Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport

KVPS / VPS

Valparaiso, US

Last Updated
May 15, 05:55Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Aging 1 hour ago
05:55Z

☀️ Day
VFR
Flight Rules
18°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 9°C
4 kt
360°
10 SM
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1016 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR KVPS 150555Z AUTO 36004KT 10SM CLR 18/09 A3000 RMK AO2 SLP165 T01800091 10280 20176 403100165 51008 $

Weather Briefing

VFR

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with clear skies and 10 SM visibility. Note: This observation is 1 hours old and conditions may have changed.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the north (360°) at 4 knots.

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is 10 SM. Skies are clear with unlimited ceiling.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 18°C (64°F) with a dewpoint of 9°C, indicating moderate moisture conditions.

Forecast Outlook

The TAF forecast covers the next 30 hours. IFR conditions are expected to persist or develop. An instrument rating and IFR flight plan are recommended. Expected weather includes: Mist.

Pilot Recommendations

Conditions are favorable for visual flight. The forecast indicates conditions may deteriorate. Ensure you have fuel reserves and a viable alternate airport.

This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.

QNH
1016 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
1013 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (87 ft)
Pressure Alt
5 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 386 ft
ISA Deviation: +3.2°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF KVPS 150100Z 1501/1607 36008KT 9999 FEW070 QNH2991INS WND 16009KT AFT 1518 BECMG 1605/1606 18006KT 8000 BR SKC QNH2993INS TX31/1520Z TN14/1511Z
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
06:55Z BASE
+0h
LIFR 160° 9 kt
Visibility: 1.518 km

24-Hour Weather Evolution

Loading weather data...
Data Sources
  • • Current conditions from METAR observations
  • • Historical data from past 24 hours
  • • No forecast or predicted data included
  • • Data updated with each new METAR report
Chart Features
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Note: Future values beyond current TAF validity are estimates based on climatological data and trends. Always verify with current forecasts before flight operations.

Airport Runway Layout

N
VPS
01 ✈️
19
12
30

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 01/19
Active: 01
10,012 ft 300 ft ASP 12°
3.9 kt 0.7 kt
10° angle
12/30 12,005 ft 300 ft ASP 120°
2.0 kt 3.5 kt
120° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - KVPS

9,402 observations | Sep 2025 - May 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
67.2%
MVFR
15.1%
IFR
9.7%
LIFR
8%

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 67.2% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 17.7% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the N averaging 7.3 knots, with gusts recorded up to 34 knots. Calm conditions occur 16.6% of the time. Temperature extremes range from -6°C to 34°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are September, October, November.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: N (0°)
Average Speed: 7.3 kt
Maximum Recorded: 34 kt
Calm Winds: 16.6%
Direction Distribution:
N
18.6%
NE
10.4%
E
10.2%
SE
12.9%
S
11.6%
SW
6.8%
W
5.4%
NW
7.3%

Temperature Range

Average: 18°C
Range: -6°C to 34°C
-6°C 34°C

Visibility

Average: 9.6 SM
Below 3 SM: 1.3%
Fog Frequency: 3.3%

Best Months for VFR

September October November

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 01/19
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 4.1 kt
Runway 12/30
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 4.8 kt

Statistics computed from 9,402 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - May 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: KVPS
IATA Code: VPS
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 87 ft MSL

Location

City: Valparaiso
Country: US
Latitude: 30.483200°
Longitude: -86.525398°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+6

Runway Information

Runway 01/19
Length: 10,012 ft
Width: 300 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No
Runway 12/30
Length: 12,005 ft
Width: 300 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport

Overview

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport serves the northwestern Florida coastal region, situated in Valparaiso near the Gulf Coast. As a medium airport with two substantial asphalt runways, it provides critical aviation infrastructure for both commercial and general aviation operations in the Emerald Coast area.

Flying Conditions

The airport experiences predominantly VFR conditions 70.8% of the time, with marginal and instrument conditions occurring less frequently. Temperature ranges from -2°C to 34°C, creating relatively stable flying environments, while prevailing northerly winds average 6.8 knots with occasional gusts up to 22 knots. September through November represent the most consistent VFR months for pilots.

Notable Features

Located at 87 feet mean sea level, the airport offers two long runways: 01/19 at 10,012 feet and 12/30 at 12,005 feet. Both runways demonstrate excellent wind alignment, with 100% favorable wind conditions and minimal average crosswind components (3.8-4.5 knots). The geographic positioning provides relatively predictable wind patterns and good approach conditions.

Approach Considerations

With long, well-maintained runways and consistent wind patterns, pilots can expect reliable approach conditions. Visibility averages 9.6 statute miles, with only 1.2% of observations showing conditions below 3 miles. Fog occurs in 4.4% of observations, suggesting generally good visual meteorological conditions for most operations.

Data Sources & Accuracy: Airport information sourced from OurAirports.com, a collaborative database of worldwide airport data. Weather data from official aviation weather services including NOAA Aviation Weather Center and international METAR/TAF providers. Information is updated regularly but pilots should always verify current conditions and NOTAMs through official channels before flight operations.

Official Data Sources

Weather NOAA Aviation Weather Center • International METAR/TAF Network
Airports OurAirports.com • Public domain airport database
NOTAMs FAA NOTAM System • ICAO NOTAM Distribution
Last updated: Jan 1, 1970 12:00 AM UTC

Disclaimer: Data is provided for informational purposes only. Pilots must verify all information through official sources before flight operations. Weather conditions change rapidly; always obtain a current briefing from approved weather services.