Mobile
Mobile draws visitors for Mardi Gras, which was first celebrated here in 1703, along with antebellum house museums and a working deep-water port on Alabama's Gulf Coast.
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Mobile is a port city and the county seat of Mobile County, at the head of Mobile Bay on Alabama's north-central Gulf Coast. It is the state's only deep-water port. The French founded the settlement at the Old Mobile Site in 1702 and moved it to its present site in 1711. France, Britain, Spain and the United States each held the city in turn.
Mobile is known for Mardi Gras. Carnival was first celebrated here in 1703, and mystic societies, the clubs that organize the parades, build floats and throw small gifts to spectators downtown. Carnival season can start with balls as early as November, and parades begin after January 5. Mardi Gras falls on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. Between events, walk Lower Dauphin Street and the Oakleigh Garden District, then visit Battleship Memorial Park to see the USS Alabama. Summers are hot and humid and winters are mild and rainy. July and August are the wettest months, while October is slightly drier.
Mobile in five
- Time the balloon fiestaThe Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta runs in early October and books rooms months ahead. Reserve early or choose another week if you want quiet.Balloon Fiesta
- Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway at clear hoursThe tram climbs the mountain east of the city, with city views and trails at the top. Check operating hours and weather before you go, since high winds can close it.Sandia Peak Tramway
- Eat green chileNew Mexico chile, red or green, appears on many menus. Ask for "Christmas" to try both on one plate.
- Plan for the altitude and dry airThe city sits at about 5,300 feet (1,620 m). Drink water, use sunscreen and take it easy on the first day.
- Check entry rules before you book into the SunportVisa Waiver Program passports need an approved ESTA before boarding, and other passports need a visa. Confirm which applies to you before you buy a fare.Visa checker
Need to know
- Airport
- Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), about 10 min to downtown by car
- Getting there
- Fly into ABQ; drive from Santa Fe in about 1 hour
- Getting around
- Car or rideshare; the ABQ RIDE bus network
- Best base
- Old Town, downtown or Nob Hill
- Time needed
- 2 days; 3 to 4 with Santa Fe
Weather by month
- Best
- JanuaryCold, sun
- FebruaryCool, dry
- MarchWindy, spring
- AprilMild, spring
- MayWarm, dry
- JuneHot, dry
- JulyHot, monsoon
- AugustHot, monsoon
- SeptemberWarm, clear
- OctoberBalloon Fiesta
- NovemberCool, clear
- DecemberCold, luminarias
Right now in Mobile
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
26
- Feels like
- 27°
- Humidity
- 62%
- Wind
- 13 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 2%
Mobile
02:36 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today25°18°2%Monday: Cloudy. High 25°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 2%.
- Tue25°18°41%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 25°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 41%.
- Wed28°21°55%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 55%.
- Thu28°18°6%Thursday: Cloudy. High 28°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 6%.
- Fri26°15°5%Friday: Cloudy. High 26°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 5%.
- Sat25°12°5%Saturday: Cloudy. High 25°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 5%.
- Sun27°13°14%Sunday: Cloudy. High 27°, Low 13°. Chance of rain 14%.
Updated 12:22 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Santa Feabout 1 hour by carAdobe plaza, museums and galleries; the Rail Runner also runs on its current schedule.Read the guide
- Taosabout 2.5 to 3 hours by carA high-desert town with a historic pueblo and art galleries.Read the guide
- Acoma Puebloabout 1 hour by carA mesa-top Native community; tours run on set schedules.
Before you go to Mobile
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Rules for Mobile, checked
- Check whether you need a US visa or an ESTA before you fly. The requirement depends on your passport, so confirm it on the US State Department site (travel.state.gov).
- Mystic society balls, the formal Mardi Gras masquerades, are usually by invitation only. The street parades are open to the public, so plan your Carnival visit around them.
- Hurricanes have struck Mobile, including Frederic in 1979, Katrina in 2005 and Sally in 2020. The Atlantic season runs June to November, so check the National Hurricane Center (nhc.noaa.gov) and Mobile County emergency alerts before you travel.
Plan around Mobile
Parks, cities and the rules every visitor needs
Read the guideFlagstaffA mountain town and Grand Canyon gateway, west on I-40
Read the guideEl PasoA border city on the road south
Read the guideBryce CanyonHoodoos in Utah, a long drive but a classic stop
Read the guideESTA, explainedWho needs it, the fee and how to apply
Read the guideMobile FAQ
How many days do you need in Albuquerque?
Two days cover Old Town, the Sandia tram and a green chile meal. Add a day for Santa Fe or Acoma Pueblo. During the balloon fiesta, plan an early morning at the launch field.
Is Albuquerque worth visiting?
Yes, if you like Southwest food, mountain views and Route 66. It works best as a base for Santa Fe, pueblos and the Sandias rather than as a long-stay city.
When is the best time to visit Albuquerque?
April to May and September to October. Early October brings the balloon fiesta and crowds; July and August are hot with monsoon storms.
Do you need a car in Albuquerque?
Yes for most trips. The city is spread out, and day trips to Santa Fe, Taos and pueblos are easier by car. Old Town and Nob Hill are walkable once you are there.
Is Albuquerque safe for tourists?
Visitors usually stick to Old Town, downtown and Nob Hill. Like any big city, stay alert at night and avoid leaving valuables in a parked car.