Fern Cave National Wildlife Refuge

Park Wildlife refuge protecting cave habitat and rare bats

Fern Cave National Wildlife Refuge in northern Alabama protects cave habitat and cave-dependent species; access is restricted, with researchers and permitted activities focused on bat conservation and cave ecology.

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Fern Cave system (10.3897-subtbiol.32.38280) Figure 3.jpg
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Fern Cave National Wildlife Refuge
34.6773, -86.3090

How to Get to Fern Cave National Wildlife Refuge #

Fern Cave NWR is in southern Colbert County, Alabama. Public access is limited; approach is typically from local county roads off US highways. Visitors should consult the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site for permit and access information.

Tips for Visiting Fern Cave National Wildlife Refuge #

  • Access is limited and permits may be required for special research; check the refuge's administration for current visitor rules.
  • Wear a headlamp and watch your footing if entering any caves - they can be tight and uneven.
  • Respect posted closures: some bat populations are vulnerable and sections may be seasonally off-limits.

Best Time to Visit Fern Cave National Wildlife Refuge #

Best in spring through autumn for access, but verify closures to protect bat populations.

Spring-Autumn
March-October · 55-85°F (13-29°C)
Warmer months are better for general access but check for sensitive wildlife closures.
Winter
November-February · 35-55°F (2-13°C)
Cooler conditions and fewer insects; some areas may be closed to protect bat hibernation.

Weather & Climate near Fern Cave National Wildlife Refuge #

Climate

Fern Cave National Wildlife Refuge's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1439 mm/year), wettest in March.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
-2°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 9°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (135 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°

Weather

135 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

125 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (164 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

164 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
22°

Weather

125 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm).

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
13° 26°

Weather

125 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Mild
24°C
Temperature
17° 30°

Weather

101 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
19° 32°

Weather

119 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
19° 32°

Weather

86 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm).

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
15° 29°

Weather

111 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
23°

Weather

87 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

120 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (141 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

141 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

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