Climate and monthly weather forecast
Gulf Shores, AL

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The road to Gulf Shores Beach in Alabama, besides the calm turquoise blue waters
The road to Gulf Shores Beach in Alabama, besides the calm turquoise blue waters

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 »
Updated: Jul 16, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What is the coldest time of year?

January stands out as Gulf Shores's coldest month, with an average high-temperature of 59.4°F (15.2°C) and a low-temperature of 49.5°F (9.7°C).

How many days does it rain?

In Gulf Shores, during the entire year, the rain falls for 137.7 days and collects up to 15.75" (400mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow?

Months with snowfall are January and December.

What is the snowiest month?

January has the most snowfall days of the year. Snow falls for 0.2 days.

How many days does it snow?

In Gulf Shores, during the entire year, snow falls for 0.3 days.

What are the months with the lowest UV index?

The months with the lowest UV index are January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 4.

When it does not snow?

In Gulf Shores, snow does not fall in February through November.

What month is the ocean coldest?

February is the month with the coldest seawater, with an average ocean temperature of 60.4°F (15.8°C).

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from CST to CDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from CDT to CST.

What is the driest month?

The month with the least rainfall is May, when the rain falls for 9.7 days and typically collects 0.67" (17mm) of precipitation.

What is the month with the most sunshine?

May and June, with an average of 11.2h of sunshine, are months with the most sunshine in Gulf Shores.

What is the month with the highest UV index?

May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the highest UV index.

When are the longest days?

June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 14h and 6min of daylight.

What is the hottest time of year?

August, recognised by an average high temperature of 86.9°F (30.5°C) and a low of 80.4°F (26.9°C), is Gulf Shores's warmest month.

What is the rainiest month?

August is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 18 days and accumulates 2.36" (60mm) of precipitation.

When is the ocean warmest?

August is the month with the warmest seawater, with an average ocean temperature of 86.5°F (30.3°C).

What is the least humid month?

The least humid month is October, with an average relative humidity of 70%.

What is the most humid month?

The most humid month in Gulf Shores is December, with an average relative humidity of 79%.

What is the month with the shortest days?

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 10h and 12min of daylight.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

The month with the least sunshine is December, with an average of 5.6h of sunshine.

Average temperature
Gulf Shores, AL

Average temperature - Gulf Shores, AL

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is August (86.9°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (59.4°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is August (80.4°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (49.5°F).

Average pressure
Gulf Shores, AL

Average pressure - Gulf Shores, AL

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.16"Hg).
The months with the lowest atmospheric pressure are June, August and September (29.97"Hg).

Average wind speed
Gulf Shores, AL

Average wind speed - Gulf Shores, AL

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (11.3mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (7.9mph).

Average humidity
Gulf Shores, AL

Average humidity - Gulf Shores, AL

The month with the highest relative humidity is December (79%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is October (70%).

Average rainfall
Gulf Shores, AL

Average rainfall - Gulf Shores, AL

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (2.36").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is May (0.67").

Average rainfall days
Gulf Shores, AL

Average rainfall days - Gulf Shores, AL

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (18.6 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (7.5 days).

Average snowfall days
Gulf Shores, AL

Average snowfall days - Gulf Shores, AL

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (0.2 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (0 days).

Average sea temperature
Gulf Shores, AL

Average sea temperature - Gulf Shores, AL

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (86.5°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (60.4°F).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Gulf Shores, AL

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Gulf Shores, AL

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 6min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 10h and 12min).

The months with the most sunshine are May and June (Average sunshine: 11h and 12min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 5h and 36min).

Average sunshine days
Gulf Shores, AL

Average sunshine days - Gulf Shores, AL

The month with the most sunshine days is November (20.7 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is August (8 days).

Average UV index
Gulf Shores, AL

Average UV index - Gulf Shores, AL

The months with the highest UV index are May, June, July and August (UV index 7).
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December (UV index 4).

Average visibility
Gulf Shores, AL

Average visibility - Gulf Shores, AL

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).

Gulf Shores, Alabama, USA

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