Apalachicola, Florida Weather by Month
Apalachicola is a charming coastal town located in Franklin County, Florida, United States. Situated in the Florida Panhandle region, Apalachicola lies along the shores of Apalachicola Bay, near the mouth of the Apalachicola River. The town is renowned for its historic downtown district, which features well-preserved 19th-century buildings, seafood restaurants, and art galleries. With a population of approximately 2,500 residents, Apalachicola maintains a small-town ambiance while offering a rich cultural heritage and access to pristine natural landscapes. Major landmarks in Apalachicola include the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, the John Gorrie Museum State Park, and the historic Chapman Botanical Garden.
Climate and Weather Overview
To provide a comprehensive overview of the climate in Apalachicola, let’s examine the average temperature, precipitation, and number of sunny days for each month of the year.
| Month | Average Temperature (Fahrenheit) | Precipitation (inches) | Sunny Days |
| January | 61°F | 4.68 inches | 18 days |
| February | 63°F | 4.46 inches | 18 days |
| March | 68°F | 5.32 inches | 20 days |
| April | 73°F | 3.70 inches | 22 days |
| May | 79°F | 3.26 inches | 23 days |
| June | 84°F | 6.54 inches | 23 days |
| July | 86°F | 7.20 inches | 23 days |
| August | 86°F | 6.47 inches | 22 days |
| September | 83°F | 6.01 inches | 21 days |
| October | 76°F | 3.97 inches | 20 days |
| November | 69°F | 3.15 inches | 19 days |
| December | 63°F | 3.47 inches | 17 days |
Weather by Month
January
January in Apalachicola is characterized by mild temperatures and occasional rainfall. Average temperatures hover around 61°F, making it a pleasant time to explore the town and its surrounding natural attractions. However, January is one of the wettest months of the year, with an average precipitation of 4.68 inches. Despite the rain, there are still 18 sunny days, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as birdwatching, hiking, and exploring the town’s historic sites.
February
February brings similar weather conditions to January, with mild temperatures averaging around 63°F. While temperatures remain comfortable, rainfall levels decrease slightly compared to January, with an average precipitation of 4.46 inches. With 18 sunny days, residents and visitors can continue to enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, and strolling along the waterfront.
March
As spring approaches, March sees a gradual increase in temperatures in Apalachicola, with average highs reaching 68°F. While temperatures become milder, precipitation levels rise, with an average of 5.32 inches. Sunny days become more frequent, with 20 days of clear skies, providing ideal conditions for outdoor activities such as boating, paddleboarding, and exploring nearby barrier islands.
April
April marks the onset of warmer weather in Apalachicola, with average highs climbing to 73°F. While temperatures rise, precipitation levels decrease, with an average of 3.70 inches. With 22 sunny days, residents and visitors can fully embrace the arrival of spring by participating in outdoor activities such as beachcombing, shell collecting, and dining al fresco at waterfront restaurants.
May
May brings even warmer temperatures to Apalachicola, with average highs reaching 79°F. While temperatures soar, rainfall levels continue to decrease, with an average precipitation of 3.26 inches. With 23 sunny days, there are ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing charters, boat tours of the bay, and exploring the town’s art galleries and boutiques.
June
June heralds the arrival of summer in Apalachicola, with average highs soaring to 84°F. The weather becomes significantly warmer, with occasional thunderstorms contributing to an average precipitation of 6.54 inches. Despite the heat and rain, there are still 23 sunny days, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and dining al fresco at waterfront eateries.
July
July is typically the warmest and wettest month in Apalachicola, with scorching average highs of 86°F and heavy rainfall averaging 7.20 inches. Despite the intense heat and rain, there are still 23 sunny days, providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and exploring nearby nature trails and wildlife sanctuaries.
August
Similar to July, August maintains warm temperatures in Apalachicola, with average highs around 86°F. Heavy rainfall continues, with an average precipitation of 6.47 inches. Despite the rain, there are still 22 sunny days, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing charters, dolphin cruises, and sunset boat tours of the bay.
September
As summer transitions to fall, September brings slightly cooler temperatures to Apalachicola, with average highs of 83°F. While temperatures moderate, occasional rain showers are still possible, contributing to an average precipitation of 6.01 inches. With 21 sunny days, outdoor activities such as beachcombing, birdwatching, and exploring the town’s historic landmarks are popular choices for residents and visitors alike.
October
October sees a further decrease in temperatures in Apalachicola, with average highs dropping to 76°F. While the weather remains mild, rainfall levels increase slightly compared to September, with an average precipitation of 3.97 inches. With 20 sunny days, residents and visitors can still enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing charters, kayaking tours, and exploring nearby state parks and nature preserves.
November
November brings cooler temperatures and shorter days to Apalachicola, with average highs of 69°F. While temperatures cool, precipitation levels decrease, averaging 3.15 inches. With 19 sunny days, outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and birdwatching are popular as residents embrace the changing colors of fall and prepare for the upcoming holiday season.
December
December in Apalachicola is characterized by mild temperatures and occasional rainfall. The average high temperature is around 63°F, with cool evenings and occasional showers. Precipitation levels increase slightly compared to November, with an average of 3.47 inches. Despite the rain, there are still 17 sunny days, providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as holiday festivities, sunset cruises, and exploring the town’s historic downtown district.
Natural Disasters
While Apalachicola is relatively sheltered from major natural disasters, it is still susceptible to occasional hazards common to the region, including tropical storms, hurricanes, and flooding. The town’s coastal location puts it at risk of storm surge and coastal flooding during severe weather events. Additionally, heavy rainfall associated with tropical systems can lead to inland flooding, posing risks to property and public safety. It is essential for residents and visitors to stay informed about weather forecasts and follow safety guidelines issued by local authorities during times of inclement weather.
Recommended Activities
Throughout the year, Apalachicola offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities for residents and visitors to enjoy. Some recommended activities by month include:
- January: Birdwatching, hiking, exploring historic sites.
- February: Fishing charters, boat tours, visiting art galleries.
- March: Kayaking, paddleboarding, seafood dining.
- April: Beachcombing, shell collecting, sunset cruises.
- May: Fishing charters, boat tours, exploring barrier islands.
- June: Swimming, sunbathing, dining al fresco.
- July: Kayaking, paddleboarding, exploring nature trails.
- August: Fishing charters, dolphin cruises, sunset boat tours.
- September: Beachcombing, birdwatching, visiting state parks.
- October: Fishing charters, kayaking tours, exploring wildlife sanctuaries.
- November: Hiking, biking, birdwatching.
- December: Holiday festivities, sunset cruises, exploring downtown shops and galleries.
