Amelia IslandAbout Amelia Island
Amelia Island is a barrier island on the northeastern coast of Florida in the United States, about 13 miles (21 kilometres) long and home to the town of Fernandina Beach. It combines shoreline, parkland and a historic seaport.
The island offers several miles of sandy beaches, a compact historic downtown with 19th-century buildings and a working marina, and outdoor recreation including birding and fishing. Fort Clinch State Park on the island preserves dunes, maritime forest and a 19th-century fort that is open to the public.
The island has a complex colonial history and is commonly referred to as the “Isle of Eight Flags” because it has been controlled at various times by different nations and authorities. Its modern development centers on tourism and conservation of natural areas.
Lying off Florida’s northeastern Atlantic coast, the island is adjacent to the city of Fernandina Beach and is accessible by bridge from the mainland; the nearest major city is Jacksonville to the northwest.
- Size and settlement: Roughly 13 miles (about 21 kilometres) long, the island forms the northernmost barrier island on Florida’s Atlantic coast and contains the city of Fernandina Beach.
What to See#
- Fernandina Beach: A historic seaport town occupying the island’s northern shore, known for a compact Victorian-era downtown and active marina that dates to the 19th century.
- Fort Clinch State Park: A state park on the island protecting dunes, maritime forest and a 19th-century brick fort open to visitors for tours and shoreline access.
- Beaches: Barrier island sandy beaches that run the length of the island and are used for swimming, surfing and shelling; the shoreline is accessible from several public parks and parking areas.
Best Time to Visit Amelia Island
Spring and fall balance mild weather and manageable crowds; summer can be hot and humid, hurricane season runs roughly June-November.
Weather & Climate near Amelia Island
Amelia Island's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 7°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1287 mm/year), wettest in September.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 7° - 17° | 12° | 96 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 8° - 18° | 13° | 83 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 12° - 22° | 17° | 105 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 15° - 25° | 20° | 74 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 19° - 28° | 23° | 77 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 22° - 31° | 26° | 136 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 23° - 32° | 28° | 144 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 24° - 31° | 27° | 148 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 22° - 29° | 26° | 189 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 18° - 26° | 22° | 105 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 13° - 22° | 17° | 61 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 9° - 18° | 13° | 69 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Amelia Island
Amelia Island is accessible by road via US-17 and A1A from Jacksonville (about 45-60 minutes). Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) is the nearest major airport; Fernandina Beach has a small municipal airport for private flights.
Tips for Visiting Amelia Island
- Visit Fort Clinch State Park early in the day for quiet walks and good light for photos of the fort and beaches.
- Fernandina Beach's historic main street (Centre Street) is the place for shrimp shacks and antique stores - try a local oyster or shrimp dish.
- If planning a beach day, check tide charts - some stretches of the island expose wide beaches only at low tide.