Are you planning a trip to Destin in August and wondering what to expect? This post covers what you need to know about August in Destin, Okaloosa Island, and Miramar Beach, including weather, activities, crowds, and events.
In my article about the best times to visit Destin, Florida, I ranked August 6th, right in the middle of my most and least favorite months here (outranked only by October, May, June, July, and September).
A lot of people would put August at the top of their list, especially if warm beach days with slightly lower crowds is a priority.
That month-by-month ranking is just my personal opinion, and honestly it was hard to choose the order. Take the exact ranking with a grain of salt and focus more on what matters most for your trip.
I explained my reasons in the full guide, but the “best” month really depends on your vacation style. August has a lot going for it, and you’ll see why below.
August Weather in Destin
Average High = 89 degrees
Average Low = 71 degrees
Average Gulf Water Temperature = 84 degrees
Average Rainfall = 7.6 inches
August is typically the hottest and most humid month of the year in Destin. It’s also usually a very rainy month, outranked only by July in average rainfall.
The heat makes for great beach and swimming weather, and afternoon showers can cool things down for a bit.
Gulf water temperatures usually peak in August before gradually tapering off into fall. The water typically stays comfortable for swimming well into October.
Once humidity hits “August level,” you’ll often see rain chances on the forecast almost every day. A 40% chance of rain all week isn’t a reason to cancel your trip. It could mean a quick shower, a storm that stays offshore, or rain for only part of the day.
August (and September) also tend to bring more stingrays and jellyfish close to shore because the water is at its warmest. If you’re worried about stings, it’s not a bad idea to pack vinegar just in case.
When people ask how I get my stingray photos, the short answer is: August and September. Some early mornings, if the water is clear, it’s hard not to catch one in your shot.
August (and September) are also peak hurricane season on the Gulf Coast, so it’s smart to pay attention to forecasts as your trip gets closer.
You never know what storm season will bring, so make sure you understand the cancellation policies where you’re staying (or consider travel insurance) before you book.
August Crowds in Destin
August crowds in Destin can vary a lot depending on the week. The first week of August is still peak season and usually feels just as busy as June and July.
Crowds typically dip a little in the second week and drop more noticeably in the third week as more kids head back to school.
As a general rule, the first week can feel close to full capacity, the second week often lands in the 70–80% range, and the last two weeks usually feel closer to 50–60% before spiking again on Labor Day weekend.
August Sunsets in Destin
The sun doesn’t rise or set directly over the water in summer in Destin, but by August it starts shifting back and getting closer to the coastline again.
The sun reaches its most inland angle in July, then slowly creeps back toward the water. In January it’s as far out over the water as it will get before turning back toward land again.
You can use a free app called SunCalc to track sunrise and sunset direction based on where you’ll be staying and what dates you’re visiting. The exact direction varies quite a bit along the Emerald Coast. Here are two examples.
The first map is for central Destin near Henderson Beach State Park, where late-August sunrise and sunset can still be over land and behind buildings. The second map is from Sandestin Beach, where you can usually catch the sunset more along the coastline by late August.
My detailed sunset post will help you find the perfect spot in Destin for an August sunset: Sunset in Destin: 6 Best Places to Watch
August Activities in Destin
Destin activities stay in full swing throughout August, even with a slight dip in crowds toward the end of the month. It’s a great time to go fishing, parasailing, or take a dolphin cruise with slightly fewer people on the boats.
August Watersports and Excursions in Destin
Watersports companies stay open as usual in August and are still busy, especially during the first few weeks of the month.
If you want to rent a boat, a jet ski, or go on a Destin parasailing adventure, you’ll have plenty of options. The same goes for dolphin cruises, snorkeling tours, and other boat excursions.
Some companies may start offering deals in the second half of August as crowds taper off, so keep an eye out for discounts on Groupon and other coupon sites.
August Fishing in Destin
Fishing charter boats stay busy in August in Destin. Amberjack and gray triggerfish seasons often open on August 1st, with amberjack typically running through October 31st and gray triggerfish through December 31st in Gulf waters (always double-check current regulations before you go).
Book your excursions in advance. Some companies offer fewer trips later in summer compared to June and July.
Crab Island in August in Destin
Crab Island is one of the most popular spots in Destin, and it stays busy throughout August as people enjoy late-summer water temperatures.
Crab Island is a sunken sandbar near the Destin Bridge where boats, jet skis, and kayaks anchor to relax and play in the shallow water.
