May is one of the best months to be in Destin. The first signs of summer start appearing with warmer weather, longer days, and kids getting out of school.
This post will cover everything you need to know about what to expect in May of 2024, including weather, activities, crowds, and upcoming events.
In my article about the best times to visit Destin, I ranked May as 2nd on the list so it’s pretty high up on my favorite months here, outranked only by October.
It was a tough choice for the number one spot between October and May because in a lot of ways May is superior to October. I would say they are almost tied in my mind.
The weather is similar in May and October except May does not have the hurricane and tropical storm threats that are so prevalent in the fall months here.
October ultimately takes the top spot for me because it holds some of the best events in Destin such as the Destin Fishing Rodeo and the Seafood Festival.
I also love the fully bloomed sea oats across the beach landscape in fall but May is still a very close second or maybe even tied, especially considering the lower storm threats.
As far as crowds go, May in Destin is similar to late April where it’s the time in-between spring break and summer when we experience a slight drop off in crowds. But the crowds will steadily increase as the month goes on and summer looms closer.
Summer season officially hits us on Memorial Day weekend and the crowds ramp up significantly again to levels far past what spring break was.
Memorial Day weekend will kick off on Friday May 26th in 2023 with a huge surge in crowds and it will be nonstop busy through mid-August at that point.
May Weather in Destin
Most days in May are sunny and warm with sometimes a chill in the air at night, at least in the early part of the month. May weather is more reliable than March and April which can still have some unexpected cold snaps.
Most people will decide it’s warm enough to swim in the Gulf by May, especially on the warm sunny days. May also has the lowest amount of rainfall of the year making the crystal blue clear water generally more consistent since there are not as many storms stirring up the Gulf.
Average High = 83 degrees
Average Low = 61 degrees
Average Gulf Water Temperature = 77 degrees
Average Rainfall = 4.3 inches (lowest of the year)
May Sunsets in Destin
May sunsets will be between 7:20pm and 7:45pm depending when you visit during the month. Don’t go out to the beach expecting to see the sunrise or sunset over the water in Destin though because it will be over land by May.
Due to our unique south facing beaches, the sun only sets over the gulf in Destin during the winter. There is usually still some pretty color in the sky after sunset though.
March is the final month where you can see the sunset over the water at the beach until late September when it will be moving back out to sea again for winter.
I wrote a more detailed article about sunsets in Destin here.
The photo below shows the sunset direction in May (red line is sunset, blue is sunrise) from Henderson Beach State Park which is in the middle of Destin. As you can see, it is completely over land this time of year.
If you want to see a sunset over the water in May, you will have to go all the way down to 30a or Panama City Beach where you can still catch them along the coastline due to the curve of the land (see red line is the photo below).
You can use a free phone app called SunCalc to find the exact direction of the sun on any specific day from your particular location. It’s free and easy to use. You can also use the PhotoPills app which you need to pay for but it has a lot more detailed features.
May Activities in Destin
May will have all the watersports companies open and staying very busy on Destin Harbor so you should book these in advance of your May visit.
The fishing charter boats will also be getting even busier during May with many boats starting to offer two charter trips a day.
May is also when Crab Island starts to get busy as the water continues to warm up and people head out there to swim and hang out in the shallow waters. Crab Island will not start getting super busy and popular until Memorial Day Weekend though.
The Destin water taxi boats should be running their regular schedule in May 7 days a week. If you are visiting Destin Harbor or staying anywhere on or near it, the water taxi is a great way to get around the harbor destinations while enjoying a boat cruise.
For more detailed information about the water taxi, I wrote an article about it here: Destin Water Taxi ~ The Best Way to Travel the Harbor.
May Events in Destin
May will be full of events and festivals to enjoy with the warmer weather. Below I give details about all the best events happening this month in order of when they occur.
Farmers Market at Harborwalk Village
- Date: Saturday May 4th, 2024
- Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
- Cost: FREE
Enjoy the Harborwalk Farmer’s Market on the first Saturday of every month. Browse a variety of fresh produce, local & handcrafted art pieces, and more!
Tequila and Taco Festival at Baytowne Wharf
- Date: Saturday May 11th 2024
- Time: 1-4pm
- Cost: Varies starting at $40
- Website for Tickets: Taco & Tequilia Tickets
Local restaurants and food trucks will be competing for “Best Taco on the Emerald Coast.” You’ll have a say in the People’s Choice Award. The main event is on Saturday with a few additional related events held on Friday and Sunday.
