You’ve seen the postcards. Sugary white sand, turquoise water, and people in flip-flops. But if you’re looking at the 7 day forecast orange beach al right now, specifically for mid-January 2026, you might be wondering where the "tropical" part went.
Honestly, the Alabama coast in the winter is a mood. It’s quiet. It’s breezy. It’s also surprisingly complex. While folks up north are shoveling driveways, we’re dealing with a weird mix of light rain, sudden cold snaps, and sunny afternoons that make you want to call out of work.
The Immediate Outlook: Clouds and a Chill
Right now, Orange Beach is sitting at 58°F under mostly cloudy skies. There’s a north wind at 12 mph that makes it feel a bit crisper than the thermometer says. If you’re heading out tonight, don’t let the "beach" name fool you into thinking a t-shirt is enough.
The next 24 hours are basically a wet blanket. We’re looking at 100% chance of rain for today, Saturday, January 17. It’s not a hurricane, just a steady light rain followed by showers tonight. The high hits 59°F, but it’s going to tumble down to 37°F by morning.
That’s a 22-degree drop. Welcome to the Gulf in January.
Why the Sunday Morning Shock Matters
Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, the sun comes back out. You’d think that’s great news, right? Well, sort of. While it’ll be sunny, the high is only reaching 48°F.
Basically, it’s the kind of day where the view from the window looks like summer, but the air feels like Chicago Lite. The wind is shifting to the northwest at 12 mph, bringing in that dry, cold air that makes the humidity drop to 43%. If you’re a local, this is when you finally get to wear that heavy sweater that’s been sitting in the back of the closet since last year.
Looking Toward Next Week: The Slow Warm-Up
If you can make it through the cold start to the week, things start looking up. We’re seeing a steady climb in the 7 day forecast orange beach al.
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- Monday: Still sunny, high of 55°F, but the low stays chilly at 35°F.
- Tuesday: Clouds move back in, but the high stays at 55°F.
- Wednesday: We finally break back into the 60°F range. It’ll be cloudy with a 45% chance of rain overnight.
- Thursday: High of 62°F with some light rain during the day.
- Friday: A nice finish to the week with a mix of sun and clouds and a high of 62°F.
The Water Temperature Trap
Don’t even think about jumping in the Gulf without a wetsuit. Seriously.
The water temperature at Alabama Point is currently hovering around 62°F to 63°F. To put that in perspective, most people find water below 70°F to be "refreshing" for about three minutes before their teeth start chattering. Surfers out here right now are rocking 3mm or 4/3mm wetsuits with boots. The "tepid" description you see on some travel sites is a bit of a stretch this time of year.
What to Actually Do This Week
Since it’s not exactly "lay on a towel and tan" weather, you have to pivot.
The Wharf is actually great when it’s 50 degrees. You can walk around without sweating through your clothes. Plus, the indoor heated pool at places like SeaChase or the luxury condos on West Beach becomes the MVP of your vacation.
Wait for Monday or Tuesday if you want to do the nature trails at Gulf State Park. The air will be dry and the sun will be out, making the 15+ miles of paved trails perfect for biking. Just wear layers. You’ll start cold and end up peeling off your jacket by mile three.
Actionable Tips for Your Trip
If you're staying in Orange Beach through the end of the week, pack for three different seasons.
Bring a waterproof shell for the rain today. You’ll also want a heavy fleece or light puffer jacket for Sunday and Monday mornings when it’s in the 30s. By Friday, you’ll be back to a light sweatshirt.
Keep an eye on the wind direction. A north wind (which we have most of this week) keeps the surf flat but the air cold. If that wind swings around to the south, the humidity and the "warmth" return almost instantly, but it often brings the fog with it.
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Basically, check the sky, but trust the thermometer. The Gulf of Mexico is a giant heat sink, but even it can't stop a Canadian cold front from making you wish you’d brought thicker socks.