Crab Island is known for crystal-clear water that can look like a swimming pool, but the water color can change throughout the day with tide and wind.
For the clearest water at Crab Island, plan your visit within about two hours before or after high tide, when clearer Gulf water is flowing in. When the tide is going out, Crab Island is filled more with bay water, which can look more tea-colored.
For more information about Crab Island, read my complete guide here: Crab Island in Destin: Ultimate Visitors Guide
August Events in Destin
August usually has a mix of fun events, many of them geared toward families since the first half of the month is still peak season. In general, it’s a slower month, especially once kids start heading back to school.
Harborwalk Village, Baytowne Wharf, and the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk typically run weekly summer event series that continue into early or mid-August. As of now, specific 2026 dates and weekly schedules have not been announced, so consider the events below “expected based on past years.” I’ll revisit and update as the official calendars are released closer to August 2026.
Harborwalk Village August Events
Harborwalk Village typically hosts a summer series of weekly events from late May through mid-August, plus live music on Saturday nights at the Events Stage (usually 6:30–9:00pm). All 2026 dates are TBA, but here’s what’s expected based on previous years.
Silent Disco Party at Harborwalk Village
TBA for 2026. In recent years, Harborwalk has offered a Silent Disco Party as a weekly summer event. It’s often held mid-week (expected on Wednesdays), but the official 2026 schedule has not been confirmed yet.
Dance to your own beat with a silent disco experience in front of the Main Stage. Sanitized headphones are provided.
I went to this event when they held it over spring break and everyone had a great time, myself included. It’s fun to participate or just watch.
Fat Tuesday Parade at Harborwalk Village
TBA for 2026. Harborwalk has hosted a “Mardi Gras in summer” style parade in early August in past years (expected on Tuesdays if it returns), but the official schedule has not been released yet.
Catch beads, treats, and trinkets as floats roll through the Village. In past years the evening started with music on the Main Stage and the parade rolled later in the night.
This is usually a popular event, so if it returns in 2026, plan to grab your spot early. Anywhere along the road through the Village is a good view, from Fishheads all the way down to Emerald Grande.
All American Thursdays and Fireworks at Harborwalk Village
Harborwalk typically runs a weekly summer event series that includes fireworks on select nights. In past years, fireworks have been on Thursdays in early August (continuing from summer), and an additional Monday night show depending on the season. The official 2026 schedule is not confirmed yet.
When this event is on the calendar, it typically includes live entertainment and ends with fireworks over the harbor.
I wrote a detailed article about the best viewing spots for the Harborwalk Village fireworks (and the full schedule when it’s released) here: Where to Watch the Destin Harbor Fireworks
More info about Harborwalk events: Harborwalk Village Events Calendar
Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin August Events
Baytowne Wharf runs a weekly summer events series from late May through mid-August. Details below
Scallywag Sunday at Baytowne Wharf
- Date: Every Sunday from May 31st through August 9th
- Time: Shows at 7:00pm and 8:00pm
- Cost: FREE
Captain Davy brings his pirate show to the Events Plaza Stage with jokes, magic tricks, songs, and balloon animals. It’s very kid-friendly, but honestly, the grown-ups usually end up watching too.
Boomin’ Tuesdays Fireworks Night at Baytowne Wharf
- Date: Every Tuesday from May 26th through August 11th
- Time: 7:15–9:15pm (Fireworks at 9:15pm)
- Cost: FREE
Enjoy a DJ dance party in the Events Plaza, then watch as the night sky lights up with a fireworks show over the Lagoon at 9:15pm. Baytowne’s fireworks are synced to music and usually include fun, unique shapes.
I wrote a detailed article about the best viewing spots for the Baytowne Wharf fireworks here: Where to Watch the Baytowne Wharf Fireworks
Wednesday Night Concert Series at Baytowne Wharf
- Date: Every Wednesday in August 2026 (continuing through October)
- Time: 7:00–9:00pm
- Cost: FREE
The Wednesday Night Concert Series is a popular Baytowne tradition that runs through spring, summer, and fall on the Village Lawn and Events Plaza Stage. Bring blankets or lawn chairs and settle in for live music in a really pretty setting.
