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Are you looking for the perfect place for a Fall getaway? The Alabama beaches are the perfect spot. As the summer rush winds down, these beaches offer a wonderful escape with warm waters, amazing weather, and way fewer crowds.
Plus, you’ll find some great deals on rentals and flights. Whether you’re into relaxing on the sand, enjoying local Fall festivals, or just want a quieter, more laid-back vibe, Fall is the best time to experience everything the Alabama coast has to offer. Let’s dive into nine reasons why you should plan a trip to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama, this Fall!
Reasons To Visit The Alabama Beaches This Fall
Before I dig into the reasons WHY you should visit southwest Alabama this Fall, I want to quickly share a little bit about this area so that you know where to find the best beaches in Alabama.
And some of you may even be surprised to hear that Alabama has beaches!
What Are The Best Beaches In Alabama?
Nestled in the southwestern corner of Alabama, you will find 32 miles of beautiful white sand beaches! Most of this is a part of the two most popular Alabama beach towns: Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. These coastal communities have everything you need for the perfect family beach trip, including fun activities for kids, fantastic coastal restaurants, an abundance of live music, and just all-around good laid-back beach vibes.
Click here to learn more about the Alabama Beaches!
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Gulf Shores is a quintessential beach destination known for its sugar-white sands and calm, turquoise waters. This beautiful beach town offers a range of activities, from fishing and boating to dining at local seafood spots. Many are even beachfront!
Gulf Shores is home to Gulf State Park, which offers over 6,000 acres of beaches, dunes, marshes, boardwalks, freshwater ponds, and forests. The newly rebuilt and renovated Pier at Gulf State Park just reopened in August and is a great place for fishing!
Orange Beach, Alabama
Orange Beach, adjacent to Gulf Shores to the East, is another gem on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. It’s famous for its stunning sunsets, marinas, and vibrant local culture.
In Orange Beach, you’ll also find The Wharf! This popular entertainment district has everything from a 10,000-person open-air amphitheater to a Ferris wheel! The annual Freedom Festival is held here in early October.
9 Reasons Why Fall Is The Best Time To Visit The Alabama Beaches
As the summer heat fades and the busy tourist season winds down, the Alabama beaches become a peaceful paradise perfect for a fall getaway.
Whether you’re looking for warm Gulf waters, fun festivals, or just a relaxing spot to unwind, the Alabama beaches have it all. I can tell you firsthand that Fall offers the perfect blend of fantastic weather, fewer crowds, and incredible deals on accommodations and airfare, making it one of the best times of the year to visit.
So, here are nine reasons why you should plan a fall trip to the Alabama beaches!
#1 The Gulf Water Is Warmest
If you enjoy relaxing on the white sand beaches and cooling off in the beautiful turquoise waters, you’ll love to know this! The Gulf of Mexico actually reaches its peak temperatures in late August and early Fall.
This makes it a great time to try water activities in Orange Beach, such as jet skiing, sailing lessons, parasailing, snorkeling, and so much more!
#2 The Crowds Are Fewer
With the summer vacation rush over and kids going back to school, the beaches become less crowded in the Fall. This means more space to spread out, quieter surroundings, and a more peaceful experience overall. Whether you are enjoying the beach or the famous Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, you will not have to fight the summertime crowds!
This is one reason the area is such a great Fall girl’s trip destination and also a wonderful place for a babymoon or romantic getaway. Some schools in the south do have a Fall break, so there can be an uptick in families with older kids over those dates, but it’s still much less busy than in the summertime!
#3 The Rental Prices Are Lower
One of the biggest perks of visiting the Alabama beaches in the Fall is the drop in short term rental prices. Many beachfront properties offer significant discounts after the peak summer season, making it more affordable to stay in a prime location without breaking the bank. Most also still have seasonal amenities up and running.
Additionally, many short term rentals shorten their minimum stay requirements. You can often find some great rental properties for even a short weekend getaway. On the other hand, if you want to stay longer, many owners and property management companies offer incentives for longer stays. You can often find furnished vacation rentals available on a monthly basis, and many people love to have snowbirds or long term tenants during these slower months.
#4 Enjoy Fantastic Weather On The Gulf Coast
Fall in Alabama brings comfortable temperatures, with warm days and slightly cooler evenings. It’s the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, golfing, or simply lounging on the beach. Plus, the humidity is lower, making it more enjoyable to be outside.
