You’re looking at the calendar, eyeing that stretch of white sand in Alabama, and wondering if you should pack a swimsuit or a parka. Honestly, January in this part of the world is a bit of a gamble. One minute you’re standing on the balcony of a beachfront condo feeling a "tropical" breeze, and the next, a north wind kicks up that makes you regret every life choice that didn't involve wool socks.
If you are tracking the 14 day forecast for gulf shores alabama, you've probably noticed a trend: it is anything but consistent.
Right now, as of Saturday, January 17, 2026, we’re sitting in a weird pocket of weather. The current temperature is a crisp 55°F, but with the humidity clinging at 89%, it feels more like 52°F. Most people think "South" and assume "warm," but that humidity makes the cold sink right into your bones.
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The Reality of the 14 Day Forecast for Gulf Shores Alabama
Planning a trip based on a two-week outlook is tricky because the Gulf of Mexico is basically a giant engine for weather changes.
For the next few days, we're looking at a bit of a roller coaster. Today, Saturday, we've got light rain moving through with a high of 59°F, but tonight is where it gets interesting—or annoying, depending on your plans. The low is dropping to 38°F, and there’s actually a 35% chance of snow mixing in with the rain tonight. Yes, snow on the beach. It happens more often than the postcards suggest.
What the Next Week Actually Looks Like
Tomorrow, Sunday the 18th, the sun comes back out, but it’s going to be a "fake spring." The high will only hit 48°F. If you’re out on the sand, that northwest wind at 13 mph is going to feel sharp.
- Monday (Jan 19): Sunny and slightly better. High of 54°F.
- Tuesday (Jan 20): Partly sunny, high of 51°F.
- Wednesday (Jan 21): The clouds return. We’re looking at a high of 55°F with light rain likely moving in overnight.
- Thursday (Jan 22): Cloudy, high of 58°F.
- Friday (Jan 23): Finally breaking back into the 60s. High of 61°F.
By the time we hit next weekend, January 24th, it actually starts to feel like the Gulf Shores people dream about. We're expecting a high of 65°F with some sun. But don't get too comfortable; by Sunday the 25th, a system brings heavy rain (75% chance overnight) and drops the temperature back down to the 40s.
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Why the Water Temperature Matters (and Why You Won't Be Swimming)
The Gulf water temperature is currently sitting around 64°F. To a local, that is basically liquid ice. Unless you’re one of the "Polar Bear Dip" types or you've brought a 4/3mm wetsuit, you aren't going for a casual dip. The "feels like" temperature on the shore is always lower because of the wind coming off the water.
Even when the sun is out and the 14 day forecast for gulf shores alabama looks promising, the UV index stays pretty low this time of year—around a 1 or 3. You won't get a deep tan, but the windburn is real.
Packing for the "Alabama Squeeze"
I call it the Alabama Squeeze because you have to squeeze three seasons into one suitcase. You genuinely need a light rain jacket, a heavy sweater, and maybe one pair of shorts just in case we hit one of those freak 70-degree days that pop up in late January.
The humidity here stays high—often between 70% and 100%. This means your wet towels won't dry on the balcony, and your hair is going to do whatever it wants. Pack a hat.
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Expert Tips for January Visitors
- Check the Flags: Even if it looks calm, the beach flags (like the yellow ones out today) tell you about the undercurrents. Moderate surf is no joke when the water is this cold.
- Layers are King: Don't bring a massive puffer coat. Bring a windbreaker you can throw over a hoodie.
- Indoor Backups: Since the 14 day forecast for gulf shores alabama shows a few rainy days (Jan 21, 25, and 26), have a plan for the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo or the shops at The Wharf in Orange Beach.
- Footwear: Leave the flip-flops for the room. You'll want sneakers for walking the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail when the wind picks up.
The best way to handle a trip right now is to embrace the "Snowbird" lifestyle. Enjoy the lack of crowds, the cheaper rental rates, and the fact that you can actually get a table at LuLu's without a two-hour wait. Just keep a close eye on the temperature swings toward the end of the month, as we're seeing another dip into the 40s around January 27th.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Download a radar-based weather app to track those sudden Gulf showers in real-time. If you're planning on fishing, check the tides specifically for the Bon Secour area, as the north winds can push water out and change the bite significantly.