Best Time to Visit Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, AL

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I’ve visited the Alabama beaches in three different seasons now so if you’re wondering, when is the best time to visit Gulf Shores in Orange Beach then I’m here to help.

The weather is honestly nice here year-round. It can get a little chilly in the winter and it does heat up in the summer, but there are no major extremes.

You’ll find lots of events going on throughout the year here so if you love attending local festivals, be sure to check their event calendar.

Let’s go through everything you should consider for choosing when to plan your vacation to Alabama’s beaches.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through this link, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for keeping Stuck On The Go going! This post is sponsored by Visit Alabama Beaches. All opinions are my own.

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Weather

Weather and crowds are the two biggest things that I recommend you consider before planning your Alabama beaches vacation. Just a note that these are average temperature and rain days so of course check the weather forecast before you go.

Spring

Spring is one of the perfect times to visit as you’ll typically have mild temperatures during the day and lows ranging from the low 50s to mid 60s at night.

During the day, the average high ranges from low 70s to low 80s. Perfect beach weather if you ask me.

If you visit in the spring, then you’ll definitely want to bring layers. I was here in April and it was pretty hot in the afternoons, but after the sun went down, it got chilly and I needed a jacket.

From March through May on average it rains six days out of each month so not terribly rainy.

Summer

Summer can get pretty hot and the average high stays around 90° from June through August. At night low temperatures are typically around 74°.

During the summer season, you’ll likely want to do anything active in the early mornings or evenings and save the afternoon for a nap or lounging in the pool.

The summer is the rainy time of the season, but it’s typically just afternoon thunderstorms. Average rain days range from 9 to 12 days from June to August.

Fall

I think fall may have been my favorite time to visit. A few years ago I came in September and the weather could not have been better and it wasn’t very crowded.

In September, the average high is 87° and by November that drops to 71°. Lows start at 70° and drop down to 48° by November.

Average rainfall is eight days in September, but that drops down to four days in October and November.

Winter

Winter is when you’ll find all the snowbirds in town and with highs ranging from 63° to 66°, can you blame them?

I know that’s a lot better than where I live in North Carolina. 😂

The average low temperatures are between 42° and 47°, which is still not too bad, if you ask me. This is the perfect time to rent a place with a hot tub, where you can sit out and enjoy the sounds of the ocean.

I’ve visited in February and still loved waking up to that ocean view and the temperatures were really comfortable. This is the perfect time to visit if you want to do some biking in Gulf State Park or hiking in Bon Secour.

Events & Festivals in Alabama’s Beaches

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are home to many annual festivals that you may want to attend or plan your trip around, depending on what vibe you’re looking for.

Kick the year off with the Flora-Bama Polar Bear Dip then continue the fun in late February with the Orange Beach Seafood Festival & Car Show.

In March you’ve got the Ballyhoo Festival, Orange Beach Festival of Art, The Wharf Boat & Yacht Show, and the Original German Sausage Festival. Flora-Bama is busy in April hosting the Annual Mullet Man Triathlon and Interstate Mullet Toss and Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party.

Another popular April event is the Bama Coast Cruisin’. May is a busy month, with events like the annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, ART in the PARK, Gulf Coast Regional Mustang & Mega Car Show, and The Hangout Music Festival.

The Blue Angels (Navy flight squadron) also start their regular practice schedule.

In June, there’s the Tacos & Tequila Festival, and in July, there’s the Blue Angels Pensacola Beach Air Show. The 4th of July celebrations are very popular too. The Brett Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon happens in early September.

There are lots of festivals in the fall from the Alabama Coastal BirdFest to the Orange Beach Freedom Fest and the National Shrimp Festival. Don’t forget the Original German Sausage Festival in nearby Elberta!

November and December are popular months for events and you can attend the Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival, Coastal Alabama Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival, and multiple Christmas events.

If any of these sound interesting to you, check out the event page for each to get more planning information. Please know that events are always subject to change.

Tourist Seasons in Alabama’s Beaches

Peak tourist season is the summer months when kids are out of school and lots of families visit this area. Any school breaks—especially spring break—are also popular.

If these are the only times that you have to go, then you should still go! Just be prepared to deal with more people here.

Spring and fall are wonderful times to visit while it’s warm enough to still get out on the beach but kids are in school so it’s not as crowded. Just be sure to bring along a jacket for the chilly evenings.

If laying out on the beach isn’t your thing, but you still love the coast, then winter is the best time to visit! Go biking in Gulf State Park, hiking in Bon Secour, or there are plenty of indoor activities as well.

Winter is when many of the snowbirds come down to escape the colder weather of the Midwest and northern states, but it’s still significantly less crowded than summer.

Wrap Up: Best Time to Vist Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

The best time to visit Gulf Shores & Orange Beach depends on how flexible your schedule is and what you like to do.

My personal favorite times to visit are in the spring and fall when the weather is still beautiful but there are fewer crowds than in summer. It’s still a great time to get some sun on the beach.

You’ll also likely get better deals on lodging and possibly some activities during this time. The best deals will be in the winter months and if you are mostly interested in shopping, or active outdoor activities, then this is the perfect time for you to visit.

It’s still typically warm enough to take walks on the beach, you just won’t be in a bathing suit or getting in the water.

No matter when you choose to go, the biggest thing is that you plan the trip! It’s fun no matter what time of year you visit.