When is the best time to visit Miami?

The best time to visit Miami is in the Spring. Springtime in Miami can loosely be defined from February/March until April/May.  The weather is great in the spring and the water is perfect, not too warm and not too cold, just right.

If you visit Miami in the Spring you will not have to worry about hurricanes, tropical storms or humidity and can enjoy maximum time outdoors at the beach, pool or local events.

Starting in April hotel and rental prices start dropping so you can keep more money in the bank or make you trip to Miami extra special by treating yourself to a few extra nights out.  All in all, the best time to visit Miami is in the Spring.If you can’t visit Miami in the spring, the other seasons are great too and have something for everybody. Read on to find out about the different seasons in Miami and what each season offers.

Visit Miami in the Winter

Average Temperature:

December: 73 °F (23 °C)
January: 71 °F (22 °C)
February: 73 °F (23 °C)

Average Precipitation:
December: 2 inches (5.1 centimeters)
January: 1.6 inches (4.1 centimeters)
February: 2.3 inches (5.8 centimeters)

Annual Events & Holidays in Miami

December

Art Basel Miami

Visit Miami in the beginning of December and enjoy a myriad of exhibits, shows, parties, and of course, art, during the annual Art Basel Miami.  

Christmas & New Years

Tired of snow and freezing winds? Head to Miami to spend a tropical Christmas. Lie on the beach with your favorite eggnog concoction and hash out plans for a future move to Miami. Of course New Year’s Eve in Miami doesn’t disappoint. Check out our list of the best bars and night clubs in Miami for your New Year’s plans. If a night out just isn’t your thing, book a table at one of the best restaurants in Miami.

January

Art Deco Weekend

Visit Miami in January and enjoy a special art deco festival which features guided tours, an opening parade and much more. If Art Deco is not your thing, than I am sure the weather won’t disappoint.

February

Miami International Boat Show

“I’m on a boat, Everybody look at me cause I’m sailin’ on a boat….” I think it goes something like that, right?  The only thing is you might not be sailing, rather visiting them at the Miami Beach Convention Center, or at one of the many marinas around town. Still, this is a great event if you like boats and watersports.

South Beach Food & Wine Festival

Boats aren’t your thing? Well then I am sure food or wine is. How about food AND wine? I know that’s my thing. If you visit Miami during the annual South Beach Food and Wine Festival, you surely won’t leave with an empty stomach. This festival continues to attract some of the greatest chefs and culinary geniuses from around the world.  Bon appetite!

Reasons you should visit Miami in the winter

For me, undoubtedly, the best part about winter in Miami is the weather. There is nothing like throwing on a button down, slipping on some flip-flops, or “chancletas” as they are known locally, and heading out the door jacketless. The winter events in Miami are also always fun, especially Art Basel. Even if you are not into art, Art Basel seems to bring the city alive and people hoist themselves out of their cocoons to wander around musing over the art and looking for the next best open bar and free event.

Reasons you should not visit Miami in the winter

There is one reason not to visit Miami in the winter: accommodation prices. No matter if you swear by airbnb or stick to the more conventional hotel and hostel choices, visiting Miami in the winter does come with a higher price tag. I say it’s worth it though; the weather and holiday vibe are sure to make up for the little extra pinch. If budget is not an issue, check out some of the best hotels in Miami, if it is, check out some of the best cheap hotels in Miami or share a room at one of the best hostels in Miami.

Visit Miami in the Spring

Average Temperature:

March: 75 °F (24 °C)
April: 78 °F (26 °C)
May: 81 °F (27 °C)

Average Precipitation:

March: 3 inches (7.6 centimeters)
April: 3.1 inches (7.9 centimeters)
May: 5.3 inches (13.5 centimeters)

Annual Events & Holidays in Miami

March

Miami Open

Make your trip to Miami a grand slam by taking in a couple of tennis matches at the Miami Open in Key Biscayne. The ball is in your court now. You have been served…. with all this great information. Okay, I’ll draw the line at that; too many idioms does not a good paragraph make.

