The climate of Gulf Shores
At the heart of
Alabama,
Gulf Shores is categorized by the Koppen Climate classification as Cfa, more commonly known as a humid subtropical climate without a distinct dry season. The geographical position of Gulf Shores on the Gulf Coast lends it a unique blend of warm and humid climatic conditions across the year.
A study of the weather throughout the year reveals temperature highs varying from 59.4°F (15.2°C) in
January to 86.9°F (30.5°C) in
August. The lowest temperatures span from 49.5°F (9.7°C) in January to 80.4°F (26.9°C) in August, offering attestation to the warm, subtropical nature of Gulf Shores. Relative humidity remains quite constant throughout the year, at around 74% to 78%, providing a consistently humid environment.
Rainfalls in this region demonstrate marked variations, with the lowest rainfall of 0.67" (17mm) recorded in
May and the highest of 2.36" (60mm) during the month of August. Rainfall days range from the lowest at 7.5 days in
November to as many as 18.6 days in the rainy month of
July. Despite its warm climate, Gulf Shores has an almost non-existent snowfall, with just 0.2 snowfall days in January.
The best time to visit Gulf Shores
The ideal time to visit
Gulf Shores often depends on one's preferred temperature and weather conditions. However, weather data suggests that the months between
April and
June offer the best balance of pleasant warmth, ample sunshine, and minimal rain. During this period, high temperatures from 72.9°F (22.7°C) to 85.3°F (29.6°C) and low rainfall between 0.67" (17mm) to 1.02" (26mm) can be expected. Furthermore, these months also offer the longest daylight hours, ranging from 12.9 hours to 14.1 hours, coupled with significant sunshine, from 10.4 hours in April to a delightful 11.2 hours in June.
The worst time to visit Gulf Shores
Despite the generally pleasant climate, there are periods in
Gulf Shores that are less ideal for visitors. Particularly, the late summer months, notably
July and
August, experience the highest rainfall amounts - 2.13" (54mm) and 2.36" (60mm) respectively. Additionally, the rainfall days peak in these two months, with 18.6 days in July and 18 days in August of precipitation. The temperatures are also at their highest, rising to 86.7°F (30.4°C) and 86.9°F (30.5°C) in July and August respectively, which coupled with high humidity levels, may make these months uncomfortably hot for some visitors.
Spring weather in Gulf Shores
Spring in
Gulf Shores is an attractive season marked by rising temperatures and a pleasant climate. The temperatures in
March,
April, and
May range from highs of 66.9°F (19.4°C) to 79.3°F (26.3°C) and lows from 58.5°F (14.7°C) to 71.8°F (22.1°C). The rainfall levels are moderate, going from 0.71" (18mm) in March to 1.02" (26mm) in April, and dropping to a low of 0.67" (17mm) in May. The daylight hours also increase from 12 hours to 13.7 hours, making spring a desirable time for outdoor activities.
Summer weather in Gulf Shores
The summer, characterized by high temperatures and considerable rainfall, dominates
June,
July, and
August. The highest temperatures hover between 85.3°F (29.6°C) in June to 86.9°F (30.5°C) in August while the lowest temperatures span from 78.6°F (25.9°C) to 80.4°F (26.9°C). July and August are also the wettest months, with rainfall measurements of 2.13" (54mm) and 2.36" (60mm), respectively. Despite these conditions, daylight is plentiful, ranging from 14.1 hours in June to 13.2 hours in August, and sunshine hours remain high, varying between 11.2 hours in June and 11.1 hours in August.
Autumn weather in Gulf Shores
Autumn in
Gulf Shores, through
September,
October, and
November, brings a gradual reduction in temperature and decrease in rainfall. High temperatures roll down from 84.2°F (29°C) in September to 67.8°F (19.9°C) in November. Rainfall also shows a decreasing trend, falling from 1.18" (30mm) in September to a low of 0.87" (22mm) in November. This season also enjoys generous daylight hours, ranging from 12.3 hours in September to 10.6 hours in November, allowing for comfortable, outdoor exploration.
Winter weather in Gulf Shores
Winter in
Gulf Shores features lowered temperatures and moderate rainfall.
December and
January record the coolest temperatures, with highs from 63.3°F (17.4°C) to 59.4°F (15.2°C), and lows from 53.6°F (12°C) to 49.5°F (9.7°C). Rainfall varies between 1.73" (44mm) in December and 1.18" (30mm) in January. Despite the cooler temperatures, sunshine is still prevalent during winter, providing an average of 5.6 to 5.9 hours per day in December and January respectively, with 10.2 daylight hours in December reducing slightly to 10.5 hours in January.
Weather in January
Transiting from winter,
January offers a distinctive touch of chill in
Gulf Shores,
Alabama, with temperatures providing a fresher environment than neighboring months. Morning frosts lay in wait, pulling down the minimum temperatures to 49.5°F (9.7°C).
Weather in January »Weather in February
In
February, Gulfs Shore,
Alabama, begins to flirt faintly with warmer temperatures. The month carries a milder chill than
January, exhibiting a slow yet undeniable shift towards spring. The slightest hint of spring can be noticed in the slightly warmer sea, noticeable in the beach area.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As spring arrives in
March, the weather at
Gulf Shores,
Alabama begins to exhibit a notable warming trend compared to the winter months. This rise in the temperature does not go unnoticed by the flora, which starts to awaken from its dormant state.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The rise in temperature in
Gulf Shores,
Alabama in
April marks a definitive turn towards the warmer months ahead. April weather significantly deviates from that of its predecessor month, allowing winter garments to be packed away.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May's weather at
Gulf Shores,
Alabama, provides a gentle prelude to summer. Sun-gazing becomes a regular pastime with the prolonged hours of sunlight during the day. From gusty winds in
April, the wind speed decreases providing calmer days in this month.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Gulf Shores,
Alabama, marks the official commencement of summer. The increase in temperatures becomes significantly noticeable as June progresses. A remarkable aspect of June is its high average rainfall of approximately 1.81" (46mm), the highest since the start of the year.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, being the middle of summer in
Gulf Shores,
Alabama, stands as the warmest month of the year. Journey from
June to July experiences the increase in night minimum temperatures to 80.1°F (26.7°C), highest in the year. Such high temperatures make it an ideal time to indulge in water-based activities at the beach.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
Gulf Shores,
Alabama,
August weather stays consistent with
July, continuing with high temperatures. While the month remains hot, there is a marginal decrease in temperatures compared to July. Yet, the slightly lower temperatures do not strip August of its summer identity.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Gulf Shores,
Alabama, signals the retreat of summer, with temperatures starting to descend. Despite being a transitional month, September continues to enjoy the summer's lingering warmth. Compared to
August, the frequency of rainy days decreases providing slightly drier days.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October, at
Gulf Shores,
Alabama, brings a pleasant change with moderate temperatures and cooler evenings. The retreat from
September's summery conditions provides a welcome respite. October further features fewer average rainfall days easing off some of the humidity of the preceding months.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Gulf Shores,
Alabama, witnesses a marked drop in temperatures, hinting at the onset of winter. The journey from
October to November sees a noticeable cooling trend. The sea temperatures start to plummet, signaling an end to the beach season.
Weather in November » Weather in December
In
December, winter sets in
Gulf Shores,
Alabama, with the average temperatures reaching their yearly minimum. Compared to the balmy
November, December weather brings the chill of winter. A peculiar characteristic of December in Gulf shores is the increased cloud coverage, highest in the year.
Weather in December »