WNCS August 2026 Music Schedule
- August 5th: Boukou Groove
- August 12th: TBA
- August 19th: One False Move
- August 26th: Almost Famous
More info about Baytowne Wharf Events: Baytowne Wharf Events Calendar
Okaloosa Island Boardwalk August Events
The Okaloosa Island Boardwalk also typically hosts a summer series of weekly events from late May through mid-August. It’s a fun spot for family-friendly events with the beach and the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier as the backdrop. All 2026 dates are TBA.
Pirate Show at the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk
TBA for 2026. Featured pirate Captain Davy performs his live show on the Al’s Beach Club stage with magic tricks, jokes, songs, and balloon animals. Kids of all ages love Cap’t Davy.
Movies on the Beach at the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk
TBA for 2026. Grab a lawn chair or blanket and find a spot on the sand in front of the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk for a featured film. This is typically a weekly summer event.
Wednesday Night Fireworks at the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk
Okaloosa Island Boardwalk fireworks take place on Wednesday nights in summer, starting the Wednesday after Memorial Day and continuing into early August.
The show launches from the end of the fishing pier, so you can watch from the sand, the pier, or from several of the Boardwalk restaurants with a view.
I wrote a detailed article about the best viewing spots for the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk fireworks (and the schedule of shows) here: Where to Watch the Okaloosa Island Fireworks and the Schedule of Shows
Beach Luau Party at the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk
TBA for 2026. Al’s Burger Bar at the Boardwalk has hosted a weekly beach luau in past years. If it returns, it’s typically a family-friendly event with live music, leis, kids activities, games, and a fire/dance performance.
More info about Okaloosa Island Boardwalk events: Okaloosa Island Boardwalk Events Calendar
More August Destin Events
Below are a couple of additional annual events that typically take place in August in the Destin area. All 2026 details are TBA, so consider this a “watch list” until official dates are released.
Bubbly Baytowne at Baytowne Wharf
- Date: Thursday August 20th 2026
- Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Cost: FREE
Bubbly Baytowne is an event where you can enjoy an evening of complimentary champagne as you sip and stroll through the Village of Baytowne Wharf. Stop in various retail merchants as you browse and sample premium champagnes.
Bubbly Baytowne is one of my favorite events, and I wrote a more detailed article about it here (with updates added as schedules are released): Bubbly Baytowne ~ A Sip and Shop through the Village of Baytowne Wharf
Below are some of my other monthly guides to check out. These are updated every year, so you can bookmark the months you’re interested in and check back closer to your trip for the most current info.
- October in Destin
- Christmas season in Destin
- February in Destin
- March in Destin
- April in Destin
- May in Destin
- June in Destin
- July 4th in Destin
- Best Times to Visit Destin: Month-by-Month Guide
I hope this post helps you plan the perfect trip to Destin in August.
Be sure to comment below if you have any questions or feedback. I love hearing from you and prefer to answer questions on here so my answers can help others as well. Don’t forget to subscribe to my email list so you don’t miss any posts!
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Hi, I’m Sarah — the creator, writer, and photographer behind this site. I sell prints and books featuring my Emerald Coast photography, and I also manage four vacation rentals on beautiful Holiday Isle in Destin. If you’re looking for a helpful, knowledgeable local host when you visit, I’d love to welcome you 🌴😃🐬My rentals include two 2-bedroom condos (one beachfront and one on the harbor) and two 4-bedroom homes, both located on Destin Harbor. You can check out my Destin vacation rentals here: https://thegoodlifedestin.com/vacation-rentals-by-sarah/
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Good morning Sarah!
I was reading the whole page here on activities in August and came across a misspelled word. You were mentioning waterspouts and it just didn’t fit the sentence. I’d blame it on auto-correct. Here’s the paragraph…
“Several waterspouts and tour companies will start offering deals and discounts in the second half of August as the crowds taper off so be on the lookout for those on Groupon and other coupon sites.”
I love reading your posts and love the great pictures! We really appreciate all the work that you put in to provide us all the info, it’s very helpful. I miss the days when your site was free of ads but I understand, you got to make money.
Are there any days in August that you plan on having your tent set up at Harborwalk Village? If not, are there any locations in the Destin area that have your merchandise for sale?
Hopefully all is well with you. Best wishes.
Steve
Hi Steve, I corrected the error, thank you. It was meant to say watersports. I’m sorry if the ads are a bother. They are not there to make money but just to at least offset the costs of hosting and maintaining my website so that it’s not costing me money to spend so many hours writing free content and visitor information. I’m glad you have found it helpful. My tent will not be back up until at least June 2022 when it’s busier in town but anything can be ordered from my website and Etsy!