The best time to visit Biloxi, Mississippi is from mid-April to early May and from October to early November. Average highs run from about 77°F in April to 80°F in October, which is comfortable for beach walks, boat trips and sightseeing without the peak summer heat. June to August is best for swimming, and December to February is the quietest for casinos and museums, though hurricane season runs from June through November.
Quick Answer
The best time to visit Biloxi is mid-April to early May or October to early November. Choose June–August for warm-water swimming, and compare midweek dates from December–February for a quieter trip. Check the event calendar and hurricane forecast before you book.
Key Takeaways
- Best weather: April (about 77°F), May (about 84°F) and October (about 80°F) are comfortable for outdoor plans.
- Summer: Highs of 89–91°F, high humidity and frequent thunderstorms, but the warmest swimming conditions.
- Hurricane season: June 1 to November 30, with historic peak activity around September 10.
- Events can change prices: Cruisin’ the Coast in early October and Mardi Gras can create busy weekends and higher demand.
Best Time to Visit Biloxi Month by Month
Temperatures and rainfall are rounded NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals for Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. Crowd levels are general patterns, not measured occupancy or guaranteed prices.
| Month | Avg high / low | Avg rain | Typical crowds | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 61°F / 42°F | 4.9 in | Low to moderate | Cool and mild; Mardi Gras season starts January 6 |
| February | 65°F / 46°F | 4.4 in | Moderate; high near Mardi Gras | Parades build toward Fat Tuesday |
| March | 70°F / 52°F | 5.2 in | Moderate | Warming up; Ship Island ferry resumes mid-March |
| April | 77°F / 58°F | 5.5 in | Moderate | Comfortable days; Crawfish Music Festival |
| May | 84°F / 66°F | 4.7 in | Moderate | Warm; swimming season begins |
| June | 89°F / 73°F | 6.9 in | High | Hot and humid; hurricane season starts |
| July | 90°F / 75°F | 7.2 in | High | Hottest, wettest month; warm water |
| August | 91°F / 75°F | 6.5 in | High | Very warm; tropical weather watch |
| September | 88°F / 71°F | 5.2 in | Low to moderate | Heat eases; historic hurricane peak |
| October | 80°F / 60°F | 3.7 in | Moderate; high during Cruisin’ the Coast | Driest month; festival season |
| November | 70°F / 49°F | 4.0 in | Moderate | Cool; Peter Anderson Festival in Ocean Springs |
| December | 64°F / 45°F | 4.5 in | Low to moderate | Mild; holiday events |
Spring (March to May): The Comfortable Shoulder Season
Spring warms quickly, from a high near 70°F in March to about 84°F in May. It is a good time for the lighthouse, historic districts, fishing trips and waterfront walks. Rain is still possible, so keep one indoor backup plan.
- Ship Island: Seasonal passenger ferry service to Ship Island in Gulf Islands National Seashore generally runs from mid-March through October. The ferry leaves from Gulfport, not Biloxi, so confirm the current schedule before you plan.
- Crawfish Music Festival: Held in April at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi.
- Blessing of the Fleet and Shrimp Festival: This long-running Biloxi tradition takes place around late May or early June (the 97th was held in 2026).
Summer (June to August): Heat, Warm Water and Storms
Summer brings the highest temperatures, from about 89°F in June to 91°F in August, plus humidity and frequent thunderstorms. July is the rainiest month on average, with June and August close behind. It is the best season for swimming and water sports.
- Plan outdoor time early in the day and keep indoor options such as museums, restaurants and casino resort entertainment ready for hot or stormy afternoons.
- Before swimming, check the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality beach monitoring program. Heavy rain can affect water quality, and advisories apply to water contact rather than the sand.
- Watch tropical forecasts from August onward, as the Atlantic season builds toward its peak.
Fall (September to November): Festivals and Tropical Awareness
September is still hot at about 88°F, but October brings average highs near 80°F and the lowest average rainfall of the year. November cools to about 70°F, which suits coastal walks and nearby Ocean Springs.
- Cruisin’ the Coast: This classic-car event takes place in early October across the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The 30th edition ran October 4–11, 2026, with events in Biloxi, Gulfport, Ocean Springs and other coastal cities. Expect traffic on Highway 90 and strong demand for rooms.
- Peter Anderson Arts and Crafts Festival: This arts festival is held in early November in downtown Ocean Springs, just across Biloxi Bay (2026: November 7–8, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
- Hurricane season: The National Hurricane Center identifies September 10 as the historic peak, with most activity from mid-August to mid-October. This is a historical pattern, not a prediction for your dates.
