Many of my customers are either relocating families or purchasers of vacation homes and condos in the Panama City and Panama City Beach Florida area.
Often, besides being asked about the real estate market their questions focus on what there is to do, where to go and of course where to eat among other things.
So, for those looking to come to Panama City, Florida here are a few tips, places of interest as well what I’ve discovered since moving from Los Angeles, California…
Let’s talk weather, month to month and things to do…
January and February are the coolest months. Temperatures average around 50′s-mid to upper 60′s in the day and can drop to the 30′s in the evenings.
When planning a trip during these months, pack some warm clothes. A few things to do during these months include: Ripley’s believe it or not, you can go boat, beach or pier fishing, swimming (yes you can go swimming here in the winter).
It may be cold to some, but it’s really not that bad!. Having lived so long in California I find the water temperature during the winter months actually not uncomfortable. Expect to see water temperatures in the gulf in the high 50′s to mid 60′s during these months. I know… To some this is cool or even cold but to me it’s refreshing.
If you’re a golfer, there’s plenty of golfing at one of the many golf courses around Panama City, Florida.
Community theatre events run all year long so no matter when you visit there should be a show to attend. Also, check out our Roller Derby if that interests you, it’s fun for the whole family.
March, April and May are my favorite months here. The temperatures are mild to warm and not nearly as humid as the summer months.
During this time of the year, the area reminds me greatly of where I grew up in Monmouth County, New Jersey. The trees are beginning to blossom, the grass is getting green again and you can walk around the beach in shorts and have lots of fun at the beach.
Expect to see the Gulf of Mexico water temperatures between the mid 60′s and high 70′s during these months. For those that find January and February water temperatures too cold, these months are very comfortable for swimming, SCUBA diving and of course more fishing. Jessie and I have not been diving since moving to Panama City, Florida and we miss it terribly. Maybe we’ll get wet this year.
Other things to do during these months include: Shell Island tours or boat rentals, or how about a river boat dinner cruise on the bay?
June, July and August are undoubtedly the hottest, most humid months of the year.
This year we had a relatively mild June which made me very happy.
If you’re planning on coming during those months, be prepared to spend a lot of time in shorts, sun bathe and swim at the beach, cool off in the Panama City Mall (Air conditioning!) or visit a water park such as Shipwreck Island.
Of course swimming, SCUBA diving, fishing, sunbathing at the beach are all enjoyable during this time of the year. But don’t forget about the Panama City Zoo, always fun for the kids and grown ups alike.
September and October we tend to see the most rain and temperatures begin to cool slightly averaging in the mid to high 50′s and mid to high 60′s.
Interestingly, the Gulf of Mexico tends to have the warmest temperatures in September averaging in the low 80′s. It’s almost like bath water.
For me, this time of year is my second favorite. The cooling of the night air and day temperatures are great for walking on the beach, going to the Park, Canoeing on Econfina Creek and camping.
This is also the time of year for the Thunder Beach Autumn Rally, Octoberfest and the Panama City Seafood, Wine and Music Festival.
November and December the temperatures can get quite chilly so bring a jacket if you are visiting during this time.
Water temperatures are still temperate in my opinion, averaging around the mid to high 60′s. During November, the Ironman Triathlon and the St. Andrews Seafood festival are usually scheduled for the middle of the month.
In the beginning of December the wonderfully, colorful Parade of Boats is a terrific event for the whole family.
So there you have it, 20 things you should know about coming or moving to Panama City, Florida
- January-February – The coolest months
- Community Theatre is alive and well
- We have Roller Derby
- March through May are mild weather months
- Dinner Cruises and water sports are abundant
- You can cool down in the summer at the Mall or at a water park
- There is a wonderful Zoo for the whole family
- September tends to have the warmest Gulf of Mexico water temperature
- You can canoe at the Econfina creek or camp at one of the great state parks
- If you have a motorcycle, you can cruise during Thunder Beach
- You can enjoy one of the many sea food festivals occurring through out the year
- We even have an Octoberfest!
- You can cheer on the athletes at the Triathlon
- Watch or enter the Parade of Boats
- You can swim all year long (and not have to join the Polar Bear Club)
- SCUBA diving occurs most of the year
- Fishing is a favorite past time either from the beach, pier or boat
- The Ripley’s museum is fun for everyone
- You can rent a boat or take a tour of Shell Island
- Jennifer knows there’s more to life than real estate
If you visit any of these wonderful events or businesses, tell them Jennifer sent you and be sure to let me know how you enjoyed them.
There is a reason I moved to Panama City, Florida and I have to say… It’s Paradise!
Jennifer Mackay
850-774-6582
Florida Real Estate | Panama City
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August 6th, 2009
Jennifer Mackay
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A really great blog here. Lots of very good info. I have never been to Panama City. I can’t stop visiting the Florida Keys, Flagler Beach and St. Augustine. But I hope to get here soon. All the best.
Just to let you know, you can put all your blog widgets closer together if you want. Just add them all in one place, but space them out. Maybe 2 spaces. I just did mine, and I like it. Just a thought.
Hello Charles,
Thanks for stopping by.
The keys are a wonderful area. Jessie and I have tried to get there for quite a while but one thing or another sends us else where.
Best wishes.
Charles,
Thanks for the suggestion.
Having the widgets separated allows me to maintain and reorganize them easier.
I prefer not to go searching through a bunch of code to find something particular. This way I can go to the item I want and change or remove it as needed.
Best wishes
Hi Jennifer, first timer here. Was looking for boat rental info when I came across your blog. Very informative. It’s like having you as my personal tour guide
Thanks for the post.