I live in SW Florida and love it. But unless you’re used to it, there is no way you’re going to enjoy August on the beach here. Even us natives limit time outside in August, choose water activities or stay in the AC. And Puerto Rico is still a mess, so even if your particular hotel/rental has electricity, how relaxing is it going to be to vacation in what is still very much a disaster area? But I guess it might be better than August in the Everglades.
The original ideas - laying on a beach in Destin, Naples or Puerto Rico during August sounded bad enough, especially since none of those are places where there is much else to do when you realize that by 9 AM the beach is as comfortable and relaxing as the surface of the Sun - but when you mentioned going TO THE EVERGLADES IN AUGUST that’s when I burst out laughing because there is no way you are serious with this.
And if you think the Everglades has mosquitos, what the heck do you think Puerto Rico would be like? Remember the recent Zika epidemic? That was pre-hurricane when there were still some mosquito control efforts in place - there is none of that happening now, so the mosquitos will be out and carrying Zika, Chikungunya, Dengue, etc. Good times!
If your kids are resisting this idea, listen to them. If you want to go somewhere to lay on the beach and do day trips, pick somewhere cooler and with interesting day trips to do.
Many years ago when I was young we did Fl in august. Best vacation ever. Water was warm. Did it all – beach, swimming, fishing, knee boarding, etc. Was a blast.
So did I, @milee30! I won’t do anything outdoors in August here in south Florida, but going to the Everglades is nuts! I think you ought to take MaineLonghorn’s suggestion and visit Maine, or get a VRBO house on a nice lake someplace. Anyplace in Florida is going to be hot and humid in August, whether it’s north, south, east coast or west.
Lots of people go to the Florida beaches in August, but not so much south Florida. Yes, the Panhandle will be hot and humid, but the water is wonderful and the beaches are gorgeous. I think Amelia would be fine, too. My tolerance for that kind of heat was better 2 decades ago, but we did enjoy our August beach vacations. For me it was wonderful to have warm water compared to growing up going to the Jersey shore and always having the cold Atlantic up there.
Florida in August can be very fun, but that very much depends on what you like to do. If not used to heat and humidity and the plan is to lay by the beach and pool, most people will find it miserable; and if they’re staying somewhere without many other things to do (cough… Destin, Naples unless you’re a high end shopper), they’ll spend every morning from 7-8 AM on the beach, decide they can’t take the heat any more and sit in their condo for the rest of the day wondering what fresh Hell is this.
As someone else said, if you’re more active and into water sports so you’re spending a lot of time in the water or in and out of shade and you’re OK with being sweaty, it’s fun because everything is deserted and you’re able to experience everything without the crowds. Year-round we sail, kayak, swim in the ocean, fish, hike and all sorts of other things outside but we’re used to being sweaty and know how to dress and when to do certain things. We also live where there are many fun little activities or places that are inside in the AC for those days when the heat is too much - Destin doesn’t have much of interest to do indoors and Naples is similar if you’re not into luxury shopping (I’m not.)
I have some investments with a company that is Puerto Rico based. From the pictures that they are still sending me, it wouldn’t be somewhere I’d go for a relaxing vacation, but that’s partly objective (concerns about mosquitos and services) and partly subjective. I’m happy going to devastated places to volunteer and work but would feel awkward and not relaxed on a vacation type trip.
We have gone to St. John (USVI) in August several times. We just got back from there a week ago. We loved August because it was so un-crowded, (not that St. John is ever too crowded) but there is always a risk of storms. It was a bit hotter than the winter months, for sure, but there was so much we liked to do, and floating in the clear water never got old. Despite the devastation from Hurricanes Irma/Maria last September, the island has really bounced back and the majority of restaurants have re-opened. However, getting there is somewhat difficult and expensive compared to Florida.
“but when you mentioned going TO THE EVERGLADES IN AUGUST that’s when I burst out laughing because there is no way you are serious with this.”
We stopped by a FL state park way south in August which charges admission.
Drove up and the guard waved us through.
We questioned him and he laughed and said “You won’t be here long.”
We found a really pretty place (all was perfect) and then went under a tree to get some shade. We were BLANKETED by mosquitos. Never seen anything like it.
Ran back out into the sun. And then left. Told the guard “you were right!”.
Having visited both Key West and Siesta Key/Sarasota in August, I agree that the weather and water is oppressively hot at that time of year.
On the other hand, the panhandle of Florida is enjoyable in August, assuming no tropical weather disturbances. The area of 30A is very popular, including Blue Mountain Beach, Seaside, Watercolor and Rosemary Beach. There is plenty of nightlife, fine dining or recreational opportunities. The caveat is that it is quite expensive, although I suspect some deals can be had that late in August.
We did Universal and the Space Coast in August because that’s when my in between two jobs vacation was, and that was the only destination from Seattle that was not an arm and a leg on a week notice. Loved it. Universal was deserted, so no line longer than 5-10 min. Misting stations everywhere. The Space Coast was a blast. We need to go back to get Mr. a new NASA hat.
And Orlando in August is close to 180 degrees in the shade (if you can find any). Not fun. The suggestion of the Space Coast and a day (or two) at NASA is a good one. There might be a rocket launch and those are fun to watch from the air force base across the river or really anywhere in Titusville or Cocoa Beach. Amelia Island or north from there into Georgia is nice too.
I see water temp in Maine averages 62-68 in August. Bar Harbor, about 58. That’s cold. But interestingly enough, it also averages about 68 in San Diego. But that’s the water. The beach will be pleasant.
You can get free dining in Disney World in late August.
Yes, it’s hot and humid. But we love it!
It tends to rain every afternoon for a while. So we stock up on ponchos before leaving home.
This year, thanks to my daughter’s freshman year of college, we’re going in July instead.
Let me know if you’re interested in more info. I could write for hours, but I’m guessing this is probably a long shot for you.
Oh, and in the past 5 trips since 2008, we’ve hit the tail end of one tropical storm, so it’s far from a sure thing. So absolutely get trip insurance if you’re headed anywhere near the southeast, but don’t sweat it.
Bermuda is also lovely in the summer— would you consider a cruise?
Shoot, I don’t know why I’m recommending that people come to Maine. Tourism this year is predicted to be up a lot this year after several years of steady gains. We don’t need any more visitors!
Oh we love Maine too!!! What’s not to love about a vacation where you can have lobster every single night? And the lighthouse tours brought out the romantic in me… I love the idea of leaving a light on for a stranger who is lost.
I think you ought to take MaineLonghorn’s suggestion and visit Maine, or get a VRBO house on a nice lake someplace. Anyplace in Florida is going to be hot and humid in August, whether it’s north, south, east coast or west.
