Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi, is a charming coastal town located in Hancock County, along the Gulf of Mexico. Located just 60 miles east of New Orleans, Louisiana, Bay Saint Louis offers residents and visitors alike a unique blend of Southern charm, coastal beauty, and cultural richness. With a population of approximately 13,000 residents and covering an area of 16.9 square miles, Bay Saint Louis provides a welcoming community atmosphere amidst its scenic landscapes and historic landmarks.
Geography and Location
Bay Saint Louis is located at the coordinates 30.3086° N latitude and 89.3308° W longitude. The town is located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, bordered by the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the south and the expansive Bay of Saint Louis to the north. The area is known for its sandy beaches, marshlands, and scenic waterfront views, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and beachgoers.
Affiliation and Major Landmarks
Bay Saint Louis is affiliated with Hancock County and serves as one of its vibrant coastal communities. The town is home to several major landmarks, including the historic Bay Saint Louis Lighthouse, which dates back to 1848 and offers panoramic views of the coastline. Additionally, Bay Saint Louis is known for its quaint downtown area, lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants housed in colorful Victorian-era buildings.
Climate Overview
Bay Saint Louis experiences a humid subtropical climate, typical of the Gulf Coast region, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. The town receives ample rainfall throughout the year, with occasional tropical storms and hurricanes affecting the area during the Atlantic hurricane season. Understanding the climate patterns is essential for residents and visitors to plan outdoor activities and prepare for seasonal weather variations.
Climate and Weather Overview
The climate and weather in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi, exhibit distinct seasonal variations, with hot, humid summers, mild winters, and moderate precipitation throughout the year. Understanding these weather patterns can help residents and visitors make the most of outdoor activities and recreational opportunities in the area.
Monthly Weather Statistics
To provide a comprehensive overview of the weather in Bay Saint Louis, let’s examine the average temperature, precipitation, and number of sunny days for each month of the year.
| Month | Average Temperature (°F) | Precipitation (inches) | Sunny Days |
| January | 55°F | 5.37 inches | 16 days |
| February | 57°F | 5.12 inches | 16 days |
| March | 63°F | 6.08 inches | 18 days |
| April | 69°F | 5.23 inches | 20 days |
| May | 76°F | 4.68 inches | 21 days |
| June | 82°F | 6.11 inches | 20 days |
| July | 84°F | 7.01 inches | 19 days |
| August | 84°F | 7.31 inches | 19 days |
| September | 80°F | 5.67 inches | 17 days |
| October | 72°F | 3.88 inches | 18 days |
| November | 64°F | 4.78 inches | 16 days |
| December | 57°F | 4.92 inches | 15 days |
Weather by Month
January
January brings mild temperatures to Bay Saint Louis, with an average of 55°F. It is one of the wettest months of the year, with 5.37 inches of precipitation. Despite the rain, January offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as birdwatching in nearby wildlife refuges, exploring historical sites, or enjoying fresh seafood at local restaurants. Indoor activities include visiting art galleries, attending live music performances, or exploring the town’s museums.
February
February sees similar temperatures to January, with an average of 57°F. Precipitation levels decrease slightly to 5.12 inches, but occasional rain showers may occur. February is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking in local nature preserves, fishing along the bayous, or taking scenic drives along the coastal highway. Additionally, residents can enjoy indoor activities such as cooking classes, wine tastings, or attending cultural events.
March
As spring approaches, March brings milder temperatures averaging around 63°F. With 6.08 inches of precipitation, occasional rain showers and thunderstorms are common. March is an excellent time for outdoor activities such as kayaking or paddleboarding in the bay, biking along scenic trails, or attending outdoor concerts and festivals. Indoor activities include visiting art galleries, attending wine tastings, or taking cooking classes.
April
April marks the arrival of spring in Bay Saint Louis, with temperatures averaging 69°F. While precipitation levels decrease to 5.23 inches, the weather becomes increasingly mild, and flowers begin to bloom. April is perfect for outdoor activities such as beachcombing, boating on the bay, or attending outdoor markets and craft fairs. Indoor activities include visiting historical sites, attending live theater performances, or exploring local boutiques.
May
May brings warmer temperatures to Bay Saint Louis, with an average of 76°F. With 4.68 inches of precipitation, occasional showers may occur, but sunny days abound. May is an ideal time for outdoor activities such as swimming and sunbathing on the beach, fishing off the pier, or taking scenic nature walks in nearby state parks. Indoor activities include visiting art galleries, attending wine tastings, or taking cooking classes.
June
June heralds the arrival of summer in Bay Saint Louis, with temperatures averaging around 82°F. With 6.11 inches of precipitation, the weather becomes warm and humid, perfect for beach days and outdoor adventures. June is an excellent time for swimming, surfing, or paddleboarding in the Gulf waters, picnicking in waterfront parks, or attending outdoor concerts and festivals. Indoor activities include visiting museums, attending live music performances, or exploring local eateries.
July
July is one of the hottest months in Bay Saint Louis, with average temperatures reaching 84°F. Despite the heat, precipitation levels increase to 7.01 inches, with occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Visitors can cool off by swimming in the Gulf waters, building sandcastles on the beach, or indulging in water sports such as jet skiing or parasailing. Indoor activities include visiting art galleries, attending indoor concerts, or enjoying seafood dinners at waterfront restaurants.
August
August brings similar temperatures to July, with an average of 84°F. While precipitation levels remain high at 7.31 inches, sunny days still offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun. August is perfect for exploring local nature reserves, kayaking through scenic bayous, or taking boat tours to spot dolphins and other marine life. Indoor activities include visiting museums, attending art workshops, or sampling local cuisine at food festivals.
September
As summer transitions to fall, September sees mild temperatures averaging around 80°F. With 5.67 inches of precipitation, occasional rain showers may occur, but sunny days are still plentiful. September is an ideal time for beachcombing, birdwatching, or enjoying sunset cruises along the coastline. Indoor activities include visiting art galleries, attending live theater performances, or taking cooking classes featuring seasonal ingredients.
October
October marks the arrival of fall in Bay Saint Louis, with temperatures dropping to an average of 72°F. With 3.88 inches of precipitation, the weather becomes cooler, and fall foliage begins to appear in the surrounding landscapes. October is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking in state parks, attending fall festivals and pumpkin patches, or taking scenic drives along coastal highways. Indoor activities include visiting art galleries, attending wine tastings, or taking cooking classes featuring autumn flavors.
November
November brings cooler temperatures to Bay Saint Louis, with an average of 64°F. While precipitation levels increase to 4.78 inches, the town may experience occasional rain showers. November is an excellent time for outdoor activities such as birdwatching in wildlife refuges, fishing in bayous and rivers, or taking nature walks to observe migratory birds. Indoor activities include visiting historical sites, attending live music performances, or exploring local markets for seasonal produce.
December
December ushers in the winter season in Bay Saint Louis, with temperatures averaging 57°F. With 4.92 inches of precipitation, the town experiences mild temperatures and occasional rain showers. Outdoor activities may include holiday-themed events and light displays, coastal birdwatching, or exploring nature trails in nearby wildlife refuges. Indoor activities include visiting art galleries, attending holiday concerts, or enjoying seafood dinners at waterfront restaurants.