When to go to Miami

Like many subtropical places, Miami has two seasons: rainy and dry (not to mention hot and hotter). Miami's average temperatures run from 61-73°F (16-23°C) in January to an uncomfortably hot 75-88°F (24-31°C) in July and August, the height of summer.

Climate

The winter air is warm, dry and pleasant, though you may need a sweater in the evening, and the sea is still warm enough for swimming, especially for those used to chillier climes.

Summer, meanwhile, gets very hot and unpleasantly humid during the day, and sultry in the evening, with morning and late afternoon the best times for going to the beach for a dip in the jacuzzi-warm sea.

June to November is hurricane season: winds are high and storms rush in during the afternoon. Most are brief, but sometimes tropical rains set in. Weather-watchers will find the dramatic display of clouds and lightning, with the possibility of a stray tornado, intoxicating.

The Season – when South Beach is at the peak of its cycle – is from the end of November to May. This is when hotel and car rental rates shoot up and most major events occur.

November/December and late April/early May are good times to visit: the weather's usually good, but prices aren't at their peak.

For phone forecasts, dial 511 then by 4400 for Florida, 4020 for Miami, 4374 for Orlando and 4998 for hurricanes.

Festivals & events

Miami needs no excuse to party and events from the traditional to the tacky fill the year. The two most popular events – Art Basel (1st wk Dec) and the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival (late Feb) – have hotels reserved for years in advance and are pretty much city holidays.

See all festivals & events in Miami

Public holidays

New Year's Day 1 Jan
Martin Luther King Jr Day 3rd Mon in Jan
Presidents Day 3rd Mon in Feb
Memorial Day last Mon in May
Independence Day 4 July
Labor Day 1st Mon in Sept
Columbus Day 2nd Mon in Oct
Veterans' Day 11 Nov
Thanksgiving Day 4th Thur in Nov
Christmas Day 25 Dec

Our listings

While every effort and care has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this guide, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors it may contain. Before you go out of your way, we strongly advise you to phone ahead and check the particulars.