Christmas in Alabama feels like a mix of mild days and chilly nights, thanks to the state’s humid subtropical climate.
Most years, you’ll see daytime temperatures in the 50s to low 60s Fahrenheit, and nights often drop into the 30s or 40s.
Snow almost never shows up, but sometimes the north gets a little flurry, especially if you’re up in the hills.
Weather can really depend on where you are.
The Gulf Coast usually stays damp and cool, while northern Alabama sometimes dips below freezing at night.
You might get a crisp, wintry holiday in one spot, but just a few hours away, it could feel mild and damp.
Alabama’s Christmas weather jumps between sunny, rainy, and sometimes frosty.
If you plan ahead, you’ll pack better and pick activities that fit the season.
Typical Christmas Weather in Alabama
Most of Alabama sees mild to cool weather at Christmas, but it varies a bit by region.
Rain happens more than snow, and temperatures shift as you move from the Gulf Coast up north.
Average Temperatures on Christmas Day
On December 25, Alabama usually hits the mid-50s °F during the day and drops to the mid-30s °F at night.
The Gulf Coast, like Mobile, usually feels warmer, with highs near 62 °F and lows around 42 °F.
Northern cities such as Huntsville run cooler, with highs near 53 °F and lows around 35 °F.
Birmingham, sitting in the middle of the state, averages a high of 55 °F and a low of 37 °F for Christmas.
These numbers come from long-term averages, but honestly, the weather can swing a lot.
Birmingham has hit 78 °F on Christmas before, and it’s dropped as low as 2 °F.
So, while mild to chilly weather is the norm, don’t rule out a surprise warm-up or a deep freeze.
Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns
Rain shows up pretty often during Alabama winters, and Christmas is no different.
December ranks as one of the wetter months, with Mobile averaging about 3.5 inches of rain over more than 12 days.
Central and northern areas get fewer rainy days, but they still pick up steady precipitation.
On Christmas Day, there’s a decent chance of rain, especially in southern Alabama where Gulf moisture rolls in.
In Birmingham and Huntsville, rain doesn’t happen as often, but it’s still possible, so you might want to keep an umbrella handy.
Some years stay dry, but most bring at least a little wet weather around the holidays.
Likelihood of Snow and White Christmases
Snow at Christmas in Alabama is pretty rare.
Huntsville and other northern cities might see about 1 day of snow in December on average, but totals usually stay under an inch.
A white Christmas almost never happens—just a handful in the state’s history.
Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and Montgomery basically never see snow on Christmas.
If flakes fall, they’re light and melt fast.
In the south—Mobile and Dothan—measurable December snow is almost unheard of.
If you’re dreaming of snow, your best shot is in the northern hills, but the odds are still slim.
Rain is way more likely than snow for your holiday.
Regional Weather Variations Across Alabama
Christmas weather in Alabama really depends on where you are.
Temperatures, rainfall, and even the slim snow chance can shift a lot between the north, central, and Gulf Coast regions.
Weather in Birmingham During Christmas
Birmingham usually sees highs in the low to mid-50s °F and lows in the mid-30s °F right around Christmas.
These averages come from long-term records, but things can swing warmer or colder.
Sometimes cold fronts sweep through and drop temperatures fast.
Every now and then, Arctic air brings lows into the single digits.
Snow almost never shows up, though you might see a trace now and then.
Rain is more common than snow.
December is one of Birmingham’s wetter months, so prepare for damp weather.
If you’re visiting, expect some variability—one year could give you mild afternoons, the next, frosty mornings.
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Christmas Climate
Along the Gulf Coast, places like Gulf Shores and Orange Beach stay milder in December.
Average highs reach the low 60s °F, while lows hang out in the mid-40s °F.
You won’t see snow here, but cloudy skies and light showers are common.
Humidity stays higher by the coast, so breezy days can feel cooler than you’d think.
The Gulf helps keep temperatures steady, so you avoid those harsh freezes that hit up north.
If you’re planning to be outside, you can usually walk the beach or wear just a light jacket during the day.
Nights cool off, but freezing is rare.
Rain gear works better than heavy coats down here.
Comparing Northern and Southern Alabama Conditions
Northern Alabama, including Huntsville, usually runs colder than the southern part.
Highs often stick in the upper 40s °F, and lows can slip below freezing.
This area also gets a slightly better shot at a snow flurry.
Southern Alabama, on the other hand, rarely experiences freezing weather at Christmas.
Mobile and other coastal towns are usually 10–15 degrees warmer than the north.
That difference really changes what you pack for your trip.
Key contrast:
- North Alabama: Colder, higher freeze risk, occasional snow.
- South Alabama: Milder, wetter, almost no chance of snow.
These differences make it smart to check local forecasts instead of relying on statewide averages.
Historical Weather Extremes at Christmas
Alabama’s Christmas weather has bounced from warm afternoons to bitterly cold mornings.
Rain, snow, and some wild temperature swings have all popped up in the state’s holiday history.
Warmest and Coldest Recorded Christmas Days
Christmas temperatures in Alabama can really swing.
In Birmingham, the warmest Christmas hit 74°F in 1987.
Other years, like 1982 and 1942, also climbed into the 70s.
Montgomery even saw 82°F in 2016, which is pretty wild for December.
Cold years have made their mark, too.
Montgomery dropped to 5°F in 1983, a big jump from its usual 50s and 30s.
In 2022, the city only reached 41°F, with a low of 18°F.
Birmingham has recorded Christmas highs stuck in the 30s, so Arctic air can settle in fast.
Alabama’s Christmas weather really can flip between near-summer warmth and deep winter chill.
