Thanksgiving in Alabama usually brings a mix of mild days and chilly nights. The weather can flip pretty quickly from year to year.
Most years, you’ll see afternoon highs in the 60s and nighttime lows near 40 degrees. Rain doesn’t happen often, but it’s not out of the question. That blend of comfortable temperatures and mostly dry skies makes it easy to enjoy the holiday outdoors or while traveling.
Alabama’s climate really keeps you on your toes. One year, you might get sunshine and warmth, and the next, a cold snap or a soaking rain. The state’s spot near the Gulf of Mexico adds another twist, so each Thanksgiving feels a bit different.
If you know the patterns and extremes, you can plan better. Whether you’re getting ready for family gatherings, traveling, or just hoping for time outside, it helps to have a sense of what Thanksgiving usually brings in Alabama.
Typical Thanksgiving Weather in Alabama
You’ll usually get mild daytime temperatures, cooler nights, and mostly dry skies on Thanksgiving in Alabama. The weather can swing a lot, but long-term averages give you a pretty reliable idea of what to expect.
Average Temperatures Across the State
Thanksgiving afternoons often feel comfortable, with highs in the low to mid-60s°F (16–19°C) across much of Alabama. Down south, near Mobile and the Gulf Coast, it might even reach the upper 60s°F (20°C).
Northern spots like Huntsville usually stay a bit cooler. Nights get noticeably colder, with lows in the upper 30s to low 40s°F (3–6°C) in central and northern areas.
In the south, lows usually stick to the mid-40s°F (7–8°C). Temperature swings are pretty normal.
Sometimes, you’ll see highs in the 70s or even 80s°F, but other years, it’ll dip below freezing at night. If you’re planning outdoor stuff, be ready for almost anything.
Historical Weather Patterns
Weather records show Thanksgiving in Alabama can bounce between extremes of warmth and cold, sometimes just a few years apart. For example, Montgomery saw its warmest and coldest Thanksgivings close together, which proves how quickly things can change.
Central Alabama, including Montgomery, hasn’t seen snow on Thanksgiving. Northern areas have had rare flurries in late November, but real snow on the holiday is almost unheard of.
Most years, you’ll get dry and mild weather. Still, there have been Thanksgivings with highs near 80°F or lows well below freezing. These outliers remind you that averages only tell part of the story.
Precipitation Trends in Late November
Rain doesn’t visit Alabama often on Thanksgiving, but it happens. Montgomery’s long-term data shows an average rainfall of about 0.08 inches on the holiday, so most years, you won’t see measurable rain.
When rain does show up, it ranges from light showers to heavier bursts. The heaviest Thanksgiving rain in Montgomery topped 2 inches, but that’s rare.
Late November is usually drier than summer. If you’re traveling, especially in northern counties, keep an eye on the forecast. Wet roads and chilly nights can make travel a little tricky.
Regional Differences in Alabama’s Thanksgiving Weather
Thanksgiving weather in Alabama shifts by region because of elevation, the Gulf, and local climate quirks. Temperatures and rainfall can feel pretty different depending on whether you’re in the northern valleys, central plains, or down by the southern coast.
Northern Alabama Conditions
Northern Alabama usually runs cooler than the rest of the state. Average highs land in the upper 50s to around 60°F, and lows often dip into the mid-30s to upper 30s.
Cities like Huntsville, Muscle Shoals, and Fort Payne tend to log some of the coldest Thanksgiving readings. Frost can show up in the mornings, especially in higher spots like Valley Head, where lows hang near the mid-30s.
Rainfall chances are moderate. Cold fronts sweeping through the Tennessee Valley sometimes bring light showers or brisk winds.
If you’re planning to be outside, pack layers. You’ll want a jacket or sweater for evening gatherings, and mornings can feel a bit biting compared to the afternoons.
Central Alabama Conditions
Central Alabama—think Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Montgomery—usually gets milder conditions. Highs reach the low to mid-60s, and nighttime lows drop into the upper 30s and low 40s.
This region often sees some of the most comfortable Thanksgiving weather in Alabama. Rain happens, but it’s usually light and scattered.
Cold fronts can still swing through, but temperatures rarely get as low as in the north. Afternoon hours are often pleasant enough for outdoor activities without heavy coats.
You might notice the weather shifting quickly. A sunny, mild midday can turn into a cool evening fast, so light layers are handy if you’re moving in and out.
Southern and Coastal Alabama Conditions
Southern Alabama and the coast near Mobile and Dauphin Island usually feel warmer. Average highs often hit the upper 60s, and lows stay in the mid-40s to low 50s.
The Gulf of Mexico helps keep things more moderate than up north. Humidity runs higher, and rain chances are a touch greater than inland.
Coastal areas can get breezy, but strong storms don’t show up much this time of year. If you’re heading to the coast, you can look forward to comfortable afternoons—great for outdoor meals or beach walks.
Light jackets usually do the trick in the evenings, and mornings are mild compared to the chillier valleys inland.
Temperature Extremes and Notable Weather Events
Thanksgiving in Alabama has brought both surprisingly warm afternoons and some truly cold mornings. Rain doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it can show up in a big way.
Record Highs and Lows
Most years, you’ll see highs in the 60s and lows near 40°F, but history shows some wild swings. A few Thanksgivings have reached the upper 70s or even low 80s, making the day feel more like early fall.
