Gulf Shores & Fort Morgan Weather and Water Temperature by Month

One of the first things people check before booking a beach trip is the weather — and the second is the water temperature, because nobody wants to fly down and find the Gulf too cold to swim. So here’s the honest month-by-month for Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan, air and water, from people who live it.

This is part of our complete guide to Fort Morgan. A quick note: these are long-term averages (air from local weather services, water from the Dauphin Island Sea Lab). Any given week runs warmer or cooler, so for live conditions text ALBEACHES to 888777.

The short version

Swimming weather runs roughly late spring through late fall — the water stays above about 70°F from around April into November. Summer is hot and the water’s bath-warm; spring and fall are the sweet spots for mild air and thin crowds; winter is cool, quiet, and great for beach walks (and the occasional brave dip).

Winter (December–February)

·       December — highs around 63°F, water around 60°F. Quiet and affordable; a season for beach walks, and brave swims. We personally like a mid-day dip.

·       January — highs around 61°F, water around 57°F — the coldest of the year. Prime snowbird season.

·       February — highs around 63°F, water around 58°F. Still cool, just starting to turn.

Spring (March–May)

·       March — highs around 68°F, water around 64°F. Warming and uncrowded; spring breakers arrive later in the month.

·       April — highs around 75°F, water around 69–70°F. Gorgeous — one of the best months, and swimmable for the hardy.

·       May — highs around 82°F, water around 78°F. Prime: warm water, not yet peak crowds.

Summer (June–August)

·       June — highs around 87°F, water around 83°F. Peak family season begins — book early.

·       July — highs around 89°F, water around 84°F. Hottest month; bath-warm water and quick afternoon pop-up showers.

·       August — highs around 89°F, water around 85°F — the warmest water of the year. Watch for afternoon storms.

Fall (September–November)

·       September — highs around 85°F, water around 81°F. A local favorite: summer-warm water, thinning crowds (it’s hurricane season, so watch forecasts).

·       October — highs around 78°F, water around 75°F. Mild, beautiful, and quiet — still swimmable.

·       November — highs around 69°F, water around 67°F. Cooling down; great for walks as snowbirds arrive.

So when should you come?

If we’re picking: spring and fall for the best mix of warm-enough water, mild air, and thin crowds. For the full breakdown of crowds and prices by season, here’s the best time to visit Fort Morgan. Whenever you land, our packing checklist has you covered.

What is the water temperature in Gulf Shores?

It ranges from about 57°F in the coldest month (January–February) to about 85°F at the peak (August). It stays above 70°F, comfortable for swimming, from roughly April through November.

What is the best month to visit Gulf Shores?

For warm water with fewer crowds, May and September–October are hard to beat. June, July and August are warmest but busiest.

Is the water warm enough to swim in spring or fall?

By April the Gulf is usually around 70°F and climbing, and it stays swimmable into November. Midsummer it’s bath-warm in the mid-80s.

Does it rain a lot on the Alabama coast?

Summer brings short afternoon pop-up rain that usually pass fast. Rain falls year-round but rarely ruins a whole trip.

Found your month? Check availability at The Beach Bayou →