Gulf Shores & Fort Morgan in November: Weather, Events, and Thanksgiving at the Beach

Ask people who live down here about their favorite month and a surprising number will say November. The summer crowds are long gone, the humidity finally lets up, and the beach feels like it belongs to you. It's a month a lot of visitors overlook, and we think that's a mistake.

New to the area? Our complete Fort Morgan guide is the quick orientation.

What November weather is really like

Think crisp mornings and sunny afternoons. Highs usually run in the upper 60s to low 70s, with cooler nights that are perfect for a fire pit. The Gulf is still in the upper 60s early in the month, which is too cool for most people to swim but great for wading and shelling. You'll want a sweatshirt at breakfast and might be in short sleeves by lunch. Our weather and water temperature guide has the month-by-month numbers.

Hurricane season officially runs through November 30, but late-season storms are rare. If you're curious, our hurricane season guide covers what to know.

What's going on in November

The big one is the Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival. For about ten days in early to mid-November, hundreds of songwriters play shows at dozens of venues across Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Perdido Key, and Pensacola. Many shows are free, and it's a fun excuse to bounce around to different spots. In 2026 it runs November 5 through 16. Check the festival's schedule for who's playing where.

Other than that, November is about the simple stuff: long beach walks, fishing off the pier, a round at Kiva Dunes, a trip to the fort, and dinners where you don't need a reservation. It's also a great month for our things to do besides the beach list, since you won't be sweating through a tour of the fort.

Thanksgiving at the beach

This is where a beach house really earns its keep. Instead of cramming 14 people into somebody's dining room, you get a house where everyone has a bed and a real kitchen to cook in. At The Beach Bayou there's seating for 14, so everybody eats at the same time.

A few tips from us: do your grocery shopping a day or two early, since the Gulf Shores stores get packed the day before Thanksgiving. Our grocery guide has the stops. Plan a beach walk after the big meal. And know that the historic fort closes on Thanksgiving Day, so save that outing for Friday.

If you'd rather not cook, the Flora-Bama has hosted a Thanksgiving potluck for years. They bring the turkey and ham, and you bring a side. The Coastal Half Marathon and 5K at Gulf State Park usually lands on Thanksgiving weekend too, if anyone wants to earn their pie.

Why November is a smart booking

Rates in November are some of the friendliest of the year, and you won't be fighting anyone for a spot on the sand. It's a great month for a couples' trip, a family reunion, or a remote-work week with a view. The heated community pool and a private hot tub help too.

If you book with us directly, you skip the Airbnb and VRBO fees, get complimentary early check-in and late checkout when the calendar allows (nice for a holiday week), and pet fees are 20% off. Here's more on picking your dates.

A few quick questions we get

Is November a good time to visit Gulf Shores?

Yes. It's mild and sunny, the beaches are close to empty, rates are low, and events like the Frank Brown Songwriters' Festival give you something to do in the evenings.

Can you swim in Gulf Shores in November?

Most people find it too cool. The water starts the month in the upper 60s and drops from there, but it's still great for wading, shelling, and beach walks.

What is there to do in Gulf Shores over Thanksgiving?

Cook a big dinner at your rental, walk the beach, catch the Coastal Half Marathon or the Flora-Bama's Thanksgiving potluck, and start your holiday shopping at The Wharf or the Foley outlets.

Make this November the quiet one. Check dates and book direct at The Beach Bayou →

Book with us directly and you’ll skip the Airbnb and VRBO fees (save $), get complimentary early check-in and late checkout when the calendar allows, and take 20% off pet fees.