11 Gulf Coast Towns with Amazing Weather Year-Round
Bordering the United States coasts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Alabama, and Florida, the Gulf of Mexico is one of the country’s best vacation destinations. As the largest gulf in the world, with an estimated 1,631-mile general coastline in the US, this region flaunts some of the nation’s prettiest state parks and white sand beaches.
The region is especially known for its tropical and subtropical climates which are largely regulated by the Bermuda-Azores High. This area of high-pressure air in the North Atlantic Ocean guides warm tropical air in a clockwise motion, steering it to the Gulf Coast States.
For those looking to escape the cold or simply enjoy a tropical getaway, this coastal region is your ticket to sunshine and beach days. These 11 Gulf Coast towns promise mild winters and balmy summers, perfect for enjoying their shores, piers, parks, and attractions year-round.
Naples, Florida
Averaging 264 days of sunshine a year, Naples is a quintessential Florida beach town famous for its sugar-sand shores. Summer temperatures reach the mid-90s, while winters are mild and sunny, with average high temperatures in the 70s range. With mellowed weather, some outdoor attractions even extend their hours in the winter, like Naples’ Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.
But despite this dip in temperature, this southwest Florida town is a year-round tropical paradise, with temperatures rarely dropping below 50°F. Meaning that visitors can appreciate the “Caribbean vibe” of Lowdermilk Beach, enjoy serene sunsets at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, and visit the landmark Naples Pier year-round.
Marco Island, Florida
A 40-minute drive from Naples will bring you to the largest barrier island in Southwest Florida's Ten Thousand Islands chain. Boasting 6 miles of sandy shores, Marco Island is another classic beach town with some of the best year-round weather in the state. Its coolest month (January) remains incredibly comfortable, dropping to an average low of just 57°F. January’s average high, on the other hand, reaches 73°F, just a 1° difference from August’s average low of 75°F.
With summer temperatures reaching average highs of over 90°F, this is when shores like Tigertail Beach, South Marco Beach, and Hideaway Beach really shine. Alternatively, for a more relaxing day in the sand, travelers can rent a boat from places like The Isles of Capri Marina. A short excursion will bring you to the beautiful and secluded Keewaydin Island, located between Marco Island and Naples.
Captiva Island, Florida
In a 2024 Thrillist article, the travel website dubbed Captiva Island the top “Must-Visit Small Town” in Florida. The article highlights its easygoing downtown (“like a much, much more laid-back version of Key West”) and its gorgeous beachfront sunsets. As for the introverted traveler, Thrillest emphasizes the island’s greatest feature: its seclusion.
For beachgoers, Captiva’s subtropical climate produces hot summers and mild winters, along with an average of 266 sunny days per year. Like Naples, people visiting Captiva in the winter can expect average high temperatures in the 70s, and it is unlikely you will encounter anything below 50°F. Many actually prefer to visit the island in winter, since summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F. But no matter the season, the turquoise waters and sunsets at Turner Beach and Captiva Beach are divine.
South Padre Island, Texas
Located on a barrier island of the same name, South Padre Island is another top-rated resort community. Like Captiva, this Texas island town has a subtropical climate, with long summers and gentle winters. Along with an average of 227 sunny days, visitors can expect a summer high of 91°F and a winter low of 53°F, making it one of the warmest places in the state.
With weather this great, shores like the South Padre Island Beach are full of life in all seasons. Other outdoor attractions are also vibrant year-round, like the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary. Listed as the #1 thing to do in South Padre Island by Tripadvisor, this beachfront center is a great activity for the whole family.
At the center, visitors can explore a birding boardwalk, an observation tower, and countless interactive animal exhibits. And unlike other sanctuaries, it is at its brightest from fall through spring due to bird migrations. Winter is also considered one of the best times to visit, with a more diverse selection of species at the center, like waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds.
Grand Isle, Louisiana
Over in the Bayou State, the town of Grand Isle is known for its namesake attraction, Grand Isle State Park. This beautiful barrier island attraction sees most of its visitors in the summer when the town is at its warmest, reaching 90°F or higher. But even when this Louisiana town dips to 50°F in the winter months, there is a low risk of seeing uncomfortable temperatures below 40°F. Instead, winter weather ranges between 50 and 70°F.
Located at the eastern end of Grand Isle, Grand Isle State Park is “Louisiana’s best-known stretch of sand.” With its warm Gulf waters, swimming is popular almost year-round. But even when the waves start feeling a bit too brisk, there is still plenty to see and do. Kayaking, fishing, sunset walks, and camping on the beach can be enjoyed in every season.
Panama City Beach, Florida
Back in Florida, Panama City Beach is a gateway to gorgeous shores at St. Andrews State Park. Sandwiched by the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay, snorkeling, swimming, and surfing are in high supply in this Florida nature haven. Back on land, visitors can explore the 1,200 acres of forests, sand dunes, and beachfront by foot or bike the paved 2-mile path.
