Less than five hours’ drive from Atlanta, Georgia, and midway between Savannah, Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida, St. Simons Island is an ideal and convenient vacation destination for both spontaneous weekend getaways from various origins throughout the Southern United States and week-long family escapes from hometowns near or far.
With no real annual snowfall to speak of and temperate conditions year round, St. Simons Island is the central hub of coastal Georgia’s Golden Isles, which include the barrier islands of Jekyll Island, Sea Island, and Little St. Simons Island as well as Brunswick on the mainland.
The picturesque island cluster offers a worthy escape any time of year. In these timeless communities of the southeast Georgia coast, the traditional beach vacation is a reality regardless of the season!
Spring
From March through May, warmer temperatures and rising humidity combine to yield highs ranging from 85°F to 66°F. Rain is relatively common. Wind in St Simons Island is usually calm, but spring is the windiest season on the island, especially in May. Spring is the second busiest for tourism, meaning that businesses and attractions are very accessible and open, but crowds are not at their peak.
Seasonal suggestions: This is the perfect time to go sightseeing around the city! There are more than 30 miles of bike paths to explore on St. Simons Island alone – or take your adventures to the water and go kayaking from East Beach. Head to Pier Village at Beachview Drive to take in the finest aspects of island life at Neptune Park, and a vast array of unique shops and seafood restaurants.
Don’t miss the new life quickly springing to life across the coast! One of the best birding spots is located along the beach at the north end of the island. See a little bit of everything and learn from the locals on the scenic trolley tour of the island!
Summer
From June through August, conditions are comfortable and quite warm, and precipitation is at its highest. The warmest time of year is generally early to mid August where highs are regularly recorded to be around 91°F, rarely dropping below 76°F at night. From an annual perspective, it’s most likely to rain in mid to late August.
Seasonal suggestions: This is peak tourist season on St Simons Island, so accommodations will book faster and wait times for dining and amusements will increase as the season progresses. Though the beaches are welcoming throughout all four seasons, summer is when they really shine! The beaches of St. Simons Island have expansive sand dune ridges and wide shorelines – perfect for beach games, sunbathing, beachcombing, or a stroll by sunset.
Check out Gould’s Inlet and Coast Guard Station Beach, the most popular family beaches for summer fun on the island. When the time comes to seek shelter from the sun, there are plenty of original boutique shops and restaurants to keep you immersed in island culture along Market Street and the Redfern Village district.
Fall
From September through November, daily highs range from 87°F to 68°F, and rain chances are a bit unpredictable. Tourist traffic is minimal during these months, making for a quiet, peaceful escape for those who choose to visit. September provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy the alluring aspects of the fleeting summer season while taking advantage of the waning crowds as families return to their school routines.
Seasonal suggestions: Much like spring, this is a great time for outdoor adventures and epic island discoveries! Consider checking out local historic sites like the Bloody Marsh Battle Site, Fort Frederica National Monument and Christ Church.
The moderate temperatures also make this a great time to take advantage of one of the area’s championship golf courses like the Sea Island Golf Club or the King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort… or mini-golf for those who like a little whimsy in their game. Take in the island’s example of fall foliage as you partake in a scavenger hunt for the legendary tree spirits hidden among the spanish moss-draped live oak trees of our coastal landscapes.
Winter
From December through February, temperatures will not be as inviting for the traditional beach-goer, so tourists are not present in large numbers. Tourists are most unlikely to visit St Simons Island in November, but this provides great opportunities for those that do! The average highs range between 68°F and 61°F. The months with the lowest chance of precipitation are November and December, with a moderate humidity of 76%. The least humid month of the year on the island is February.
Seasonal suggestions: During the winter season, St. Simons is a lot quieter, the beaches are practically empty, and virtually no waits exist at local eateries and attractions. The Golden Isles is the perfect place to spend a southern coastal Christmas or to ring in the new year.
In January and February, take advantage of the Island Treasures scavenger hunt on nearby Jekyll Island. where you’ll also find a beachfront ice skating village.