Sample many types of tequilas and margaritas from Blancos, Resposados, Anjieos, and Mezcals while indulging on some of the area’s best tacos. There is a “Tacos only” ticket option if you don’t want the alcohol samples.
Blessing of the Fleet on Destin Harbor
- Date: Thursday May 9th 2024
- Time: 5:15pm
- Cost: FREE
- Website: www.iacdestin/special-events/blessing-of-the-fleet.com
As a community foundation for 64 years, the annual Blessing of the Destin Fishing Fleet takes place on Destin Harbor on Ascension Day.
Local pastors gather on the dock at Fishing Fleet Marina in front of Brotulas restaurant for this event where they bless charter fishing boats and others who earn their living from the sea with wishes for safe passage and bountiful catches.
Prayer service under a large tent will precede the blessing and a fish fry will follow. I wrote a detailed article about this event with more photos, information, history and the best places to watch here: Blessing of the Fleet on Destin Harbor
Lionfish & Libations Festival at Harborwalk Village
- Date: May 19th 2024
- Time: 7:00 – 10:00pm
- Cost: Varies
- Website for Info: Lionfish Festival official info
Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival at Fort Walton Beach Landing
- Date: May 17th – 20th 2024
- Time: Varies depending on day
- Cost: FREE
- Website for Info: https://www.kreweofbowlegs.com/billy-bowlegs-festival.php
Witness the arrival of Captain Billy and his Krewe of Scallywags as they march inland to continue their mischief Downtown and attempt to take over the City and skirmish with Mayor Rynearson. Pirate-themed activities for kids will take place including a scavenger hunt.
Everyone is invited to the festivities, including a block party with live entertainment where Captain Billy himself will join the party. The night will be capped off with a fireworks display Downtown.
Wednesday Night Concert Series at Baytowne Wharf
- Date: Every Wednesday in May (continuing through October)
- Time: 7:00 – 9:00pm
- Cost: FREE
- Website for more info: https://www.baytownewharf.com/
The Wednesday Night Concert Series returns to Baytowne starting in March and continuing every week through spring, summer and fall on the Village Lawn and Events Plaza Stage.
Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, drinks and snacks to enjoy the perfect spring temperatures with live music from a different band each week. The concert series will feature both local and regional talent from a variety of genres.
WNCS May 2024 Music Schedule
May 1: Below Alabama
May 8: Duchess
May 15: Cadillac Willy
May 22: Casey Kearney
May 29: Smith Distillery
Bubbly Baytowne at Baytowne Wharf
- Date: Thursday May 16th 2024
- Time: 5:00 – 7:00pm
- Cost: FREE
- Website: www.baytownewharf.com
Bubbly Baytowne is an event where you can enjoy an evening full of FREE champagne as you sip and stroll through the streets of the Village of Baytowne Wharf. Stop in various retail merchants as you enjoy a selection of premium champagnes.
Bubbly Baytowne is one of my favorite events and I wrote a more detailed article about it here if you want to see more information and photos: Bubbly Baytowne ~ A Sip and Shop through the Village of Baytowne Wharf
Fly Guy Thursday at Baytowne Wharf
- Date: Every Thursday starting May 23rd (continuing through summer)
- Time: Shows at 6:30 pm and 8:30pm
- Cost: FREE
This event is a weekly summer show at Baytowne Wharf where you can watch fly-board extraordinaire and pro-athlete, Ben Merrell, flying over the Village Lagoon.
The show takes place every Thursday in summer with 2 shows each evening. Be sure to stay for both as they are the night show features colorful lights on the water jets and Ben will also hand out glow necklaces.
Boomin’ Tuesdays Fireworks Night at Baytowne Wharf
- Date: Every Tuesday starting May 23rd (continuing through summer)
- Time: 7:15 to 9:15pm (Fireworks at 9:15)
- Cost: FREE
Enjoy lawn games and dancing with DJ Mike Whitty in the Baytowne Events Plaza before watching as the night sky lights up with a breathtaking fireworks show over the Lagoon at 9:15pm.
The Baytowne Wharf Fireworks are one of my favorite shows in the area because they are synched to music and also feature a lot of unique shaped fireworks.
I wrote a detailed article about the best viewing spots for the Baytowne Wharf fireworks including all the 2024 scheduled dates here: Where to Watch the Baytowne Wharf Fireworks and the 2024 Schedule of Shows.
