We don’t think there is ever a bad time to visit Dauphin Island, but there is definitely a few months that are better than others. Dauphin Island is far enough North on the Gulf of Mexico that it does cool off a bit in the winter, but it is generally pretty mild year round. Deciding when to visit Dauphin Island really depends on what you want to do. If swimming in the ocean is something that is important to you, then January and February are not going to be for you. On the other hand, if you are looking to avoid muggy weather and bird sized mosquitoes, avoid the second half of July or first half of August. If you are looking for a vacation rental check out our Dauphin Island guide: Frequent Islander’s Guide to the Best Dauphin Island Vacation Rentals These are the months we believe are the ideal times to stay on Dauphin Island:
May, The Best Month to Visit Dauphin Island
In our opinion, there is no better time to visit Dauphin Island than the month of May. With an average high of 82* F and a low of 67, the temperatures couldn’t get much more perfect. The average ocean temperature in May is a comfortable 77*, which is the first month where swimming is comfortable (April is 66*).
The weather is ideal, but the lack of crowds comes in at a close second. It is after the Spring Break rush and before the June rush when schools get out for the summer. The prices are lower, it’s easy to find a condo or vacation rental, and the beaches aren’t crowded at all. This is also one of the best times for fishing around the island. While there isn’t zero bugs like in the winter months, the mosquitoes have not taken over like they do during late July.
October, the Runner Up
October doesn’t get a lot of press as a popular tourism month, and that’s a shame. As temperatures in the Northern Gulf Coast area start to cool and kids are back to school, Dauphin Island gets really quiet. October is the driest month of the year for the island, with an average of only 3 inches of rain during the whole month. Just like May, the average ocean temperature is a nice 77*, but the air temperature does get a bit colder. The average high in October is 78*, with a low of 62*. It usually gets cool enough at night to slow down most of the bugs. We won’t guarantee no bugs at all, but it is much much better than the 3 months before.
The Worst Month to Visit Dauphin Island
Hands down the worst month to visit Dauphin Island is July, and it isn’t even close. We do not recommend vacationing in this area in July. It is by far the rainiest month of the year, averaging 17 days of rain for the month. It’s also the hottest month of the year. Combine the heat and the frequent rain, and you get unbearable humidity. As a bonus, you also get an unlimited supply of mosquitoes. Some areas of the island are worse than others, but overall, the bugs are impossible to avoid. If you decide to stay on the island in July, you can’t say we didn’t warn you!
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