ERA5 almanac comparison — 8 years of real data
Austin vs Gulf Shores: weather in May
Gulf Shores edges out Austin for sun in May: 35% clear historically versus 27% (8-year ERA5 average, a 8-point gap). Both are viable — Gulf Shores is the safer bet.
Austin
TX
- Clear days, May
- 27%
- Sample size
- n=248 days
- Avg high
- 87°F
- Early May (1st–15th)
- 32%
- Late May (16th–end)
- 23%
- Rain frequency
- 49% of days
Gulf Shores
AL
- Clear days, May
- 35%
- Sample size
- n=248 days
- Avg high
- 81°F
- Early May (1st–15th)
- 42%
- Late May (16th–end)
- 29%
- Rain frequency
- 40% of days
Frequently asked
Is Austin or Gulf Shores warmer in May?
Austin runs warmer by day in May. Austin averages highs of 87°F (highs n=248 days); Gulf Shores averages highs of 81°F (highs n=248 days) (ERA5 2018–2025). Historical averages, not a forecast.
Does it rain more in Austin or Gulf Shores in May?
Days with measurable rain: Austin 49%, Gulf Shores 40% (n=248 and n=248 days). ERA5 2018–2025; historical, not a forecast.
Which is sunnier in May, Austin or Gulf Shores?
Gulf Shores edges out Austin for sun in May: 35% clear historically versus 27% (8-year ERA5 average, a 8-point gap). Both are viable — Gulf Shores is the safer bet.
Compare Austin vs Gulf Shores in another month
All percentages are historical averages from the ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, 8 full years (2018–2025). “Clear” means avg high ≥ 72 °F, precipitation < 1 mm, and a non-precipitation weather code. This is history, not a forecast. The live forecast for any destination is on its own page and may differ from the long-run average. Data from Open-Meteo.