Vacation home prices set to drop in September and October for beach getaways

New data from Vrbo® reveals that vacation home prices in many popular US beach destinations are poised to drop during this year’s shoulder season.

Typically starting after Labor Day, shoulder season is the time period between peak summer and the busy holiday travel seasons when vacation rental prices tend to drop and availability increases. This year, rates for private, whole vacation homes in some of the most popular beach destinations on Vrbo may drop over 25% on average during shoulder season [1].

Top beach destinations for shoulder season savings on Vrbo include:

• Outer Banks, North Carolina
• Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
• Fort Walton Beach, Florida
• Panama City Beach, Florida
• Ocean City, Maryland
• Gulf Shores, Alabama
• South Padre Island, Texas
• Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
• Corpus Christi & Port Aransas, Texas
• Miramar & Rosemary Beach, Florida

In addition to cost savings, shoulder season travelers can take advantage of better vacation home selection and less crowded beaches compared to the prime summer months [2]. Many beach locales also continue to stay warm during this period. For example, in September and October, Panama City Beach, Florida; Gulf Shores, Alabama and South Padre Island, Texas have historically had average daytime temperatures of 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit [3].

“We weren’t sure if shoulder season would happen this year because demand for summer beach vacation homes has been so high, but based on Vrbo pricing and availability data, we’re happy to see that shoulder season has returned,” said Alison Kwong, Vrbo spokesperson. “Families can still head to the beach and enjoy a sunny, warm vacation even during the traditional fall months, at a lower price.

To find vacation homes in these beach destinations and others like them, visit vrbo.com/travel/beach or download the Vrbo app.

[1]: Based on U.S. Vrbo vacation rental rates for September and October 2022 compared to June – August 2022.

[2] Based on U.S. Vrbo vacation rental demand for September and October 2022 compared to June – August 2022.

[3] Based on historical monthly average temperatures from Weather.com.