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Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach, set along Florida’s Emerald Coast, is where sugar-white sands meet the dazzling turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Famous for its lively atmosphere and 27 miles of pristine shoreline, it’s perfect for both relaxation and adventure. Spend your days paddleboarding, dolphin watching, or exploring nearby St. Andrews State Park. As the sun sets, enjoy vibrant nightlife, fresh seafood, and oceanfront dining. With its blend of natural beauty and beach-town fun, Panama City Beach truly shines.

What you’ll love most about Panama City Beach

Relax on Panama City Beach’s 27 miles of sugar-white sand and turquoise waters, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and sunset strolls
Dive into outdoor adventure at St. Andrews State Park, with opportunities for snorkelling, kayaking, and spotting dolphins along the coast
Take a boat to Shell Island, a pristine, undeveloped barrier island known for its crystal-clear waters and wild beauty
Wander along Pier Park for open-air shopping, beachside dining, and lively entertainment in the heart of town
Enjoy water sports galore – from parasailing and jet skiing to paddleboarding and fishing on the Gulf of Mexico
Experience the laid-back coastal charm of nearby communities like Rosemary Beach and Seaside along scenic Highway 30A

Holiday Highlights

Average temperature

Information below is based on average highest temperature for each month.

16℃J
17℃F
20℃M
22℃A
26℃M
29℃J
30℃J
30℃A
29℃S
26℃O
21℃N
18℃D

8J
6F
6M
7A
5M
9J
12J
11A
8S
4O
5N
7D

Information above is based on the average number of days which experience some form of rainfall for each month.

Rainfall

When to Visit

Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.

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F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

January

Winter brings a calm, unhurried beauty to Panama City Beach. The Gulf sparkles in soft shades of blue, and the air feels crisp and clear, often reaching around 16-18°C by midday. It’s a time for quiet beach walks, birdwatching along St. Andrews State Park, and watching pastel sunsets stretch across the horizon.

February

Cool mornings blend into gentle afternoons as the first signs of spring emerge. Dolphins are often seen gliding offshore, and the quieter pace makes it perfect for cycling the coastal trails or browsing the shops and cafés of Pier Park. The beaches remain peaceful - their white sands glinting under low winter light.

March

Spring breathes new life into the coast. Temperatures rise to the low 20s°C, and the Gulf waters begin to warm. Wildflowers colour the dunes, and local festivals return, celebrating seafood, art, and live music. Kayaking in the emerald shallows or cruising Shell Island becomes especially inviting this time of year.

April

The days lengthen, and sunshine becomes steady and strong. The beach hums with gentle energy, yet it never feels rushed. It’s the ideal month for snorkelling in calm waters or enjoying a morning paddleboard session before the breeze picks up. By evening, open-air dining feels effortless and relaxed.

May

Summer begins in earnest, but the atmosphere remains easygoing. Temperatures often sit around 28°C, the Gulf turns brilliantly turquoise, and sea life is abundant. Families gather for picnics, anglers cast lines off the pier, and the evenings are warm enough for seaside strolls well past sunset.

June

The coast is alive with activity - from early swimmers to evening boat trips. Afternoon showers roll in from the Gulf, cooling the air before brilliant sunshine returns. Mornings are perfect for exploring nature trails at Conservation Park, while afternoons call for beach lounging or a sail across St. Andrews Bay.

July

The height of summer brings long, golden days and lively beaches. With highs around 31°C, the sea provides constant relief. Water sports dominate - jet skiing, parasailing, snorkelling - and the air carries the rhythm of music and laughter from nearby beach bars. Fireworks light up the sky around Independence Day.

August

Still warm and tropical, August offers a blend of bright sunshine and quick, refreshing showers. The crowds thin slightly, leaving stretches of beach open for those seeking space and serenity. The Gulf’s waters are at their warmest, ideal for swimming or spotting marine life on a quiet boat trip.

September

The energy softens after summer. The days stay warm, around 28°C, but the beaches grow quieter, and the sunsets turn deeper gold. It’s a wonderful time for leisurely seafood dinners and unhurried swims - a slower rhythm settles over the coast as autumn drifts in.

October

Perhaps the most underrated month of all. The weather is beautifully balanced - warm but not humid, with clear skies and calm seas. Festivals celebrate local flavours and coastal traditions, and conditions are ideal for kayaking, hiking, and dolphin watching. The Gulf shimmers beneath gentle autumn light.

November

Cooler air returns, but the sunshine lingers. Daytime highs hover around 22°C, perfect for long walks along the sand or picnics overlooking the bay. The pace of life slows once more, and the sense of space and calm makes this a quietly magical time to visit.

December

Panama City Beach glows softly in winter’s light. The air is mild, often around 17-19°C, and the ocean’s hue shifts to a deeper shade of blue. Holiday lights twinkle along the waterfront, and evenings carry a tranquil stillness - the kind that reminds visitors why Florida’s Gulf Coast feels special year-round.

Our Ratings

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