ERA5 almanac comparison — 8 years of real data
Big Sur vs Gulf Shores: weather in April
Gulf Shores edges out Big Sur for sun in April: 30% clear historically versus 2% (8-year ERA5 average, a 28-point gap). Gulf Shores also sees measurably more rain than Big Sur this month (34% vs 16% of days). Both are viable — Gulf Shores is the safer bet.
Big Sur
CA
- Clear days, April
- 2%
- Sample size
- n=240 days
- Avg high
- 60°F
- Early April (1st–15th)
- 2%
- Late April (16th–end)
- 2%
- Rain frequency
- 16% of days
Gulf Shores
AL
- Clear days, April
- 30%
- Sample size
- n=240 days
- Avg high
- 74°F
- Early April (1st–15th)
- 22%
- Late April (16th–end)
- 38%
- Rain frequency
- 34% of days
Frequently asked
Is Big Sur or Gulf Shores warmer in April?
Gulf Shores runs warmer by day in April. Big Sur averages highs of 60°F (highs n=240 days); Gulf Shores averages highs of 74°F (highs n=240 days) (ERA5 2018–2025). Historical averages, not a forecast.
Does it rain more in Big Sur or Gulf Shores in April?
Gulf Shores is measurably wetter than Big Sur. Days with measurable rain: Big Sur 16%, Gulf Shores 34% (n=240 and n=240 days). ERA5 2018–2025; historical, not a forecast.
Which is sunnier in April, Big Sur or Gulf Shores?
Gulf Shores edges out Big Sur for sun in April: 30% clear historically versus 2% (8-year ERA5 average, a 28-point gap). Gulf Shores also sees measurably more rain than Big Sur this month (34% vs 16% of days). Both are viable — Gulf Shores is the safer bet.
Compare Big Sur 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.