafood Festival
  • Downtown Oyster Roast

St. George Island Winter Events

Photo Credit: lancasterselectrical via Instagram

Winter in St. George Island fully embraces the holiday spirit. Enjoy a few of these festive gatherings!

  • Downtown Christmas Celebration
  • Palm Tree Lighting
  • Holiday Market

Fall & Winter Rentals on St. George Island

Another great perk of a fall or winter vacation to St. George Island is the cost—prices are typically much lower than peak summer weeks and the inventory is much more available, meaning you’ll find it easier to find and select the perfect beach vacation rental.

It’s not uncommon for winter guests (aka our “snowbird” visitors) to rent a house on St. George Island for an entire month for the same price you’d pay for a week in the summer. How’s that for a bargain?

Here are a few handy links to get you started on your hunt for the perfect island retreat:

The warm Gulf waters and white sand beaches are calling your name—what are you waiting for? Fall and winter are wonderful seasons to fully embrace the island lifestyle and an excellent time to plan a family vacation or seasonal snowbird retreat.

Peruse our expansive inventory of St. George Island beach homes or contact us today to speak with a vacation planning expert. We’ll help you plan the perfect island getaway!