Mobile Bay Water Temperature, Tides & Buoy Report

Region: Alabama

Mobile Bay is the fourth-largest estuary in the United States, fed by the Alabama and Tombigbee rivers and draining a watershed that covers much of Alabama and Mississippi. The bay's mix of freshwater and saltwater, combined with extensive grass beds and shell reefs, creates a dynamic estuarine environment where conditions shift with river flow, wind, and season.

NOAA Stations Near Mobile Bay

• ORANGE BEACH - 44 NM SE of Mobile, AL (42012)
• LUKE OFFSHORE TEST PLATFORM - 63 NM South of Dauphin Island, AL (42040)

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions does Big Buoy track near Mobile Bay?

Big Buoy provides real-time water temperature, wave height, wind speed and direction, swell period, and atmospheric pressure from NOAA stations across the region, including Orange Beach and the Luke Offshore Platform. You also get 7-day tide forecasts, solunar tables, and extended weather outlooks covering Mobile Bay, the barrier islands, and the Alabama Gulf Coast.

What is the tidal range in Mobile Bay?

Tidal range in Mobile Bay is small — typically 1.5 to 2 feet — but wind-driven tides can significantly raise or lower water levels throughout the system. A sustained southerly wind piles water into the upper bay; a norther can drain the shallows. The Dauphin Island and the Fort Morgan peninsula passes create distinct current patterns on each tide change.

What conditions should I check before heading out on Mobile Bay?

Wind direction and speed are the most important variables — they control water levels in the bay more than the astronomical tide. Check for recent rainfall and river discharge levels since heavy runoff from the Alabama and Tombigbee rivers can push salinity near zero in the upper bay and reduce water clarity dramatically. On the Gulf side, check wave height and swell at the offshore buoys separately from bay conditions — the barrier islands create very different environments on each side. Big Buoy shows real-time Gulf buoy data plus tide and weather forecasts for planning around weather windows.

What NOAA stations does Big Buoy track near Mobile Bay?

Big Buoy tracks 882 NOAA buoys and 3,400+ tide stations nationwide, with many in the Mobile Bay area — including ORANGE BEACH - 44 NM SE of Mobile, AL (42012), LUKE OFFSHORE TEST PLATFORM - 63 NM South of Dauphin Island, AL (42040). Each station reports water temperature, wave height, wind speed and direction, and more — updated every 10 minutes. Open the map to see all stations near Mobile Bay.

What marine conditions are available for Mobile Bay?

Big Buoy shows real-time water temperature, wave height, swell period, wind speed and direction, 7-day tide tables with exact high and low times, and daily solunar peak windows for Mobile Bay.

Is Big Buoy free to use for Mobile Bay marine conditions?

Yes. Real-time buoy data, tides, and solunar for Mobile Bay are completely free with no account required. Big Buoy Pro adds the Wind Tab, the Depth Chart, satellite overlays (sea surface temp, chlorophyll, currents), 16-day forecasts, and forecast model switching.