Even in January (the town’s coldest month), visitors can look forward to temperatures above 60°F. Paired with the average 320 days of sunshine, Panama City Beach is the perfect place to escape colder weather back home. Whether bringing your family to its Shipwreck Island Waterpark or casting a line at the year-round M.B. Miller County Pier, your time in this Florida town will be nothing short of blissful.
St. George Island, Florida
Further south, St. George Island is an unspoiled barrier island perfect for those craving a more secluded retreat. At more than 20 miles long and 1 mile wide, there is plenty of sand to go around. So if you are someone who loves uncrowded beaches for swimming, shelling, sunbathing, and wildlife viewing, this island town is for you. With annual temperatures ranging from a low of 42°F and a high of 91°F, visitors can expect endless fun in the sun.
Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park is by far the town’s most famous beach-and for good reason. Rated the #1 Beach in America by Dr. Beach, this Florida Panhandle park is simply divine for those who love undeveloped shores. With Apalachicola Bay on one side and the Gulf on the other, visitors can enjoy a nice blend of nature trails through wooded marshlands and pristine white sands. With this rich mix of nature, animal lovers on the gulf shore can keep an eye out for dolphins, while birders can appreciate the nested life out on the marshes. To explore more of the park, cyclists can also follow bike paths through 4 miles of paved trails and 3.5 miles of nature paths.
Anna Maria Island, Florida
Over 6 hours south of St. George, you will find an even warmer barrier island town. Even at its lowest average, Anna Maria Island sees temperatures of 56°F, with an average high of just over 90°F in August. At 7 miles long, Anna Maria may be smaller than St. George, but its beaches are equally beautiful and even more laid-back.
For those visiting Anna Maria for its location in Manatee County, November through March are the best times to spot the majestic creatures. This is when the loveable “sea cows” come closer to shore in search of warmer waters. For your best chance at spotting them, head to local spots like Bean Point and Manatee Beach, or you may get lucky at the Anna Maria City Pier. But the best way to spot manatees and other marine life is by booking eco-friendly excursions with services like Florida Blue Adventures' Guided Kayak Tour.
Port Aransas, Texas
In the beautiful Texas town of Port Aransas, winter temperatures remain comfortable in the 50s and 60s, while summer stretches to a toasty mid-to-high-90s. As the "Fishing Capital of Texas," this beautiful weather means attractions like the Port Aransas Fishermans Wharf and Horace Caldwell Pier are full of life year-round.
If fishing is not really your thing, there is still plenty to see and do outdoors in Mustang Island town. Boasting 18 miles of uninterrupted public shoreline, Port Aransas Beach has a great mix of classic beach activities like swimming and sand castle building along with more adventurous experiences like soaring with Chute ‘Em Up Parasailing. For an adventure outside the sand, Port Aransas is also home to gems like the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center, The University of Texas Marine Science Institute, and Roberts Point Park.
Surfside Beach, Texas
Surfside Beach, known by locals as “Surfside,” is another scenic Texas beach town with tons of year-round sun, reaching summer temperatures in the early 90s. Since it is a bit north of Port Aransas, temperatures can drop a little bit more in the winter to low averages of 45°F in January. But overall, winters are short and mild, generally staying in the mid-60s.
The golden 4-mile shore in this beach town is truly top-tier for a day in the sand. Plus, local companies like Explore More make water recreation a breeze, delivering your jet ski, surfboard, and kayak rentals right to you. From September through May, Surfside Beach also offers Beach Bum Horse Rides for the ultimate vacation memory.
Seaside, Florida
Listed as 1 of “6 US Beach Towns That Are Just as Great in the Off-Season” by Daily Passport, Seaside is perfect for those seeking a more upscale getaway spot. This picturesque community boasts a comfortable 62°F average in January and 90°F in summer months like July. So whether enjoying the public beach areas or splurging on hotels like the WaterColor Inn for private beach access, no matter the season, you can enjoy barefoot walks in the sand.
Beyond its shores, Seaside is famous for its whimsical aesthetic and atmosphere. The town is especially known for being the birthplace of the New Urbanism movement and the film setting for the 1998 film “The Truman Show.” While strolling through this highly walkable town and enjoying features like the Seaside Farmers Market, Seaside Chapel, and Fusion Art Glass Gallery, you will see the iconic pastel color scheme in its buildings and landmarks.
Final Thoughts
While we often associate tropical weather with the Bahamas and Maldives, thanks to the Bermuda-Azores High, we can enjoy a taste of the tropics right on the US Gulf Coast. From Naples’ spirited “Caribbean” beach fronts to Seaside’s chic and demure coastal atmosphere, all of these towns promise fun in the sun year-round.
