Best Times to Visit Jacksonville, Florida
Resting on the sandy shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Jacksonville Beach boasts an abundance of waterfront activities families can enjoy year-round. Whether you’re looking to escape for winter or kick off summer, there’s something exciting happening during every season. Start planning your best vacation yet with accommodations close to the best events and experiences in northeastern Florida.
Fall into Jacksonville Fun
If you’re looking for a secluded coastal vacation, fall is a fantastic time to visit Jacksonville Beach. Avoid the summer rush and stay in late September to take advantage of hiking, biking and kayaking with hourly and day rates available at Beach Life Rentals. With the shop conveniently located around the corner, you can surf the waves into the evening, working up an appetite for an island-inspired dinner at LandShark Bar & Grill.
Spend Winter on the Beach
Leave your winter coat behind to celebrate Winter on the Water in Jacksonville. When you coast into the tropics between November and December, you’ll find a treasure trove of festivities to explore. Experience dazzling light displays, captivating holiday parades, and an assortment of exciting events to ring in the holiday season. Take a break from the cold weather and enjoy the salty breeze as you lounge by the pool. With synthetic snowfalls every night, you can take a swim and still relish in the best parts of winter.
Spring into Music Season
Every year, jazz and blues enthusiasts spring to Jacksonville for live music on the shores. One of the most anticipated events in the state, Springing the Blues, is a free three-day festival that occurs between March and April. Located at the Seawalk Pavilion, the event celebrates America’s indigenous musical form with family-friendly activities, culinary offerings, and a local art marketplace to shop between shows.
Whether you’re a seasoned saxophone player or an enthusiast looking for live tunes, the Jacksonville Jazz Festival brings music lovers together. Free to the public, Jazz legends unite to celebrate music, art, and culture with four days of music on Memorial Day weekend. Temperatures begin to rise in May, so be sure to pack light. Or stop by LandShark SurfShack to pick up a new breezy outfit before dancing the day away on the Florida coast.
Soak Up Summer Vacation
Summertime brings more than heat to Jacksonville Beach. June through August is the most popular time to visit, with some of the best inland and deep-sea fishing at local piers, rivers, and on the Atlantic Ocean. Before casting a line at one of Florida’s best fishing spots, stroll down the beach with a cappuccino or latte from Joe Merchant’s Coffee & Provisions. As you wander through the sand cup in hand, watch the sun peak over the horizon and fuel up. You’re about to have an incredible day!