Hurricane planning: Book refundable or flexible reservations when you can, read cancellation and travel-insurance terms before paying, and monitor the National Hurricane Center for current conditions before departure.
Winter (December to February): Mild and Quiet
Winter highs average about 61–65°F, with lows in the 40s. The beach is less inviting for swimming, but casinos, restaurants, museums and historic sites work well in cooler weather.
- Gulf Coast Mardi Gras: Carnival season runs from January 6 to Fat Tuesday, which falls on February 9 in 2027. Parade dates and routes vary by community.
- Ship Island: Per the National Park Service, buildings and Fort Massachusetts on the island are closed from November 1 to the end of February, and the ferry is seasonal.
- Quieter stays: Non-event weekdays can feel relaxed, but holiday weeks and Mardi Gras weekends can be busy.
Costs and Hotel Booking Tips
Room rates depend on the hotel, day of the week, events and booking terms. There is no single cheapest month for every property, so compare actual dates instead of assuming that summer or winter is cheaper.
- Compare the same property and room type on a weekday, a weekend and a nearby alternate date.
- Check the total price, including taxes, resort fees and parking, rather than just the nightly rate.
- Review cancellation deadlines, especially from June to November.
- Compare large resorts such as Beau Rivage, IP Casino Resort Spa and Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Biloxi with smaller hotels along Highway 90.
Best Time to Visit Biloxi by Interest
- Beach and swimming: Late May through August, with storm and heat planning.
- Ship Island day trip: April–May or October, when the ferry operates and the weather is mild.
- Casinos and nightlife: Year-round, with livelier weekends in summer and during events.
- History and coastal heritage: Spring and fall for walking the Biloxi Lighthouse area, the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum and Beauvoir. Confirm hours before you go.
- Festivals: Early October (Cruisin’ the Coast), early November (Peter Anderson Festival) or Mardi Gras season.
Getting to Biloxi and Nearby Trips
Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT) is the nearest airport. You can also fly into New Orleans and drive about 90 miles east. Pair Biloxi with Gulfport, the ferry departure point for Ship Island, or with New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama for a Gulf Coast road trip. Inland, Natchez and Jackson offer a different Mississippi experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to visit Biloxi, Mississippi?
Mid-April to early May and October to early November are the best windows for comfortable sightseeing. NOAA 1991–2020 normals for Gulfport-Biloxi show average highs of about 77°F in April, 84°F in May and 80°F in October. Choose June to August if swimming is the priority.
What is the weather like in Biloxi throughout the year?
Biloxi has a humid subtropical climate. Average highs run from about 61°F in January to about 91°F in August, and July is the wettest month at roughly 7.2 inches. Winters are mild with occasional cold fronts, and summers are hot, humid and stormy.
When is the peak tourist season in Biloxi?
Summer, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, is the main vacation season. Event weekends, including Mardi Gras, Cruisin’ the Coast in early October and holiday weekends, can also create short peaks in lodging demand.
When is the cheapest and quietest time to visit Biloxi?
Non-event weekdays from December through February are often quieter, but no single month is cheapest for every property. Compare the total price, including taxes, fees and parking, across several dates and avoid Mardi Gras and major event weekends.
How does hurricane season affect a Biloxi trip?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, and activity historically peaks around September 10. Most trips are unaffected, but you should check the forecast, understand cancellation terms and consider flexible bookings from June to November.
What is the nearest airport to Biloxi?
Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT) is the closest and sits near Interstate 10. Mississippi’s tourism site lists nonstop service to cities such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston. New Orleans (MSY) is a larger alternative about 90 miles west.
Can you swim in Biloxi in October?
Yes, on warm days. Average highs are around 80°F in October, but the Gulf cools through the month and comfort varies. Check the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality beach monitoring page for water-contact advisories, especially after heavy rain.
Sources
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals — 1991–2020 temperature and precipitation normals for Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport.
- NOAA National Hurricane Center — Hurricane season dates and climatology.
- Mississippi DEQ Beach Monitoring Program — Beach water-contact advisories.
- National Park Service: Ship Island — Ferry season, Fort Massachusetts and island facilities.
- Cruisin’ the Coast — Official event schedule.
- Peter Anderson Arts and Crafts Festival — Official festival dates.
- Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport — Airport and flight information.
- City of Biloxi — Local attractions and municipal information.
