If you’re planning a trip to the Azalea City, you’ve probably heard it’s rainy. That’s an understatement. Mobile, Alabama is actually the rainiest city in the contiguous United States. Honestly, most people think of Seattle when they think of umbrellas and raincoats, but Seattle doesn't even crack the top ten. Mobile gets about 67 inches of rain a year. Seattle? They usually hover around 38.
The weather in Mobile Alabama is a strange, beautiful, and sometimes frustrating beast. It’s a humid subtropical climate, which basically means it’s a giant greenhouse for most of the year. You’ve got those moss-draped oaks and lush gardens for a reason. But that greenery comes with a price: the kind of humidity that feels like a warm, wet blanket the second you step out of your hotel.
The Rainiest City Title and Why It Matters
You might wonder how Mobile beats out places in the Pacific Northwest. It’s all about the type of rain. In the Northwest, it’s a constant, dreary drizzle. In Mobile, it’s a tropical deluge. You’ll be walking down Dauphin Street under a clear blue sky, and ten minutes later, you’re standing in a doorway while a wall of water falls from the sky.
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And then? It’s over. The sun comes back out, the pavement steams, and the humidity spikes to roughly 110 percent.
Most of this rain happens in the summer months. July is statistically the wettest, often seeing over seven inches of rain. These aren't all-day events, usually. They are those classic "pop-up" afternoon thunderstorms fueled by the heat of the Gulf of Mexico.
- Average Annual Rainfall: 67 inches
- Wettest Month: July (Avg. 7.1 inches)
- Driest Month: October (Avg. 3.0 inches)
If you're visiting, the "Mobile Minute" is a real thing. It’s that brief window of time where you decide whether to run for your car or wait out the downpour. Usually, waiting is the better move.
Surviving the Mobile Summer Heat
Summer is a long season here. It starts in May and doesn't really let go until mid-October. The numbers don't look that scary—average highs are around 91°F—but the heat index is the real killer.
In August 2023, Mobile hit an all-time record high of 106°F. When you factor in the moisture coming off Mobile Bay, the "feels like" temperature can easily soar into the 115°F range. It’s intense. If you aren't used to the Deep South, you need to hydrate way more than you think you do.
Locals have a rhythm. You do your outdoor stuff—gardening, walking the dog, visiting the USS Alabama—early in the morning. By 11:00 AM, you’re looking for air conditioning. You stay there until the sun starts to dip.
The Hurricane Factor
We have to talk about hurricane season. It officially runs from June 1st to November 30th. Mobile isn't hit every year, but when it is, it’s serious.
Because of the way Mobile Bay is shaped, the city is particularly vulnerable to storm surge. If a storm hits just to the west (like Hurricane Katrina did in 2005 or Hurricane Frederic in 1979), it pushes a massive amount of water up into the bay and into downtown.
Even if a hurricane doesn't make a direct hit, the outer bands can bring days of rain and tropical-storm-force winds. Most travelers shouldn't panic, but if you’re visiting in September—the peak of the season—keep a very close eye on the National Hurricane Center updates.
Winters Are Not What You Expect
People think Alabama is "The South," so it must be warm all year. Not exactly.
While it’s mostly mild, Mobile gets cold snaps. Average winter lows are in the 40s, but we get nights that drop into the 20s. Just this past year, in January 2025, the city was shocked by a massive, record-breaking snowfall of over 6 inches. For a city that usually sees a dusting once every decade, it was absolute chaos.
Generally, though, winter is "gray." It’s damp. A 40-degree day in Mobile feels much colder than a 40-degree day in a dry climate like Denver. The moisture gets into your bones. But hey, at least the mosquitoes are dead for a few months.
When Should You Actually Visit?
If you want the best of the weather in Mobile Alabama, you have two real windows.
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Spring (March to May): This is the sweet spot. The azaleas are blooming—Mobile has a famous "Azalea Trail"—and the temperatures are usually in the 70s or low 80s. It’s perfect for the Mobile International Festival or just walking through Bienville Square.
Fall (October and November): October is actually the driest month of the year. The humidity finally breaks, the air gets crisp, and the sky is that deep, piercing blue. It’s the best time for outdoor dining or heading down to the causeway for some seafood.
Practical Tips for Your Trip
- Pack a real raincoat. A flimsy umbrella will turn inside out during a Gulf thunderstorm. Get something breathable but sturdy.
- The "Dauphin Street Dash." If you see people suddenly clearing the sidewalk and heading into bars or shops, follow them. They know the rain is coming before you do.
- Check the radar. Apps like RadarScope are better than standard weather apps here because the storms move so fast.
- Dress in layers. You’ll be sweating outside and freezing inside because every building in Mobile cranks the A/C to "Arctic" to combat the humidity.
The weather here is part of the culture. It dictates the architecture (high ceilings, big porches), the food, and the slow, easy pace of life. You don't fight the Mobile weather; you just learn to live around it.
To get the most out of your visit, start by checking the 10-day local forecast on the National Weather Service Mobile office site, as they provide the most accurate coastal updates. If you're traveling during the summer, plan your outdoor sightseeing for before 10:00 AM and keep a "Plan B" indoor activity, like the GulfQuest National Maritime Museum, ready for those inevitable afternoon showers.