Best Time to Visit Miami

Want to know the best time to visit Miami? We break down each season in the city.

Known for its tropical heat and endless sun, Miami offers what few other U.S. cities can. Want to know the best time to visit Miami? We have (some) answers. The best time to visit Miami really depends on what you’re looking for. The weather’s a huge draw for a lot of people, so we’ll get into that (it’s not sunny every day!), but we’ll also cover what’s happening each month so that you can make your best decision about when to go. But if you really need a one-size-fits-all answer: the best time to visit Miami is in the spring.

The Best Time to Visit Miami

While Miami is warm every season, there are distinct weather changes throughout the year. Heavy rainfall, tropical storms, and high humidity can put a damper on your plans if you’re not prepared. Use this month-to-month overview of weather and popular events to help you figure out if the best time to visit Miami works for you.

January

Though January is the Sunshine State’s coldest month, for many, it doesn’t feel like winter at all. In fact, with highs in the upper 70s and lows in the 60s, January is Miami’s busiest season. Around this time of year, you’ll find plenty of entertainment options throughout the city and the mild weather makes for the perfect backdrop to the city’s outdoor events. Each year, locals flock to popular festivals and events like Life in Color, Miami’s vibrant electronic music festival, the Miami Marathon, Art Deco Weekend, and the Beaux Arts Festival. Trust us, no matter the weather, it’s unlikely you’ll find yourself bored in the city. 

February

In February, you’ll see plenty of sunshine and warm sea temperatures (it’s the perfect time to hit the beach). If you’re into exploring, you’ll want to take advantage of the dry and not-too-humid weather and visit South Florida’s natural surroundings, like the Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park, and Bill Baggs State Park— all with hiking trails, tours, and wildlife. And to get a taste of the city’s culture, check out the South Beach Wine and Food Festival and the three-day Coconut Grove Art Festival for art, live performances, and lots of food.  

March

If you like it warm, you’ll want to visit Miami in March. We think it’s the best time to visit Miami—the average high is 80 °F and the average low is 65 °F. Packing for this trip should be simple—you won’t need much warm clothing since it doesn’t get very cold at night and as the driest month of the year, the since the city sees hardly any rainfall in March, you can leave the umbrella behind. Heads up: March is Spring Break season, so you may see larger crowds at the beach. But aside from its beaches, Miami offers plenty more; watch a few movies at the Miami Film Festival (this starts at the beginning of the month), explore Jazz in the Gardens and the Miami-Dade County Fair & Expo during mid-March, or catch the Miami Open and Ultra Music Festival at the end of the month.

April

April is the last month in the dry season—the highs are in the mid-80s coupled with a North Atlantic breeze that’ll keep you cool and comfortable. Here are some things to do before those summer storms roll in. Enjoy rooftop cocktails at bars, like Cebada Rooftop, No. 3 Social (order the Fly Me to Tulum cocktail), and Sky Yard. In early April, Miami Beach’s annual Pride Parade and Festival is a must-visit, with drag shows, dance parties, drinks, food, and art. April and May are Miami Attraction & Museum Months, so you’ll luck out on a great deal for museum and event admission. Don’t miss the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Frost Science Museum (which has a fantastic planetarium), or Zoo Miami

May

Now’s the time to bring out that rain jacket. Although May marks the start of the wet season, this month has notably warm weather, with an average high of 87 °F and an average low of 73 °F, making it one of the best months for swimming in the ocean. Take advantage of these warm temps and attend popular events like the Caribbean-influenced Best of the Best Music Fest, which features bars, food vendors, and tons of dancing; the Tamiami International Orchid Festival, where you can see hundreds of rare beauties; Miami Fashion Week, featuring dozens of catwalks and hundreds of gorgeous models; and the Savor SoFlo Fest, where you can sample incredible food, wine, and beer on the fabulous Hollywood Beach Boardwalk.