According to the Gulf Shores website, here is what to expect when visiting the Alabama beaches in the Fall.
September: The monthly average temperature is 78.6°, with daily highs near 85.4° and lows near 73.8°, and the water temperature averages 81°.
October: The monthly average temperature is 71.2°, with daily highs near 77.5° and lows near 64.8°, and the water temperature averages 74°.
November: The monthly average temperature is 62.5°, with daily highs near 69.1° and lows near 55.8°, and the water temperature averages 65°.
What About Hurricane Season?
While Fall is part of the hurricane season, the likelihood of a storm affecting your trip is relatively low. Keep an eye on weather updates and consider travel insurance for peace of mind. The benefits of visiting during this season far outweigh the risks, especially with fewer tourists and better deals.
Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30 and covers a large part of the south and eastern United States. After living here in southern Alabama for the past 6 years, I can say that we have an abundance of perfect days in September and October!
#5 Amazing Fall Festivals At The Alabama Beaches
The Alabama Gulf Coast hosts a variety of fall festivals, celebrating everything from seafood to art and music. Events like the Annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores bring together locals and visitors alike for delicious food, fun live entertainment, and more!
The annual Frank Brown International Songwriter’s Festival, a local favorite for 28 years, is one of the best around. It’s held in wonderful venues around the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach area, including the famous Flora-Bama, and over 200 songwriters come from around the world to perform.
And there is usually something going on most weekends! You can click here to view event schedules for the Alabama beaches.
#6 The Best Birdwatching Is In The Fall
Did you know that Fall is prime time for birdwatching along the Alabama coast? As migratory birds make their way south, the Alabama beaches are often their last stop before crossing the Gulf of Mexico. That means you’ll have the opportunity to spot a variety of species, including some rare and beautiful ones.
The beautiful beaches and serene parks, such as Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge and Gulf State Park, make for perfect observation points. And, make sure to check out the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail.
In fact, the annual Alabama Coastal BirdFest is held in early October each year!
#7 Score The Best Airfare Deals
Traveling in the Fall often means cheaper airfare as airlines reduce prices after the summer rush. With fewer tourists, you’ll have more flexibility in finding flights that fit your schedule and budget, making it easier to plan a spontaneous getaway. And that last-minute trip to the beach is ALWAYS a good idea!
READ: Using Thrifty Traveler To Find The Best Flight Deals
#8 Plenty Of Daylight & The Best Sunsets
Fall sunsets over the Gulf are particularly stunning, with vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple. From most places this time of year, you can see the sun set directly over the water. It’s the perfect way to end a day of relaxation and fun.
And, even as the days get shorter, there’s still plenty of daylight to enjoy at the beach. Even in October, you have 11-12 hours of daylight, with the sun rising in the 6 am hour and setting in the 6 pm hour in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.
#9 There Is Much Less Traffic
Take the top down and cruise around! One of my favorite things about Fall at the Beach is the reduction in traffic and abundant parking. Whether you’re driving to the beach or exploring local attractions, you’ll spend less time in the car and more time enjoying your vacation. This also makes dining out and visiting popular spots much more enjoyable.
Plan Your Fall Trip To The Alabama Beaches
Now that you know why Fall is the best time to visit the Alabama beaches, it’s time to start planning! Book your accommodations now and take advantage of the lower rates and better availability that come along with Fall at the Beach! Look for fall festivals and events that align with your travel dates, and remember to pack for warm days and cool evenings, especially as we get later into Fall.
Click here to browse lodging in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan!
More About Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama
If you’re looking for more information about Alabama’s beaches, be sure to explore my other travel blog posts. Whether you’re interested in unique activities such as glass making, outdoor activities or just looking for some fun, family-friendly things to do, we’ve got you covered.
Here are some posts that you may enjoy:
- Things To Do In Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
- Creating Art At The Coastal Arts Center
- Understanding The Beach Flag System
- Finding The Best Flight Deals
- My Top 13 Travel Essentials
PIN: Fall At The Alabama Beaches For Later
Save this family travel guide to Pinterest so you can easily find it when you’re ready to plan your fall trip to the Alabama beaches!
Ohh I’ve never really thought of Alabama as a beachy place to visit, but its closer to Texas than Florida so maybe I should consider it! Thank you for sharing!