FWB in July 

Fort Walton Beach comes even more alive in celebrations of 4th of July fireworks with fireworks over the coast of Okaloosa Island and live music at The Landing. The weather of Fort Walton Beach in July is sunny and hot during daytime, but cools down as the sun sets down. Whether you are looking for something thrilling like parasailing and jet skiing or a sit-back and relax kinda on Okaloosa Island sandy white beaches. Needless to say, Fort Walton Beach in July is the perfect pick for your summer beach trip. 

Weather of FWB in July 

In July, Fort Walton Beach boasts sunny weather with daytime temperatures in the upper 80s, suitable for hours laying under sun getting a beautiful tanned skin and ideal for various water centric activities. As the sun sets down, the temperature cools down to mid 70s with sea breezes, ideal for evening strolls along the coast. However, be prepared for the humidity and potential for afternoon showers.

Celebrating July 4th, Fort Walton Beach Style 

Crab Island Party 

Celebrate the 4th of July in style with a red, white, and blue party at Crab Island. Rent a boat, and join the festive scene where music, floats, and American pride all gather on the water of Crab Island. Surrounded by sparkling Gulf views and patriotic decorations, you’ll feel the liberty that makes America like no other in your heart as you soak up the sun and enjoy freedom on the water. Of course a true celebration can not be missing your friends and family, invite them out to Fort Walton Beach with you to embrace the moment. 

Fort Walton Beach Landing 

4th of July Festival at the Landing of Fort Walton Beach is a must-go event for both visitors and locals, especially the ones that wish to celebrate 4th of July in Florida style. Taking place from 5 PM to 9 PM, this lively event features a mix of delicious food, festive music, and family-friendly fun. Rock with live performances from Scratch 2020 and the Community Chorus. Explore the festival and grab a bite from local favorites like Tonie’s Gumbo House, Kansas City Wings, and sweet treats from Jay’s Italian Ice or Dippin’ Dots. Don’t miss out on the stunning fireworks display over the Santa Rosa Sound which gives guests a fulfilling wrap up for the day. A friendly tip to remind guests to bring their own lawn chairs and picnic blankets and to grab a good spot and relax as you take in one of Fort Walton Beach’s most memorable nights of the year.

Okaloosa Island Boardwalk Fireworks

Hop on a joy ride of scenic coastal views and ocean breezes to another 4th of July celebration event on Okaloosa Island. The Okaloosa Island Boardwalk Fireworks show is on July 4th, starting at 9PM. The fireworks on Okaloosa Island gives a more relaxed beach vibe with a stunning fireworks display over the Gulf making it a memorable event. 

Things to do in Fort Walton Beach in July

Parasailing 

Join our parasail crew to soar high above the emerald water and into the clear blue sky of the Emerald Coast. Parasailing in Fort Walton Beach is a lifetime experience for many guests where they can enjoy the panoramic views of the coastline while freely gliding through the sky. Nonetheless, the thrill and excitement before actually soaring high is the adrenaline rush for many thrill seekers. July’s clear skies and sea breezes make the parasail adventure even better. However, remember to apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and protect yourself from the sun.

Explore Crab Island Marine Life 

Drive your jet ski rental in Fort Walton Beach to unveil an exploration like no other near Crab Island. Put on some snorkeling gear while you are there to dive into Crab Island’s shallow yet vibrant waters filled with fish, crabs, and other coastal creatures. July’s peak marine activity makes it the best time for snorkeling and seeing marine life up close. The long sunny days also give you plenty of time to explore the reefs and shallow coastal waters at your own pace.

Rent a Pontoon Boat & Relax

You may prefer to sit back, immerse yourself in the moment, and be one with the wind, the sunlight, and the ocean waves sound more than anything else. Then, rent a pontoon boat and enjoy your whole day in relaxation. Pontoons offer a shaded and roomy space to cruise the Emerald Coast while kicking back with friends or family. Perhaps just sitting back and relaxing is a bit boring, and you want to do something fun with your friends and family. Check out paddle boarding, it is a fun way to glide across the calm waters. Paddle boarding is also great for a few shots of acrobatic moments as you balance on the pose and your friend captures this moment. 

Dolphin Jet Ski Tours 

Join us on our 1-hour and a half adventure of jet ski dolphin tour in Fort Walton Beach. Get your first hand experience on exploring the water of Fort Walton Beach and the resident dolphins here with a waverunner dolphin tour. The first hour of the tour is guided and the last half an hour is for guests to free roam. On this tour, we encourage guests to get as close as possible to the wild dolphins. However, we ask everyone to never touch or harass the dolphins. While on the tour, dolphins are not the only ones you will get to greet, sea turtles, rays, manatees, and even bald eagles might appear in your sight as well! 

Where to Stay in FWB 

4th of July celebration often results in many hotels, resorts and even vacation rentals being booked months in advance; if you plan to visit Fort Walton Beach the first week of July, make sure to book months ahead. As for the rest of July, Fort Walton Beach stays busy as it is a popular destination for beach vacations, but the 4th of July crowd tends to decline the following week after the holiday ends.

Hotels and Resorts 

Affordable options for groups: 

• Super 8 by Wyndham FWB
• Marina Bay Resort
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites FWB
• Seabreeze Inn
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Walton Beach

Luxury options: 

• Azure Condominiums 
• Hilton Garden Inn FWB
• Holiday Inn Resort FWB by IHG
• Residence Inn FWB

Vacation Rentals 

In Fort Walton Beach, Florida (FWB), you’ll find a variety of vacation rental options. Here, condos appear to be the most popular type of vacation rental in FWB, followed by apartments and houses. If this is a romantic vacation you are planning for you and your partner, Fort Walton Beach has plenty of upscale condos to choose from or a house for privacy, maybe more of your choice. As for families and large groups of friends, renting a full house of an apartment with 3+ bedrooms is the way to go. Pricing varies depending on how close you are to the coastline, or what kind of vacation rental you are looking for. However, vacation rentals typically range from $100 to $300 per night.

What to Pack 

• Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) – waterproof and reef-safe preferred
• Sunglasses – polarized for glare off the water
• Wide-brim hat or cap – for extra sun protection
• Lightweight, breathable clothing – think cotton, linen, moisture-wicking fabrics
• Swimsuits (bring at least 2) 
• Flip-flops and sandals – for the beach and casual strolls
• Refillable water bottle – hydration is key in the heat
• Cooling towel or neck fan – optional but helpful during peak temps

Tips for Your Visit to Sail Smoothly 

• Check the route to your destinations ahead of time
• Make sure you know a few side streets to get your planned destinations to avoid traffic on main streets
• Stay hydrate 
• Do a little dive into free things to do to maintain your budget

FAQ

What is the Crab Island 4th of July like? 

The usual day-trip spot for many locals and tourists becomes even more alive during 4th of July celebrations. Rent a pontoon boat for you and your crew and decorate it to celebrate the July 4th vibe. 

What is the weather of Fort Walton Beach like in July? 

Expect sunny days with highs in the upper 80s and evenings cooling down to the mid-70s. It’s perfect for beach days and outdoor fun, though the humidity and afternoon showers are common, so pack accordingly.

Can I see dolphins or marine animals while visiting Fort Walton Beach in July? 

Yes! Dolphin tours and snorkeling trips offer close-up views of dolphins, sea turtles, rays, and even manatees. Crab Island is also a hot spot for spotting fish and coastal marine life.