Tell me about the Gulf coast in August

[katie111]

Thinking of renting a condo on the gulf coast in August. It seems like I could get a condo on the beach in August for the month for about the same price we'd pay for 2 weeks on Cape Cod and we'd be nowhere near the beach on the Cape. Looking at Siesta Key and the Madeira Beach/Indian Shores area. Just wondering how these areas would be in August for a family trip. Is it unbearably hot or is there a sea breeze that makes it bearable? Is there a lot of rain?Thinking we could do a lot of beach/pool time and then take some day trips to Busch Gardens, waterpatks, zoos, and maybe an overnight to Disney or Universal. We can fly for free with our southwest points.

I know FL kids go back to school in August so would there be many kids around? My kids (ages 6, 9 & 10) love to make friends at the pool and the beach. Would one area be better than the other? I love the look of Siesta Key but it seems like the Madeira Beach area would be better for day trips. Anyone know if that area is safe? It'll be just me and the kids for a portion if the trip. Are there safe bike paths in the area? Or would it too hot to bike anyways?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Shanna-like-Banana]

uumm, yes. Its hot and it rains almost every day.

Aug is always hot, you can expect afternoon thunderstorms almost everyday.

Don't count Siesta Key out, it's an hour tops to the places you mentioned in Tampa.

Longboat Key and Siesta have tons of paved sidewalks, and bike paths.

 

[kiki02]

uumm, yes. Its hot and it rains almost every day.

Aug is always hot, you can expect afternoon thunderstorms almost everyday.

Don't count Siesta Key out, it's an hour tops to the places you mentioned in Tampa.

Longboat Key and Siesta have tons of paved sidewalks, and bike paths.

To put it gently, if you don't like intense heat (some do ?)..... It's really really hot and muggy and rains a lot. A lot.

 

[swilshire]

Unbearably hot.

I had to work in Fort Myers once in August. It is WAY off season, so I could rent a room right on the beach as cheap as where I usually stayed in town. The family stayed in the air conditioner most of the day and we ventured out in the very late afternoon /early evening to the beach. While I was working, the typical afternoon thunderstorm came through every day, so when I walked out of the building at the end of the day, it was like being in a sauna.

I would never go there at that time of year by choice. We go to Nantucket for the beach in the summer. By going in June before the season really starts, we find better rates.

Sheila

 

[beansmom]

oh, Lord, yes...it's gonna be hot and humid and just ugh. I avoid anything below the Mason Dixon line from May to October.

 

[mks18412]

We always go to Destin in August. Last year it sprinkled the first day then the rest of the week was perfect. Of course Destin is HOT in August, its August and Destin. The weather is def not unbearable, the water is nice I dont remember seeing any jellyfish. Have Fun!

 

[MacClemsons]

Ilive 20 min from Destin. My favorite times to go to the beach are April/May. Seagrass usually comes around June and stays throughout July. Last couple years we've had heavy rain in June and have been spared hurricanes in Aug& Sept. July &Aug are usually unbearably hot. Last year wasn't bad. If you can go in September, you'll get cheaper rates.

FYI Okaloosa schools go back mid August, although Walton county schools go back early Aug. however you won't find that it is locals crowding the beaches. AL & GA schools go back early so it is less crowded in Aug but Midwesterners are still visiting the beach because they generally don't go back til Labor Day.
If you want to bike, look at South Walton - off 30A. Otherwise I say Destin isn't a good place to bike.
We are about 6 hours from Disney so I wouldn't really say you could do a day trip.