Ultra Music Festival

Some people may not think it’s really music if the artist can leave the stage to make a phone call halfway during the set and their music continues to play. Rest assured, however, you won’t rub shoulders with that type at Miami Ultra Music Festival. This annual outdoor music festival attracts some of the top DJs and devoted EDM fans from around the world. Of course, this festival comes with large crowds, huge quantities of glitter, and all the other madness that surrounds a gathering of this nature.

Winter Music Conference

Is Winter Music Conference (WMC) affiliated with Ultra Music Festival (UMF)? How about Miami Music Week (MMW)? Honestly, I’m still not sure after living here for some time. What I do know is that the month of March features a whole bunch of electronic music. UMF, a stand alone event, is sort of like the cherry on top for the crowds who come to revel in a week full of parties and shenanigans organized in conjunction with WMC and now also MMW. Essentially, there is a lot of music and if you like it, then come and if you don’t, then there is always the beach. Party on Wayne, electronic style.

Spring Break

You’ve heard of spring break before right? Well, if not, let me give you a quick overview. Most colleges and universities hold their spring break during the month of March. This means that hundreds of thousands of students from around the country flock to beach destinations, Miami and Miami Beach being one of them. They come to soak up the sun and warm up after a long, probably not so boring (as they are students after all), winter. All of this spells F U N if you are a young party going type or N I G H T M A R E if you are more grown up and/or consider yourself a little more refined. Again, I am just giving you the facts. It’s up to you to decide when to visit Miami.

April

Miami Beach Gay Pride

Growing from a local festival to a now world renowned Gay Pride event, this spring weekend hosts an abundance of gay friendly vendors at the festival and thousands of spectators at it’s signature parade. As Miami Beach Gay Pride states, “Pride is a celebration that brings out the best in us all.” So, why not visit Miami in April and let Miami Beach bring out the best in you.  

May

Miami Fashion Week

Some people come to Miami to shop at discount super malls like Sawgrass Mills Shopping Mall, others come to gawk at the latest swimwear and mull over ideas such as if plaid has been overused, or if it is really making a comeback. If this is your cup of tea, then visit Miami in May to join in on Miami Fashion Week fun. Enough said.

Reasons you should visit Miami in the spring

The weather is still beautiful in the spring, with only slightly more rain than the heavenly winter months, plus there are at times less crowds than during the winter high season. However, if you want crowds then all the parties, festivals, and events smattered throughout the spring months are sure not to disappoint. Of course, spring is always a nice time of year as well with holidays like St Patrick’s Day, Easter, and Cinco De Mayo to lighten the mood.

Reasons you should not visit Miami in the spring

If I have to choose one reason not to visit Miami in the spring, it’s because in March it is almost impossible to find cheap accommodation. Cheap really doesn’t exist in Miami in March. However, in April and May the hunt for the right accommodation becomes a lot easier as the “winter crowd” begins to head home for the summer.

Visit Miami in the Summer

Average Temperature:

June: 85 °F (29 °C)
July: 86 °F (30 °C)
August 85 °F (29 °C)

Average Precipitation:

June: 9.7 inches (24.6 centimeters)
July: 6.5 inches (16.5 centimeters)
August 8.9 inches (22.6 centimeters)

Annual Events & Holidays in Miami

June:

I could dig deep and come up with events like Miami Film Month etc, but I won’t. June is a quiet month for Miami and Miami Beach. This is a time of year when it’s not spring anymore and not quite summer. We have a lot of rain but it’s patchy, so you can still have some good beach days. On paper, Miami is not the best in June, with 9.7 inches (24.6 centimeters) of rain, but it’s usually a pretty good month to visit Miami. If you visit Miami in June and find yourself bored, check out some of the best things to do in Miami.

July:

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

Whether you’re into fashion or not, if you’re in Miami in July you will notice the buzz going on around you. Every year Miami and Miami Beach host one of the biggest fashion events of the year with the annual Swim Week….. and who doesn’t like swimsuits?

Independence Day, 4th of July

Now we’re talkin’! No holiday gets the locals going like Independence Day. See, the thing is, us Americans get very few holidays so when we do have a holiday, we like to do it big, and the 4th of July is no different. Fireworks, festivals, bbq’s and pool parties make for a great day off. If you visit Miami in July there is no shortage of choice for your Independence Day plans. Coconut Grove, South Beach, and many other neighborhoods throw great festivals complete with hot dog eating contests and firework shows. Go wear your red, white, and blue and come visit Miami in July!