Memorial Day Celebration at Harborwalk Village
- Date:Saturday May 25th – Monday May 27th
- Time: Varies
- Cost: FREE
Kick-off the Summer season with Live Music and Fireworks at Harborwalk Village on Destin Harbor.
Schedule of Events at Harborwalk 2024 Memorial Day:
Saturday, May 25th
7:00pm | Concert
Sunday, May 26th
6:40pm | Vintage Air Show
7:00pm | Concert
9:00pm | FIREWORKS & Fire Spinning by Autumn Lyfe
Monday, May 27th
7:00pm | Silent Disco Party & Memorial Day
For more information about the Harborwalk Village fireworks, check out my post here with all the best places to watch and the entire 2024 schedule of shows: Where to Watch the Destin Harbor Fireworks in 2024
Memorial Day Celebration at Baytowne Wharf
- Date: Saturday May 25th- Sunday May 26th 2024
- Time: 6-9pm (Fireworks on Sunday night at 9:00pm)
- Cost: FREE
Kick off your summer during our Memorial Day Celebration at The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Enjoy LIVE music all weekend and a Fireworks show Sunday night over the lagoon.
Schedule of Events at Baytowne Wharf 2024 Memorial Day:
- Saturday, May 25th | Live Music by Forrest Williams Band 7-9pm
- Sunday, May 26th | Live Music 6-9 by The High Aces. Fireworks at 9pm
Fireworks at the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk
- Date: Sunday May 26th, 2022
- Time: 9:00pm
- Cost: FREE
Watch the night’s sky light up the Gulf with your family, friends, and loved ones. Make it a dinner and a show with a front-row view from any of The Boardwalk’s restaurants or spread out along the beach to watch the fireworks blast off from the pier. You can also walk halfway out on the pier if you want to see them up close!
For more ideas about where to watch the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk Fireworks, check out my detailed post here with all thes best places to watch, tips on parking, and the entire 2024 schedule of shows: Where to Watch the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk Fireworks in 2024
Fat Tuesday Parade at Harborwalk Village
- Date: Every Tuesday starting May 28th 2024 (continuing through summer)
- Time: Concert at 6:30pm | Parade at 8:30pm
- Cost: FREE
Mardi Gras comes to HarborWalk Village all summer with live music on the main stage and a weekly Fat Tuesday Parade. Catch beads and various treats and trinkets as the floats roll through the Village.
All American Thursdays and Fireworks at Harborwalk Village
- Date: Every Thursday starting May 30th 2024 (continuing through summer)
- Time: 6:30 – 9:00pm
- Cost: FREE
Celebrate the USA with a one-of-a-kind vintage airshow, hero salute, live entertainment, fireworks, and a fire spinning show! The Hero Salute & Vintage Air Show start at 6:30 and the event ends with fireworks at 9:00pm followed by a fire-spinning show on the main stage.
I wrote a detailed article about the best viewing spots for the Harborwalk Village fireworks including all the 2024 scheduled shows here: Where to Watch the Destin Harbor Fireworks
More info about Harborwalk Events: Harborwalk Village Events Calendar
I hope this post helps you plan the perfect trip to Destin in May!
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, books, journals, and calendars all made from my Emerald Coast photography and I also manage a few vacation rentals on beautiful Holiday Isle in Destin if you want me to be your helpful, knowledgeable host when you visit.
…..🌴😃🐬 I have a few rentals including a large house with a boat slip, a 2-bedroom condo, and a 1-bedroom apartment. All are directly on Destin Harbor with private gated access to the most beautiful beaches in Destin. 
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I’m looking for a photographer for Sunday may 28th any ideas
I don’t do family photography but you can check with my friend Jay Beckerich. He’s great! If you search that name his website will come up
Hello! I’m planning a bachelorette party (ages late 20’s/early 30’s) and I’m looking for a fun, relaxed bar/restaurant to go out on a Saturday night in May. We would LOVE to find somewhere with karaoke. Any suggestions? Thank you!
The only Saturday night karaoke before Memorial Day is at Fubar on Okaloosa Island. It’s a laid back pizza restaurant/bar. Indoor/outdoor. Fun spot and great karaoke place. It usually starts about 9pm or so. Rum Runners piano bar in Baytowne Wharf is also a fun spot for a party. Lots of bachelorette parties go there. Pianos start at 8pm and that’s a really good time. You can also walk to other spots in the Village. I hope that helps. Have fun!