If you’re planning to hit the white quartz sands of the Alabama coast, you might want to rethink that "shorts and flip-flops only" packing list. Honestly, the orange beach weather this weekend is looking a bit moody. We’ve had a stretch of that classic, mild Gulf air lately, but things are shifting. A cold front is pushing through, and it's bringing a noticeable drop in temperature along with some grey skies.
It's basically a tale of two different days. Saturday starts off somewhat mild before the front really settles in, while Sunday feels more like a true winter day on the coast.
The Saturday Setup: Rain and Shifting Winds
Saturday, January 17, is going to be the "wet" half of your trip. Don't expect a washout, but light rain is on the docket. Specifically, there is a 40% chance of precipitation during the day, which jumps up to 65% at night. If you were planning on a long beach walk, try to squeeze it in early, though it'll stay cloudy most of the time.
The high for Saturday is 58°F. That’s not exactly "polar plunge" weather, but when you factor in the wind, it feels much cooler. Speaking of wind, it’s coming from the north at about 18 mph. That’s enough to make the Gulf look a bit choppy and kick up some salt spray. As the sun goes down, the mercury is going to dip all the way to a low of 40°F.
What to do when it rains in Orange Beach?
Since the beach might be a little soggy, Saturday is a great day to check out the indoor scenes. The Wharf is usually a safe bet. You’ve got the ice skating rink presented by Pepsi—yeah, ice skating in Alabama, it’s a thing—and it's open from 10 am to 10 pm on Saturdays. Or, if you're into local theater, the South Baldwin Community Theatre is running "Into the Breeches" this weekend.
Sunday’s Reality Check: Clear Skies but Chilly
Once that rain clears out Saturday night, Sunday, January 18, is going to look beautiful. But don't let the "sunny" description fool you into thinking it's warm. The high for Sunday is only 47°F.
Wait, 47 degrees? Yep. That’s a significant drop from Saturday's high. With the wind continuing from the northwest at 13 mph, you’ll definitely need a windbreaker or a light coat if you’re out by the water. The humidity drops significantly to 40%, so it will be that crisp, dry kind of cold. The silver lining is that the rain chances disappear almost entirely, leaving us with a clear, clear night and a low of 39°F.
Interestingly, some local marine forecasts even mentioned a slight chance of "sprinkles or snow showers" early Sunday morning. Don't get your hopes up for a snowman—this is the Gulf Coast, after all—but it just goes to show how much cold air is moving in behind this front.
Water Temperatures and Marine Conditions
If you’re a surfer or a die-hard swimmer, the water is actually warmer than the air right now. The sea temperature at Orange Beach is hovering around 62°F to 63°F.
Pro Tip: If you're heading out, a 3/2mm or 4/3mm wetsuit is pretty much mandatory this time of year. The wind chill makes getting out of the water the hardest part.
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The National Weather Service has issued a Small Craft Advisory starting Saturday afternoon. The seas are expected to build from 1-2 feet up to 4-6 feet by Sunday as those north winds pick up. If you have a boat, maybe keep it on the trailer this weekend.
Actionable Tips for Your Weekend Visit
- Layering is your best friend. Wear a base layer you can strip off if you're in the sun, but keep a heavy sweater or jacket handy for the shade and the evening.
- Check the zoo. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is doing "Wild Savings" in January with 26% off admission on Saturdays and Sundays. It’s a great Sunday activity since the sun will be out.
- Watch the tides. If you're fishing from the pier or the shore, remember the surf height will be around 2 to 3 feet on Saturday, dropping to about 1 foot by Sunday.
- Indoor Dining. Stick to places like Tacky Jacks or the spots at The Wharf where you can watch the waves from behind a glass window with a hot drink in hand.
Basically, enjoy the views and the lack of crowds, but definitely bring your winter gear. The beach is still beautiful at 47 degrees; it just requires a different kind of wardrobe.