Situated along the pristine Florida Gulf Coast, St. George Island is a true hidden gem. Our little barrier island is small but mighty, spanning just 28-miles in length and only one mile wide at the largest point. St. George falls off the radar for many. However, those who are lucky enough to know of its existence quickly fall in love with our charming “Forgotten Coast” island and make it a point to come back year after year.
Just like other destinations, visitors understandably have a few questions before packing their bags and heading to the coast. What’s the weather like? What’s there to do on and nearby the island? What’s the weather like along the Florida panhandle? And, one of the most popular questions—when is the best time to visit St. George Island?
Of course, the “best” time of year to visit is truly subjective and depends on what you are looking for in a beach vacation!
In this quick article, we’ll review the different seasons on the island and what you can expect throughout the year.
Spring in St. George Island
Best For: Spring Break, Long Weekend Getaways, Memorial Day
Spring is a special time on St. George Island. The temps begin to climb well into the 70’s, the water begins to warm, and the native wildlife springs into action. The whole island begins to come to life!
Spring visitors often enjoy outdoor activities like soaking up the sun along the beach, shelling and hunting for sharks’ teeth in the sand, or visiting the St. George Island State Park.
The agreeable weather, warming temperatures, and affordable rates make St. George Island a great destination for Spring Break trips and long weekend getaways. In fact, the island was recently recognized in Trip Savvy’s “Best of Spring Break in Florida for Families” list, a notable accomplishment!
Summer in St. George Island
Best For: Family Vacations, Group Getaways
There’s truly something fun for everyone during summer on St. George Island! The beach is bustling with activity and there’s plenty to see and do for every taste or budget.
Water fun tops summer itineraries with activities like fishing, stand up paddleboarding, exploring the coastline via a rental boat or kayak, and plenty of beach bumming.
Summer temps are toasty, with highs climbing into the 90’s and lows rarely sinking below 75-80. But don’t let that scare you away—keep cool by the water or enjoy a brief reprieve by enjoying local shopping, visiting nearby museums and attractions, and by relaxing with an ice-cold beverage at one of the island’s spectacular restaurants.
Keep in mind that peak vacation season typically equates to higher rental rates. Save money by booking your vacation in advance or by considering a ‘shoulder season’ retreat; spring and fall are still great times to experience everything St. George has to offer!
Fall in St. George Island
Best For: Family Vacations, Long Weekend Getaways, Couples Retreat, Labor Day
Autumn is a surprisingly underrated time of year to visit St. George Island! The crowds are gone but the weather and water are still quite welcoming. In fact, the water temperature stays above 75 degrees through the season, which is still very enjoyable.
Air temperatures stay well into the 80’s through October with lows sitting at an enjoyable 70 degrees. This means that there’s still plenty of time to enjoy thrilling water activities, like fishing, boating, kayaking, and more. And, the slightly cooler temperatures provide the perfect atmosphere for enjoying dinner al fresco—either at one of the island’s many restaurants or on the patio or balcony of your very own vacation rental.
Fall is actually our favorite time of year to visit St. George Island, and we invite you to come and find out why for yourself!
Winter in St. George Island
Best For: Snowbird Vacations, Long Weekend Getaways, Couples Retreat
Winters are pleasantly mild on St. George Island, with highs in the 60’s and lows in the 50’s. Visitors might occasionally see an evening dip into the 40’s, but it’s also not unheard of to see a surprise winter day hop into the 70’s as well.
Aside from balmy winter temps, which are a wonderful reprieve from the harsh winters elsewhere across the United States, the winter also sees very few rainy days compared to the summer, which is known for occasional pop-up storms.
If you’re wondering what you can do on St. George Island during the winter, take advantage of the wide-open beaches, enjoy beach or pier fishing, or explore the famous island lighthouse. Winter is also a great time to explore other nearby destinations like St. Vincent Island and Tallahassee via a quick day trip.
Considered the “low season”, winters on St. George offer crowd-less beaches and very affordable rates, making it a great destination for a snowbird retreat or a festive holiday getaway. Christmas at the beach, anyone?
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When it comes down to it, Summer is definitely the most popular time of year to visit St. George Island.
However, if you ask us, Fall is the best time of year to visit; the weather is perfect, the beaches are uncrowded, and the rates quite affordable!
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Additional Vacation Resources:
Still building your dream vacation itinerary? Check out a few of these additional resources for island vacation planning inspiration.
- St. George Island Fishing Guide
- Visit the St. George Island Lighthouse
- St. George Island Bike Rentals
- St. George Island Boat Rentals
- St. George Island Kayaking Guide