Notable Weather Events in December
Besides temperature swings, precipitation can vary a lot.
Montgomery picked up 1.72 inches of rain on Christmas Day in 2012, its wettest holiday on record.
Most years stay drier, but when storms line up, rain can add up quickly.
Snow doesn’t happen often, but it’s not impossible.
Montgomery saw a trace of snow in 1953 and again in 2010, though it didn’t stick.
Birmingham and parts of North Alabama got their first real white Christmas in 2010, which hadn’t happened in over a century.
December weather in Alabama can swing from mild and calm to wet or even snowy, depending on the year.
Packing and Travel Tips for Christmas in Alabama
You’ll want to prepare for mild but changeable weather, with cooler nights up north and slightly warmer days near the coast.
Holiday travel brings heavier traffic and busier airports, so planning ahead helps a lot.
Recommended Clothing for December Weather
Daytime highs in December run from the low 50s °F in northern Alabama to the low 60s °F by the Gulf.
Nights can drop into the 30s °F inland, while coastal spots like Gulf Shores and Orange Beach stay a bit milder.
Pack layers to handle the changes.
A light or medium jacket, sweaters, and long sleeves work for most days.
If you’re headed to Huntsville or Birmingham, bring a heavier coat for cooler evenings.
Grab comfortable walking shoes for exploring, and waterproof footwear if rain’s in the forecast.
A small umbrella or rain jacket is handy, since December brings light showers.
If you’ll be outdoors near the coast, pack a windbreaker.
That Gulf breeze can feel chilly, even on a mild day.
Travel Considerations for Holiday Visitors
Christmas is a busy travel season in Alabama.
Roads to Montgomery, Birmingham, and the coast often get crowded.
If you’re driving, leave extra time, especially near shopping centers and event spots.
Birmingham and Mobile airports see more travelers at the holidays, so book flights and rentals early.
Arriving ahead of schedule can help you avoid long lines.
Hotels in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach fill up fast because of holiday events, even in the off-season.
Booking early means better rates and more choices.
Public transportation doesn’t cover much of the state, so renting a car gives you more freedom.
Keep in mind, rural roads can get pretty dark at night, so plan to travel during daylight if you can.
Outdoor Activities and Holiday Events
Alabama’s mild winter lets you enjoy outdoor fun and seasonal celebrations.
Coastal areas usually stay nice enough for the beach, while towns and cities host light displays, parades, and family festivals.
Beach Activities in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
On the Gulf Coast, December highs usually reach the upper 50s to mid-60s °F.
You can spend time outside without bundling up too much.
Walking the shoreline, collecting seashells, or watching dolphins from the piers all make for a good day.
Fishing charters keep running, and the crowds are way smaller than in summer.
Golf courses in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach stay open year-round, so you can play a round without the rush.
State parks like Gulf State Park offer hiking and biking trails that are perfect for cooler weather.
If you’d rather slow down, bring a blanket and picnic near the dunes.
The mild air makes it easy to enjoy the coast without the summer heat.
Christmas Events and Local Attractions
Many Alabama towns host holiday parades, light shows, and markets in December.
Foley draws crowds for its annual Christmas parade and decked-out shops, while Andalusia turns its downtown into Christmas in Candyland.
Bellingrath Gardens in Theodore puts on Magic Christmas in Lights, lighting up 65 acres with millions of bulbs.
This event mixes historic buildings with big displays.
Birmingham and Huntsville have their own citywide celebrations.
You’ll find ice skating, concerts, and tree-lighting ceremonies.
Smaller towns like Demopolis and Fairhope focus on community gatherings and festive decorations.
These events give you a chance to enjoy local traditions and Alabama’s mild winter.
Families often plan trips with several stops, mixing coastal relaxation with inland holiday fun.
Climate Influences and Year-to-Year Variability
Christmas weather in Alabama shifts from year to year because of big climate patterns and local quirks.
Some years bring mild, damp days, while others turn out cooler and drier—it all depends on how those global and regional factors line up.
Impact of El Niño and La Niña on Christmas Weather
El Niño and La Niña really shape December weather in Alabama. These Pacific Ocean patterns move the jet stream, push storm tracks around, and change rainfall across the Southeast.
During El Niño, you’ll probably notice wetter and cooler conditions. The subtropical jet stream gets stronger, sending more storm systems across the Gulf Coast.
So, you might see more cloudy days, higher rainfall totals, and cooler afternoons around Christmas.
On the other hand, La Niña years tend to bring drier and warmer holiday weather. Storm systems usually track farther north, so Alabama gets fewer rain events.
That means mild afternoons, more sunshine, and temperatures a bit above normal.
Still, these patterns only tilt the odds—they don’t promise anything specific. Sometimes cold air from the north barges in and shakes things up, even during a La Niña year.
Trends and Variability in December Weather Patterns
Alabama’s December climate tends to show a mix of long-term steadiness and those unpredictable short-term swings. Average highs usually land in the upper 50s °F, and lows dip into the upper 30s °F, but honestly, the weather can surprise you from one year to the next.
Historical records tell us there were stretches of warm Decembers, like in the 1930s and 1950s. Then, the 1960s and 1970s brought cooler spells, just to keep things interesting.
Lately, it feels like mild Decembers show up more often, though every year seems to write its own story.
Rainfall can be all over the place. Some Christmas weeks see steady rain, but other years barely get a drop.
December usually ranks as one of Alabama’s wetter months, yet totals can swing wildly, from under 3 inches to over 7, depending on what’s happening with broader climate patterns.
So, you probably shouldn’t expect just one “typical” Christmas season. If you’re planning ahead, it’s smart to be ready for anything—mild or chilly, wet or dry.