Mobile in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Mobile

64°F (18°C) High Temp

44°F (7°C) Low Temp

3.2 inches (81 mm) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect temperatures for walking downtown historic districts - comfortable 50-60°F (10-15°C) most days without summer's oppressive heat and humidity
Christmas decorations transform the historic districts into postcard scenes, with Royal Street's antebellum mansions and Fort Morgan's historic grounds beautifully lit
Lowest hotel rates of the year - December bookings run 40-60% less than Mardi Gras season, with downtown historic hotels offering $89-129/night rates
Oyster season peaks in December with local Gulf varieties at their plumpest - Half Shell Oyster House and downtown seafood markets offer the year's best selection

Considerations

Unpredictable rain dampens outdoor plans 10 days per month - afternoon showers can last 2-3 hours and disrupt walking tours or outdoor festivals
Many riverfront and outdoor attractions close early or operate reduced hours - Fort Morgan closes at 4pm instead of 6pm summer hours
Limited daylight for sightseeing - sunset by 5:30pm means only 6-7 hours of prime touring time versus 9+ hours in summer

Best Activities in December

Historic Downtown Mobile Walking Tours

December's cool 50-60°F (10-15°C) temperatures make walking Mobile's 300-year-old historic districts actually pleasant, unlike summer's brutal heat. The antebellum mansions on Government Street and this destination are decorated for Christmas. Light rain creates atmospheric conditions perfect for photography of Spanish colonial architecture.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours cost nothing - pick up maps at Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau. Guided tours typically run $15-25 per person and should be booked 3-5 days ahead through visitor centers. Indoor backup plans include Historic Mobile Preservation Society museums.

Fort Morgan Civil War History Tours

Cool December weather makes the 0.8 mile (1.3 km) fort walls walkable without summer's oppressive Gulf Coast humidity. December offers clear views across Mobile Bay to Mobile Point, and fewer crowds mean better access to cannon emplacements and museum exhibits. The fort's Christmas programming includes period decorations.

Booking Tip: Entry fees are $5 adults, $3 seniors. The fort closes at 4pm in December, so arrive by 2pm for full exploration. Located 34 miles (55 km) from downtown Mobile - allow 45 minutes driving time. No advance booking required for general admission.

Mobile Bay Oyster and Seafood Tours

December marks peak Gulf oyster season when local Bon Secour and Cedar Point oysters reach maximum size and flavor. Cool weather makes outdoor oyster roasts comfortable, and many local seafood houses offer December oyster specials. The annual seafood harvest timing means freshest possible Gulf shrimp and crab.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost $45-75 per person and should be booked 7-10 days ahead. Many restaurants offer oyster happy hours 3-6pm in December. Look for tours that include multiple seafood markets and restaurants, not just single venues.

USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park Tours

December's mild temperatures make exploring the ship's multiple decks comfortable - summer heat makes the metal ship unbearably hot. Clear winter air provides excellent Mobile Bay views from the ship's superstructure. Christmas decorations and special exhibits run through December, plus dramatically fewer crowds.

Booking Tip: Admission runs $15 adults, $13 seniors, $10 children. Allow 2-3 hours minimum for both ship and submarine tours. Park opens 8am-4pm in December. Located 6 miles (9.6 km) from downtown Mobile with free parking. Purchase tickets online 1-2 days ahead for small discount.

Mobile River Delta Birding Tours

December brings peak waterfowl migration to Mobile-Tensaw River Delta - largest river delta in Alabama. Cool temperatures and lower humidity make early morning birding expeditions comfortable. December offers chances to spot wintering ducks, geese, and raptors that aren't present other months.

Booking Tip: Guided birding tours cost $75-125 per person for half-day trips. Book 10-14 days ahead through licensed nature guides. Tours typically start 6:30-7am to catch peak bird activity. Bring binoculars or rent from guides for $10-15. Weather-dependent - have backup indoor plans.

Christmas Festival and Market Tours

Mobile's Christmas celebrations include the Historic Mobile Tours of decorated antebellum homes, downtown Christmas market with local Gulf Coast crafts, and special holiday exhibitions at Mobile Museum of Art. December events showcase Mobile's unique Gulf Coast Christmas traditions mixing French, Spanish, and American influences.

Booking Tip: Christmas home tours typically cost $20-35 per person and run weekends in December. Purchase tickets through Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau 2-3 weeks ahead as popular tours sell out. Many Christmas markets are free admission with paid parking $5-10.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

Mobile Christmas Tour of Homes

Annual tour of decorated historic antebellum mansions and Victorian homes in Mobile's historic districts. Features homes dating to 1850s-1900s with period Christmas decorations and local docents explaining Gulf Coast holiday traditions.

Early December

Fort Morgan Christmas Open House

Civil War fort decorated with period-appropriate 1860s Christmas displays. Living history demonstrations show how soldiers celebrated holidays during wartime, plus special exhibits on 19th-century Gulf Coast Christmas traditions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof walking shoes - December's 10 rainy days create puddles on uneven historic brick sidewalks and fort grounds

Layered clothing for 20°F (11°C) temperature swings - morning lows around 44°F (7°C) warming to 64°F (18°C) afternoons

Compact umbrella - afternoon showers last 2-3 hours and can trap you in museums or restaurants longer than planned

Light fleece or sweater for evening - temperatures drop quickly after 5:30pm sunset, especially near Mobile Bay waterfront

Comfortable walking shoes with good tread - historic downtown sidewalks are uneven brick and stone that get slippery when wet

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 3 still requires protection during 6-7 hours of December daylight, especially reflecting off water

Small backpack or crossbody bag - December touring involves lots of walking between historic sites and indoor attractions during rain

Cash for parking and small vendors - many downtown historic area parking meters and Christmas market vendors are cash-only

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight means more reliance on phone flashlights and GPS during 5:30pm winter sunsets

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by early November - while December has lower rates than Mardi Gras season, Christmas week fills up fast and prices jump 200-300% December 23-26

Locals eat oysters exclusively September through April following the 'R months' rule - December offers the absolute peak quality and lowest prices at $8-12/dozen

Downtown Mobile parking is free after 6pm and all day Sundays - time your historic district walking tours for late afternoon to save $1-2/hour meter fees

Fort Morgan's 34-mile (55 km) drive includes a scenic route through Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge - add 30 minutes for wildlife spotting and photography stops that locals take regularly

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating December rain duration - afternoon showers last 2-3 hours, not the brief 20-minute summer thunderstorms tourists expect

Not checking Fort Morgan and battleship hours - both close earlier in December (4pm) than summer hours, cutting sightseeing time short

Overpacking for heat - December highs only reach 64°F (18°C), not the 90°F+ (32°C+) summer temperatures many expect from Gulf Coast destinations