Other years, temperatures dropped well below freezing. Some of the coldest Thanksgivings saw overnight lows in the 20s, leaving frost across much of Alabama.
Montgomery’s warmest and coldest Thanksgivings happened just a few years apart, showing how quickly things can change.
Just to put it in perspective:
- Warmest Thanksgiving highs: low 80s
- Coldest Thanksgiving lows: 20s °F
- Typical range: highs in the 60s, lows near 40°F
Unusual Thanksgiving Weather Events
Rain isn’t common on Thanksgiving in Alabama, but it can make an impression when it arrives. Montgomery’s wettest Thanksgiving saw over 2 inches of rain, which is way above normal.
Usually, the day is dry or just has light showers. Snow has never been recorded on Thanksgiving in Montgomery, which sets Alabama apart from northern states where snow is pretty standard this time of year.
Severe weather is possible in late November, but records show no major tornado or storm outbreaks on Thanksgiving Day itself in central Alabama. You’re much more likely to get mild, dry weather than anything extreme.
Climate Influences on Thanksgiving Weather
Several regional factors shape Alabama’s Thanksgiving weather, including temperatures, rainfall, and daily conditions. The Gulf of Mexico and shifting air patterns have the biggest influence on whether the holiday feels warm, cool, wet, or dry.
Gulf of Mexico’s Impact
The Gulf of Mexico acts as Alabama’s main source of warmth and moisture in late November. When winds bring air up from the Gulf, you’ll often notice milder temperatures—sometimes highs push into the 60s or 70s.
Moist air from the Gulf also raises the chance of rain. The wettest Thanksgivings almost always tie back to Gulf moisture moving inland.
Even a small shift in wind direction can change things from clear skies to damp and cloudy. Coastal influence keeps overnight lows a bit higher than inland spots, which is why freezing temperatures happen less often along the coast.
Still, cold fronts can overpower the Gulf’s warmth and bring a chill.
Humidity and Wind Patterns
Humidity in Alabama during Thanksgiving depends on where the air’s coming from. Gulf air brings higher humidity, making things feel warmer than the thermometer says.
Dry air from the north lowers humidity and often brings clearer, cooler days. Wind patterns decide which air mass wins out.
A southerly flow means warmer, more humid weather. A northerly flow brings cooler, drier air.
When these two air masses bump into each other, you might see unsettled weather—maybe rain, or even a storm in rare cases.
Because of all this, Thanksgiving weather can swing from damp and mild to crisp and dry in just a day or two. That’s just Alabama in late November.
What to Expect: Packing and Planning Tips
Alabama’s Thanksgiving weather often jumps between mild afternoons and cooler mornings or evenings. Rain can show up this time of year, so you’ll want to prepare for both outdoor fun and wet travel.
Recommended Clothing for Thanksgiving
Daytime highs usually land in the 60s to low 70s °F, with mornings and nights dipping into the 40s or 50s. That means you’ll want layers.
A light jacket or sweater works for cooler times, while short sleeves or long-sleeve shirts feel good in the afternoon. Bring a water-resistant jacket or umbrella since November can bring showers.
Shoes should handle wet ground, especially if you’re planning outdoor football or a short hike. Skip the heavy winter coats unless a strong cold front’s coming—they’ll probably be too much.
It’s smart to pack a mix of casual wear and one or two dressier outfits for family gatherings or holiday dinners. Lightweight scarves and cardigans add flexibility without stuffing your bag.
Travel Considerations
Holiday traffic in Alabama picks up during Thanksgiving week, especially on I‑65, I‑20, and I‑85. If you’re driving, leave extra time and try to travel early in the morning to dodge the worst of it.
Rain can slow things down, so check forecasts before leaving. Keep an emergency kit in your car—think flashlight, blanket, bottled water.
Even though severe weather isn’t common in late November, storms can still happen, so stay alert to local advisories.
If you’re flying, expect bigger crowds at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International and Huntsville International airports. Pack essentials—medications, chargers, a change of clothes—in your carry-on just in case.
Booking parking or shuttles ahead of time can save you some stress.
Comparing Thanksgiving to Other Fall Months
When you check out Thanksgiving weather in Alabama, it usually feels like a weird mix between October and December. Afternoon highs mostly land in the 60s, which feels cooler than October but definitely warmer than December.
At night, temps dip just below 40°F, hinting that winter’s creeping in. October, on the other hand, tends to be warmer and a bit drier.
Highs in October often climb into the 70s, and lows usually hang out in the 50s. By the time December rolls around, you’re looking at highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s, so Thanksgiving really does land right in the middle.
Here’s a quick comparison of what to expect:
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| October | 73–76 | 50–54 | ~3.0 |
| November | 63–67 | 39–43 | ~4.0 |
| December | 54–57 | 34–38 | ~4.5 |
Rain chances shift as fall goes on. October generally brings fewer wet days, while November and December tend to get more rain.
On Thanksgiving itself, rainfall can happen, but honestly, most years stay dry.
November can be all over the place, weather-wise. Some years, you’ll get warm afternoons in the 70s, but other times, it might dip below freezing at night.
That range is wider than what you get in October, but it’s still not as cold as December.