Gulf Shores in January is weird. Honestly, if you're looking at a 14 day forecast gulf shores alabama right now, you’re probably seeing a jagged line of temperatures that looks more like a heart rate monitor than a vacation plan. Most people assume "South Alabama" means "Basically Florida," but that's a mistake that leaves a lot of tourists shivering in shorts at The Hangout.
Right now, we are sitting in a classic coastal transition.
As of late Friday night, January 16, 2026, the current temperature is 60°F. It’s clear with periodic clouds, and there's a southwest wind blowing at 12 mph. It feels okay, but don't let it fool you. The humidity is sitting at a thick 83%, which means the air has that heavy, damp coastal weight that makes the cold feel much deeper than the thermometer says.
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The Reality of the Next Two Weeks
Weather here doesn't "settle." It swings. Looking at the immediate window, Saturday, January 17, is going to be a bit of a mess. We’re looking at light rain all day and night with a high of 59°F and a low of 36°F. That is a massive 23-degree drop in a single day.
If you’re out on the beach, you’ll feel that 15 mph north wind cutting right through a light hoodie.
Sunday, January 18, brings the sun back, but it brings the cold with it. The high will only reach 47°F. Think about that. You’re at the beach, the sun is out, but you need a heavy jacket. By Monday, we start a slow climb back up to 55°F, and by the middle of next week—specifically Wednesday, January 21, and Thursday, January 22—we’re back into the low 63°F range.
But there’s a catch. Thursday has a 65% chance of rain during the day, and—believe it or not—the forecast is even showing a 20% chance of snow at night.
Snow on the white sand? It happens. Rarely, but it happens.
Temperature Breakdown for the Coming Days
You can't pack for just one season here. Basically, your suitcase needs to be a jigsaw puzzle of layers.
- Saturday (Jan 17): High 59°F, Low 36°F. Light rain. North winds at 15 mph.
- Sunday (Jan 18): High 47°F, Low 35°F. Sunny but crisp.
- Tuesday (Jan 20): High 51°F, Low 35°F. Partly sunny.
- Thursday (Jan 22): High 63°F, Low 51°F. Heavy rain potential (65%).
- Saturday (Jan 24): High 67°F, Low 55°F. This is the peak of the warm-up.
Why the Water is Deceptive
People see the sun and think "swim." Don't. Even though the air might hit 67°F later next week, the Gulf water temperature is hanging around 64°F. That is "heart-stuttering" cold for most people.
The National Weather Service currently has the Rip Current Risk at Low, but they are still flying Yellow Flags at the public beaches. Yellow means medium hazard. The surf is running about 1 to 2 feet with an east-running current. If you aren't a strong swimmer, stay on the sand. The water is tepid at best, and the wind chill when you get out will be brutal.
The Fog Factor
One thing the 14 day forecast gulf shores alabama won't always tell you is the fog. When that warm, moist air from the south (like the 83% humidity we have now) hits the cooler shelf water, the beach can vanish in minutes. It’s called sea fog.
It can be 60 degrees and sunny two miles inland in Foley, but at the beach, you can't see your own feet. If you're driving Beach Boulevard (Hwy 182) during these temperature swings, expect sudden, thick patches of "grey-out" conditions.
Survival Guide for January on the Coast
Honestly, the best thing you can do is check the flags every morning. You can text ALBEACHES to 888777 to get the daily color.
Don't trust a forecast more than three days out. In this part of the country, a "cold front" isn't just a suggestion; it’s a total atmospheric reset. We’ve seen Januarys where people are sunbathing on Monday and wearing parkas on Tuesday.
Actionable Tips for Your Trip:
- Layering is everything: Bring a windbreaker that is actually waterproof. The east and north winds this week will be "wet" winds.
- Watch the UV: Even on the 47°F day (Sunday), the UV index is a 4. You will still get a "windburn" that is actually a sunburn because the sand reflects so much light.
- Nighttime is different: Most of our lows over the next 14 days are in the 35°F to 45°F range. If you're staying in a beach house, the wind off the water makes those temps feel like freezing.
- Indoor Backups: If you’re here during the rainy spikes on the 17th or 22nd, plan for the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo or the shops at The Wharf.
The coast is beautiful in the winter because the crowds are gone and the light is different, but you have to respect the volatility of the Gulf.
Keep an eye on that Thursday rain/snow mix. It’s the kind of weather that makes for a great story, provided you aren't stuck on the beach in a swimsuit when it happens.