Fort Walton Beach Climate Guide: Monthly Weather Averages & Seasonal Insights

Located in northwest Florida’s Panhandle along the Emerald Coast, Fort Walton Beach offers warm yet mild temperatures, making it an ideal destination for a Florida vacation in the summer. The area also hosts festive events and discount travel deals, rendering it perfect for a budget-friendly escape during the colder months of northern United States winters.

Although Fort Walton Beach features an overall average high and low of 78 and 54 degrees Fahrenheit (26 and 12 degrees Celsius), visitors should be prepared for unpredictable weather. Extremes have been recorded periodically, such as a scorching 107 degrees Fahrenheit (42 degrees Celsius) in 1980 and a chilly 4 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 16 degrees Celsius) in 1985. While summer is the warmest season, it is also the wettest, with the city averaging around 6 inches of rain per month throughout the year.

Whether you’re planning a memorable destination for a family summer trip or seeking a quiet getaway for Mardi Gras away from crowded tourist spots, Fort Walton Beach has something for everyone year-round.

Fast Climate Facts

• Hottest Month: July and August (91 F/33 C)
• Coldest Month: January (61 F/16 C)
• Wettest Month: July (9.4 inches)
• Best Month for Swimming: August (Gulf of Mexico temperature: 86 F/30 C)

Hurricane Season

Due to its position on the Gulf of Mexico in Florida’s panhandle, Fort Walton Beach faces the threat of tropical storms and potential hurricanes. The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 to November 30 each year. Thus, it’s important to follow safety guidelines while traveling during this timeframe and be ready to evacuate if necessary.

Winter in Fort Walton Beach

While Florida is often seen as the perfect escape from the harsh northern winters, Fort Walton Beach can experience some chill due to its location in Florida’s northern regions. With average temperatures around 51 degrees Fahrenheit (12 degrees Celsius) from late November to mid-March, visitors should prepare for cooler weather, even if significant snowfall is rare. A day at the beach may not be appealing during this season!

What to pack: Avoid taking your beachwear this season; the Gulf of Mexico’s temperature is only marginally warmer than the air temperature. Instead, consider layering your clothing, such as light T-shirts for warm days and a light to medium coat for cooler nights.

Average Air and Water Temperatures by Month

December: 64 F (18 C)/39 F (4 C), Gulf temperature 66 F (19 C)

January: 61 F (16.1 C)/37 F (2.8 C), Gulf temperature 63 F (17.2 C)

February: 65 F (18.3 C)/40 F (4.4 C), Gulf temperature 62 F (16.6 C)

Spring in Fort Walton Beach

Spring presents one of the driest seasons in Fort Walton Beach, making it an attractive time to visit. Both air and water temperatures steadily rise from mid-March to mid-June, allowing more beach time and enjoyable Mardi Gras-themed events across the region post-Fat Tuesday.

What to pack: Bring various clothing options to adapt to the changing spring weather. While visiting in March or April might necessitate a medium-warmth coat for evening outings, you can appreciate the ocean during the day. If you plan to visit in May or early June, consider leaving the heavier coat behind while packing light evening sweaters and beachwear.

Average Air and Water Temperatures by Month

March: 71 F (21.7 C)/46 F (7.8 C), Gulf temperature 65 F (18.3 C)

April: 78 F (25.6 C)/51 F (10.6 C), Gulf temperature 70.6 F (21.4 C)

May: 84 F (28.9 C)/60 F (15.6 C), Gulf temperature 76.6 F (24.8 C)

Summer in Fort Walton Beach

As the hottest season of the year, summer also brings significant rainfall—approximately 13.5 days of rain each month from late June through late September. This time of year draws large crowds and features numerous events, making it essential to monitor the weather and plan accordingly. Be aware of humidity levels that can range from 60 to 100 percent during this season. Despite potential rain, summer events like the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival in June are well worth the visit.

What to pack: Summer packing for a visit to Fort Walton Beach is relatively straightforward. Bring your bathing suit, a cover-up, and sandals. However, you may also need resort casual wear for dining or nightlife, where establishments often have strict dress codes against tank tops and sandals.

Average Air and Water Temperatures by Month

June: 90 F (32.2 C)/68 F (20 C), Gulf temperature 82.8 F (28.2 C)

July: 91 F (32.8 C)/71 F (21.7 C), Gulf temperature 85.2 F (29.5 C)

August: 91 F (32.8 C)/71 F (21.7 C), Gulf temperature 86 F (30 C)

Fall in Fort Walton Beach

Although the Atlantic hurricane season overlaps with much of fall, Fort Walton Beach tends to experience dry weather from September to November, averaging eight rainy days per month. Thus, visitors can enjoy ideal beach days and arts festivals during this period. Check out the Northwest Florida Fair in September or October, and enjoy the holiday decorations beginning after Thanksgiving.

What to pack: Similar to spring, be ready for a range of weather in fall. Given that it coincides with hurricane season, pack a raincoat and umbrella alongside warm coats for cooler nights and lighter clothing for warm days.

Average Air and Water Temperatures by Month

September: 88 F (31.1 C)/66 F (18.9 C), Gulf temperature 83.3 F (28.5 C)

October: 80 F (26.7 C)/54 F (12.2 C), Gulf temperature 79.1 F (26.1 C)

November: 72 F (22.2 C)/46 F (7.8 C), Gulf temperature 72.3 F (22.4 C)

In summary, Fort Walton Beach experiences a temperate climate; however, due to its northern location in Florida, winters can be noticeably colder than in southern regions, and summer temperatures are generally more moderate.