ERA5 almanac comparison — 8 years of real data
Big Sur vs Gulf Shores: weather in July
Big Sur edges out Gulf Shores for sun in July: 25% clear historically versus 9% (8-year ERA5 average, a 16-point gap). Gulf Shores also sees measurably more rain than Big Sur this month (63% vs 0% of days). Both are viable — Big Sur is the safer bet.
Big Sur
CA
- Clear days, July
- 25%
- Sample size
- n=248 days
- Avg high
- 69°F
- Early July (1st–15th)
- 29%
- Late July (16th–end)
- 22%
- Rain frequency
- 0% of days
Gulf Shores
AL
- Clear days, July
- 9%
- Sample size
- n=248 days
- Avg high
- 87°F
- Early July (1st–15th)
- 12%
- Late July (16th–end)
- 7%
- Rain frequency
- 63% of days
Frequently asked
Is Big Sur or Gulf Shores warmer in July?
Gulf Shores runs warmer by day in July. Big Sur averages highs of 69°F (highs n=248 days); Gulf Shores averages highs of 87°F (highs n=248 days) (ERA5 2018–2025). Historical averages, not a forecast.
Does it rain more in Big Sur or Gulf Shores in July?
Gulf Shores is measurably wetter than Big Sur. Days with measurable rain: Big Sur 0%, Gulf Shores 63% (n=248 and n=248 days). ERA5 2018–2025; historical, not a forecast.
Which is sunnier in July, Big Sur or Gulf Shores?
Big Sur edges out Gulf Shores for sun in July: 25% clear historically versus 9% (8-year ERA5 average, a 16-point gap). Gulf Shores also sees measurably more rain than Big Sur this month (63% vs 0% of days). Both are viable — Big Sur 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.