ERA5 almanac comparison — 8 years of real data
Big Sur vs Gulf Shores: weather in October
Gulf Shores edges out Big Sur for sun in October: 47% clear historically versus 30% (8-year ERA5 average, a 17-point gap). Gulf Shores also sees measurably more rain than Big Sur this month (30% vs 8% of days). Both are viable — Gulf Shores is the safer bet.
Big Sur
CA
- Clear days, October
- 30%
- Sample size
- n=248 days
- Avg high
- 70°F
- Early October (1st–15th)
- 32%
- Late October (16th–end)
- 28%
- Rain frequency
- 8% of days
Gulf Shores
AL
- Clear days, October
- 47%
- Sample size
- n=248 days
- Avg high
- 78°F
- Early October (1st–15th)
- 55%
- Late October (16th–end)
- 40%
- Rain frequency
- 30% of days
Frequently asked
Is Big Sur or Gulf Shores warmer in October?
Gulf Shores runs warmer by day in October. Big Sur averages highs of 70°F (highs n=248 days); Gulf Shores averages highs of 78°F (highs n=248 days) (ERA5 2018–2025). Historical averages, not a forecast.
Does it rain more in Big Sur or Gulf Shores in October?
Gulf Shores is measurably wetter than Big Sur. Days with measurable rain: Big Sur 8%, Gulf Shores 30% (n=248 and n=248 days). ERA5 2018–2025; historical, not a forecast.
Which is sunnier in October, Big Sur or Gulf Shores?
Gulf Shores edges out Big Sur for sun in October: 47% clear historically versus 30% (8-year ERA5 average, a 17-point gap). Gulf Shores also sees measurably more rain than Big Sur this month (30% vs 8% 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.