August :

Miami Spice

What an event! Miami Spice kicks off in August and runs through the end of September. This annual offering allows tourists and locals alike to visit some of the best restaurants in Miami for next to nothing. Some of the best restaurants in Miami allow patrons to enjoy breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for very low prices, making this a very edible affordable month.

Reasons you should visit Miami in the Summer:

It’s affordable! Nothing else really needs to be said. Miami hotels and hostels drop their prices in the summer making it a great destination for tourists and students from around the world. Miami is also a little quieter in the summer with less traffic, and you are bound to meet more locals when the snowbirds clear out. With the money that you will be saving on your accommodation you will have more leftover to spend on going out at night, shopping, trips to Key West and the Everglades and much more. Should you visit Miami in the summer? I say YES!

Reasons you should not visit Miami in the Summer

It’s hot, it’s humid, and it does rain more than in the winter. If you weren’t a fan of air conditioning before you came to Miami, you will be once you arrive. This is perhaps the only reason not to visit Miami in the summer.

Visit Miami in the Fall

Average Temperature:

September: 83 °F (28 °C)
October: 81 °F (27 °C)
November 76 °F ( 24 °C)

Average Precipitation:

September: 9.9 inches (25.1 centimeters)
October: 6.3 inches (16 centimeters)
November 3.3 inches (8.4 centimeters)

Annual Events & Holidays in Miami

September & October

There are no notable events that come to mind during the months of September and October, unless you’re a big fan of Halloween. Lincoln Road is famous for a huge Halloween party, with the locals and tourists dressing in the most outrageous costumes! This, however, is not a bad thing as it will give you time to enjoy the beach, the sun, and the many neighborhoods around Miami. Check out Wynwood for some art, local breweries and everything else hipster. Go watch a Miami Dolphin’s game, they usually win their first couple of  games early in the season, so you’re in luck! If (it might be a big if) the Miami Marlins are in the playoffs, you might be able to catch the boys of summer before they retire for the winter. There’s nothing more American than a baseball game!

November

Miami Beach Polo World Cup

The “sport of kings” in Miami Beach? Yes. Every year in November, we don’t just wear Polo, we watch it!  It really doesn’t get better than watching polo on Miami Beach in November. The event takes place on the sands of South Beach between 20th and 22nd Street and features some of the best players, both men and women, from around the world. If you don’t know what polo is, or have only caught glimpses on the E! Channel on shows featuring Prince Harry and his older brother, now’s your chance. Verdict: Visit Miami in November!  

Thanksgiving Holiday

Thanksgiving is America’s favorite holiday. It’s the day that everybody is off, or at least almost everybody. Families and friends gather to celebrate, catch up, and eat Turkey. If you don’t have family in Miami, there are still plenty of places to grab a bite of Turkey and prepare for Black Friday shopping escapades.  

Reasons you should visit Miami in the Fall

The weather, the events, the calm before the busy season! All of these make fall the perfect time to visit Miami and Miami Beach. Although, it gets busier and accommodation becomes more expensive and harder to find in November it’s still a great time to visit Miami. Locals love the fall as we count the days to the first “cold” snap. Clocks turn back, it gets darker earlier and for a brief moment, as we carve our pumpkins, we almost forget we live in the tropics. Plus, we know that we have months and months of beautiful balmy weather ahead of us.

Reasons you should not visit Miami in the Fall

Honestly, I don’t really have any other than it rains a little more than in the winter, but nothing close to the summer. Maybe you have an aversion to Polo? If not, that is the only reason I can think of why not to visit Miami in the fall.So, when is the best time to visit Miami? You tell us. As I said at the beginning of the article, “any time is a good time to visit Miami and Miami Beach.” However, it really comes down to when you have time off from work or study, how long you are going to stay in Miami, why you are coming, etc.. Weigh the pros and cons and decide when the best time to visit Miami is for you!

*All temperature and precipitation statistics are taken from our friends over at Wikipedia.