Look, if you're checking the weather in orange beach 10 days out because you're planning to hit the Flora-Bama or just want a quiet walk on the quartz sand, you've gotta be realistic. January on the Alabama Gulf Coast isn't exactly "bikini and board shorts" season. It's more "hoodie under a windbreaker" season. Honestly, the biggest mistake people make is assuming that because it’s the Deep South, it’s always tropical.
Right now, as of Sunday, January 18, 2026, things are actually pretty crisp. We're looking at a current temperature of 43°F with a real-feel of 37°F. That’s thanks to an 11 mph wind coming straight out of the north. If you're out by the water today, it's gonna bite.
The 10-Day Outlook: A Wild Temperature Swing
The upcoming week is basically a roller coaster. We start off freezing—literally—and end up almost feeling like spring.
For the next few days, Monday and Tuesday (Jan 19-20), expect bright sun but low heat. Highs will crawl from 53°F to 54°F. But pay attention to the nights. We’re hitting lows of 32°F and 33°F. If you're staying in a condo with a north-facing balcony, keep those sliding doors shut tight.
Mid-Week Humidity and the Rain Flip
Things get weird starting Wednesday, January 21. The wind shifts from the north to the east, and suddenly the humidity jumps from 44% up to 67%.
- Wednesday (Jan 21): Clouding up, high of 60°F. Rain moves in late at night (45% chance).
- Thursday (Jan 22): It’s a bit of a wash. Light rain during the day with 79% humidity. It won't be a downpour, but it’ll be that annoying misty stuff.
- The Warm-Up (Jan 23-24): This is the sweet spot. Friday and Saturday see highs climbing to 64°F and 68°F.
Saturday, January 24, is easily the best day of this 10-day stretch. It’ll be mostly cloudy, but 68°F feels a lot warmer when you've been hovering in the 40s.
Realities of the Gulf in January
Don't let the 68-degree high fool you into jumping in the ocean. The Gulf water temperature is sitting right around 64°F according to the Orange Beach Daily Beach Report. That is "refreshing" if you're a polar bear, but for most of us, it’s a hard pass.
Also, watch the flags. On Saturday, they were flying yellow. That means medium hazard. Even if the sun is out, the currents this time of year can be deceptively strong.
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Why the Wind Matters More Than the Temp
In Orange Beach, 55 degrees with no wind is beautiful. 55 degrees with a 15 mph wind off the water is miserable.
Later in the forecast, specifically Monday, January 26, the wind picks up to 15 mph from the southwest. Combine that with a 65% chance of rain and a high of only 55°F, and you have a perfect day for indoor shopping at The Wharf or hitting the Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum. Honestly, the museum is a sleeper hit—it's free and perfect when the weather turns sour.
Strategies for a 10-Day January Stay
If you're here for the long haul, pack in layers. You'll need a heavy coat for the 32°F mornings, but you'll want to be in a light long-sleeve tee by 2:00 PM when the sun hits the sand.
- Watch the Tides: If you're fishing, Monday, January 19 has a low tide at 10:52 AM and a high tide just before midnight.
- UV is Sneaky: Even when it’s 47°F today (Sunday), the UV index is a 4. You can still get a "winter burn" because the white sand reflects everything.
- The "Snowbird" Effect: This time of year is peak Snowbird season. If the weather is nice, local spots like Cobalt or The Gulf will be packed. If it's raining, everyone heads to the movies or the Tanger Outlets in Foley.
Basically, the weather in orange beach 10 days from now looks like it’s trending back toward "chilly" after that brief Saturday warm-up. By Tuesday, January 27, we’re back down to a high of 53°F and a low of 37°F.
Actionable Insight: If you want to do the outdoor stuff—dolphin cruises or hiking the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail—aim for the window between Friday, January 23 and Sunday, January 25. That's your best shot at decent temperatures before the next north wind kicks in. Keep a rain shell handy for Thursday, and don't forget the sunscreen even if you're wearing a beanie.