Mobile in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Mobile

21°C (70°F) High Temp

8°C (46°F) Low Temp

89 mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect autumn weather for walking tours - crisp 15-21°C (59-70°F) temperatures make exploring Mobile's historic districts comfortable without summer heat
Fewer tourists than peak summer months mean shorter lines at Fort Morgan and USS Alabama, plus locals have more time to chat about city history
Fall foliage along Mobile Bay creates impressive photography opportunities, especially around Oakleigh Mansion's grounds and Spring Hill College campus
Oyster season is at its peak - Mobile Bay oysters are at their finest quality and lowest prices, with chargrilled oysters available at every waterfront restaurant for $8-12/dozen

Considerations

Rain occurs 10 days of the month with afternoon showers lasting 30-45 minutes, requiring flexible indoor backup plans for outdoor activities
Some river tour operators reduce schedules due to unpredictable weather - only 60% of scheduled boat tours run as planned
Daylight hours are shorter with sunset around 5:30pm, limiting afternoon photography and outdoor dining options

Best Activities in November

Historic Downtown Mobile Walking Tours

November's cool temperatures make exploring Mobile's antebellum architecture perfect - you can walk 3-4 hours comfortably without summer's oppressive heat and humidity. The historic districts are less crowded, and many mansion tours offer extended conversations about Gulf Coast history. Fall lighting creates dramatic shadows on wrought-iron balconies.

Booking Tip: Most walking tours run rain-or-shine with covered stops every 0.8 km (0.5 miles). Book Easttimor-day through visitor center or hotel concierge. Self-guided options cost $15-25, guided tours $35-50 per person. See current tour options in booking section below.

Mobile Bay Delta Birding Tours

November is peak migration season for waterfowl along Mobile Bay. Cooler weather means birds are more active during daylight hours, and reduced boat traffic creates better wildlife viewing. You'll see migrating ducks, pelicans, and herons that aren't present other times of year. Early morning tours (7am-10am) have the best visibility.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead as tour boats run limited November schedules. Half-day tours typically cost $75-120 per person including equipment. Look for operators with heated cabins and rain covers. Check current availability in booking section below.

Gulf Coast Seafood and Oyster Tours

November marks peak oyster season when Mobile Bay oysters are at their plumpest and most flavorful. Cool weather makes outdoor oyster roasts comfortable, and restaurant patios are actually usable. Local seafood festivals often occur in November, and shrimp boats return with smaller crowds watching the unloading process.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost $65-95 per person for 3-4 hour experiences. Book through licensed guides who know which restaurants have the freshest daily catches. Indoor/outdoor combination tours work best in November weather. See current culinary tour options below.

Battleship Memorial Park Indoor/Outdoor Experiences

Cool November weather makes exploring the USS Alabama and USS Drum submarine comfortable - summer heat makes the metal interiors unbearable. The aircraft pavilion provides perfect rainy-day backup, and you can spend 4-5 hours exploring without overheating. Veterans Day (November 11) often features special ceremonies and extended hours.

Booking Tip: Allow full day - tickets cost $18-25 for adults. November weather means you can explore both indoor ship areas and outdoor deck spaces comfortably. Park opens 8am-6pm but last entry is 4:30pm. Purchase tickets on-site or check booking options below.

Coastal Marsh Photography Tours

November's softer light and migrating wildlife create exceptional photography conditions in Mobile's coastal marshes. Lower humidity reduces haze, and autumn light lasts longer into afternoon hours. Wildlife is more active in cooler temperatures, and fall foliage provides colorful backdrops not available in summer.

Booking Tip: Photography tours cost $85-140 per person for half-day experiences. Look for operators who provide waterproof equipment covers and know tide schedules. Best conditions are 2-3 hours before sunset. Book 5-7 days ahead and confirm weather policies.

Antebellum Home and Garden Tours

November weather allows comfortable exploration of both indoor mansion tours and extensive garden walks. Many historic homes have fall decorations and special November programming. Cooler temperatures mean you can spend time in unheated historic buildings without discomfort, and gardens showcase different plantings than summer visits.

Booking Tip: Individual home tours cost $15-30 each, combination tickets save 20-30%. Many homes offer extended hours in November with fewer crowds. Book Easttimor-day except for special events. Some homes close Mondays. Check current tour schedules in booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

November 11

Veterans Day Commemoration at Battleship Memorial Park

Special ceremonies honor veterans with extended tours, military demonstrations, and often free admission for veterans and active military. The event includes guided tours with military historians and special access to usually restricted ship areas.

Mid November

Mobile Bay Fall Birding Festival

Weekend festival celebrating fall migration with guided tours, expert presentations, and equipment demonstrations. Local birding groups lead tours to prime viewing spots around Mobile Bay, and vendors offer specialized equipment for Gulf Coast birding.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 8°C (46°F) but afternoons reach 21°C (70°F), so pack light fleece, t-shirts, and long pants you can mix and match

Waterproof walking shoes with good grip - sidewalks in historic district become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 3-5 km (2-3 miles) daily on uneven surfaces

Compact umbrella or light rain jacket - afternoon showers last 30-45 minutes and come with little warning, especially near Mobile Bay

Long-sleeve shirts for evening - temperatures drop 8-10°C (15-18°F) after sunset, making outdoor dining uncomfortable without sleeves

Sunscreen SPF 30+ - UV index of 3 still requires protection during 4-6 hour outdoor tours, especially with reflection off Mobile Bay

Small backpack for day tours - you'll need space for layers as you add/remove clothing throughout the day, plus camera and water

Comfortable walking socks - high humidity means feet stay damp longer, and historic district tours involve 2-3 hours of continuous walking

Light scarf or neck gaiter - morning river tours can feel 5°C (9°F) cooler due to wind off Mobile Bay, but you'll want to remove it by midday

Insider Knowledge

Local restaurants serve 'November oysters' - the first really good oysters after summer's closed season. Ask servers which oysters were harvested that week from Mobile Bay versus shipped from other waters.

Many historic homes offer 'behind the scenes' access in November when tourist crowds thin out - ask docents about areas not normally shown on standard tours, like servant quarters or attic spaces.

Mobile's downtown parking meters are free after 5pm, and November's early sunset (5:30pm) means you can park free for evening activities while still having daylight for walking to dinner.

Local birding groups meet Saturday mornings at Fort Morgan and welcome visitors - they know exactly where migrating species are feeding that week and often share expensive spotting scopes with newcomers.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underdressing for morning activities - tourists see 70°F afternoon highs and don't pack warm clothes for 46°F morning starts, making early bird tours uncomfortable

Planning only outdoor activities - November's 10 rainy days require backup plans, but many tourists don't research indoor alternatives like mansion interiors or covered markets

Assuming summer ferry/boat schedules still apply - many water tours reduce frequency in November due to weather unpredictability, and tourists miss reservations by not confirming current schedules