Wouldn’t it be great to just pick when we want to go on vacation and not fit our vacations into our school, work, and after school sports schedules? Sadly, that is everyone’s reality, so the best I can do is tell you a little bit about the various seasons to help you narrow down what season interests you, and it’s up to you to make it fit your schedule. Florida may not have four weather seasons, but there are four beach seasons:
Fall (September – November)
 |
Photo by Jeff Krause Photography
|
There is a reason to like something about any seasons at the beach, but I really like Fall. By the second week in September, the steamy summer heat and humidity have retreated along with the summer crowds. Air temperatures are in the mid-’80s, and the ocean temperature is still warm in September and early October. The daily summer rains give way to dry, sunny days.
Winter snowbirds have not started their annual trek, so you really will feel like a local as you will only be sharing the beach and restaurants with them. Additionally, if you consider spending any time at the Orlando area attractions, this is the absolute best time to go as the weather is nice, and there are no lines if you go during the week. October is a great time to go to an annual music festival in Ormond Beach or a motorcycle rally in Daytona Beach, known as Biketoberfest.
Winter (December -February)
 |
Blue Springs with Wintering Manatees
|
For those escaping the wintery north, you will get to see the sun almost every day, as this is the driest season of the year. The average daytime temperature high is 70 degrees, and the nighttime low is around 50 degrees. Some days it may get as warm as 85 degrees during the winter. This is “walking” weather at Cinnamon Beach – while there may not be as many sunbathers on the beach, visitors spend a lot of time enjoying long walks on the beach. The ocean waves can be strong and cold during this season (in the low 60’s), it does make for excellent seashell hunting on the beach. By early December, most of the northern birds have arrived. Look for waterfowl in the lakes around Cinnamon Beach and winter loons and grebes along the coastline. Want to try your hand at fishing, consider fishing from the Flagler Beach Pier as they have everything you need to get started. Winter is a great time to enjoy bike rides on the many trails in Palm Coast. If you are wanting to take a dip, the heated pool and hot tub will be inviting.
Additionally, this is a great time to go to some of the many freshwater springs in Central Florida, where the water temperature is 72 degrees year-round. Blue Springs State Park is a great place to see manatees, especially on cold days. If the water is a little too cool, you can schedule a kayak tour. February brings the motor racing enthusiast to town to take in NASCAR racing at the Daytona International Speedway, which is about 30 minutes away.
Spring (March – May)
The beach becomes more active during March and April as spring break brings families out for some beach warmth. Temperatures really start to change during this season as they will average 70 degrees at the start of March, 76 degrees at the beginning of April, and 81 degrees for the start of May. The ocean is usually still cold in March (65 degrees), but by May, it is reasonable (75 degrees) for swimming.
 |
Photo by Joe Shlabotnik
|
Spring break (March and April) can be a busy time to visit the Orlando attractions, but it is less so than the summer months, and the temperatures make it a more enjoyable time. It is a great time to see some of the other area attractions, including St. Augustine, Florida, and Marineland, 30 to 45 minutes away. Springtime also brings various motorcycle races to Daytona Beach (usually the second week of March). More dramatic is the influx of motorcycle riders that escape winter and ride their bike around for this 10-day event that annually brings 500,000 people. While you will find motorcycle riders enjoying rides and meals on AIA in Flagler Beach, they generally spend most of their time in Daytona Beach. Spring Break at Cinnamon Beach is usually comprised of young families building sandcastles and enjoying the heated pools. College Spring breakers tend to flock to the panhandle of Florida and more southern parts of Florida. Spring is also a great time to consider a fishing charter on the intercoastal waterway. Unlike the open ocean water exposure, the intercoastal has a wind block that keeps your fishing experience pleasurable. Looking for something unique to take home, consider going to the annual Ormond Beach, Art in the Park festival.
Summer (June-August)
Welcome to the season of flip-flops (the official shoe of Florida). Ocean water is warm, waves are inviting, and the sun will give you a tan (or a sunburn) to take home with you. Daytime highs reach the low 90’s and evening temperatures generally don’t go below the mid-’70s. Mid-day sunbathing and ocean swimming is accompanied by morning and evening beach walks. Long summer days are great for enjoying music and restaurants at the European Village in Palm Coast. A clear June day is a great time to go deep-sea fishing out of St. Augustine. Consider a kayaking tour in Palm Coast or St. Augustine on warmer days. Renting a pontoon boat and taking a leisurely ride up to St. Augustine to see Castillo de San Marcos, (Spanish fort ) is a nice way to spend a day. Always wanted to learn how to surf or paddleboard? The summertime is the best time to learn. There are surf rental shops in Flagler Beach that can arrange lessons.
Castillo de San Marcos, Photo by lagology
No matter which season you pick, you can’t go wrong with a beach vacation at Cinnamon Beach. I will have a future post that provides a calendar of events for the area with links to websites.
If you are looking to visit Cinnamon Beach, you may want to consider staying at an Oceanfront Vacation Rental. If you are interested in learning about our Sundancer Vacation rental, click here.
See you at the Beach!
Comments
Post a Comment