June

It’s usually hot this time of year, with temperatures reaching an average high of 80 °F and an average low of 76 °F. With frequent rainfall and rising humidity, things can get wet and sticky. Bring out the sunscreen, a water bottle, and a raincoat or umbrella with you wherever you go. Luckily, you’ll be able to escape the rain at the Pérez Art Museum, where you’ll see rotating contemporary exhibits in a garden-like space. Celebrate Black cinema at the glitzy American Black Film Festival, sample rare fruits and tasty treats at the Summer Fruit Festival, and check out the Rum Garden at the Miami Beach Caribbean Heritage Festival.

July

Miami weather continues to heat up in July, with highs in the low 90s and lows in the upper 70s. Still part of the rainy season, there are thunderstorms and heavy rainfall expected nearly every day. Aside from the rain, July is still a popular month in the city. There’s much to explore, like Miami Beach’s Funkshion Fashion Week, which features the (very hot) Swim Week event. For more July events, we recommend the four-day hip-hop bash Rolling Loud Music Festival or the Florida SuperCon, where you can cosplay with the best. 

August

In August, Miami’s weather is more tropical than ever. Temperatures hit a peak with an average high of 91 °F and an average low of 77 °F. It’s Miami’s hottest, sunniest month, but humidity, rainfall, and thunderstorms continue throughout the metro area. As a result, hotel prices are at their lowest. We recommend Miami’s Mango Days of Summer, which includes all-ages activities and attractions taking place all month. But if you’d prefer to stay indoors, August is also Miami Spa Month, where you can take advantage of great discounts at participating resorts, or you can check out participating restaurants during Miami Spice, which kicks off in August and runs through the end of September. Our restaurant guide has hand-picked favorites to enjoy any time of the year. 

September

The heat in Miami typically remains high in September, with an average of 89 °F during the day and about 77 °F at night. While it doesn’t rain quite as much as in the summer months, it’s likely you’ll face short downpours or storms. The ocean breeze helps make September’s humid climate more bearable. The fall is Miami’s quietest season, which means you can snag great deals during Miami Hotels Month. There’s still plenty to do this time of year – check out Barlooza (learn how to make cocktails and drink them), Miami’s roving Food Truck Events, and the Tropical Art Fair.

October

In October, things start cooling down, but not by much. Daily highs are still in the mid-80s, and lows are in the mid-70s. Miami summers tend to be the wettest time of year, so the rain should begin to dissipate too. You can catch the South Beach Seafood Festival in October, a four-day culinary fest with tasting events and live music. There are also lots of great events on Halloween, like the Lincoln Road Halloween Party, HalloWYN Block Party at the Wynwood Marketplace, and Zoo Boo at Zoo Miami. October and November are Miami Entertainment Months—snag those deals on theater performances, concerts, sporting events, and more. 

November

Temps get slightly cooler in November, with an average high of 82 °F and an average low of 68 °F. Similar to the spring, it’s generally pleasant this time of year—not too hot, humid, or wet, plus a nice ocean breeze. Wondering what to do this time of year? If you’re a culinary explorer, you’ll want to add the vegan food festival Seed Food and Wine Week to your list for plant-based bites, wines, and entertainment from wellness brands. November is also a great month for kids; the Miami Book Fair, the Miami Children’s Museum, and the Veteran’s Day Parade are all events the whole family will enjoy. 

December

December in Miami is similar to November, only a little cooler. Temperatures reach an average daily high of 78 °F and never drop lower than about 60 °F at night. The last month of the year is one of the driest and also the cloudiest. You’ll still see a substantial amount of sun, though, so don’t skip the SPF. Catch the famous Art Basel, a week-long international art show, in early December, which is Miami Arts, Culture, and Heritage Month. Holiday events like Santa’s Enchanted Forest, Winterland at the Farm, and NightGarden at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden also take place throughout the month and are family-friendly events you won’t want to miss. And if you’re ringing in the New Year in Magic City, you have to check out the Big Orange Ball Drop and Fireworks at Bayfront Park. 

While you’ll find something special happening each month in Miami, there are still tons of exploring you can do on an evening or Saturday afternoon: 

You can enjoy great weather in the city year-round, but some months prove to be the best time of year to visit Miami; the peak season is springtime when Magic City is sunny, mild, and less humid. Planning a visit to Miami soon? Let us help you find a home