Weather in Miami: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

Miami has the biggest population in South Florida, and it has a subtropical climate, which means the summers are hot and humid, the winters are mild and slightly chilly, and it's the perfect temperature for palm trees to grow all year round. The weather in Miami doesn't vary much from season to season unlike in the rest of the United States. 

South Florida is typically a sought-after destination during the winter when it's warmer than most of the country and has very little rain. Although Floridians may find it chilly, vacationers during the winter can still enjoy sunny beach days, dining al fresco and enjoying a whole slew of outdoor activities. Summer's humidity and high temperatures tend to be a drawback for tourists to travel to Florida, let alone South Florida, but Miami's picturesque beaches always attract a crowd. 

The lowest recorded temperature in Miami is 30 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 1 degree Celsius), although it rarely falls below 40 F (40 C) at night. Much of the winter sees daytime highs between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 and 24 degrees Celsius), and it doesn't get more perfect than that. The average low temperature in January, the coldest month, is 63 degrees Fahrenheit (17.2 degrees Celsius). Summer is hot and humid, with daily highs up to the lower 90s F (34 C), with the temperature rarely falling below 75 F at night.

Miami receives about 60 inches of rain annually, most of that during the rainy season from May through September, with the wettest months June, August, and September. The driest are December, January, and February.

The warmest ocean temperature along the U.S. coast during the winter is in Miami, where the water temperature is a pleasant 71 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius) in January and 86 F (30 C) in July. You can swim in the ocean no matter what time of year you visit Miami.

Fast Climate Facts

• Hottest Month: August (84 degrees Fahrenheit/29 degrees Celsius)
• Coldest Month: January (69 degrees Fahrenheit/20 degrees Celsius)
• Wettest Month: June (7.9 inches)

Hurricane Season in Miami

Hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30 in the Atlantic Basin. Most hurricanes happen in the fall, and especially in September. The Miami area is at the top of the list for hurricane hits.

Spring in Miami

Spring in Miami means great weather, with less humidity than the summer months and fewer crowds than winter. Spring is the sunniest season in the city, ideal for beach going and other outdoor activities. Miami hosts both Carnival and the Calle Ocho Music Festival each year.

What to pack: You essentially need the same type of clothing no matter when you travel to Miami: Short-sleeved tees and shirts, shorts, beachwear, sunglasses, lightweight pants, sandals, and closed canvas shoes. 

Average Temperatures by Month

March: 81 F (27 C)/66 F (19 C)

April: 84 F (29 C)/69 F (21 C)

May: 87 F (31 C)/ 73 F (23 C)

Summer in Miami

Heat and humidity rise during the summer, with daily highs reaching above 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius). Afternoon thunderstorms are a common occurrence, as June receives around seven inches of rain, making it the wettest month, while August is the hottest. Miami has great air conditioning and indoor activities for days when the heat and humidity are just too much to bear.

What to pack: You should take an umbrella, rain jacket, or rain poncho if you are planning a summer visit when you can expect thunderstorms more days than not.

Average Temperatures by Month

June: 89 F (32 C)/76 F (24 C)

July: 91 F (33 C)/77 F (25 C)

August: 91 F (33 C)/78 F (26 C)

Fall in Miami

Post-summer, Miami's temperatures revert back to pleasant tropical weather. Rain is frequent through the end of October, but daily highs are much more manageable, hovering around 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius). Crowds are thinner during this season though, making travel cheaper and less busy than during winter.

What to pack: Your packing list should be about the same as summer through October, including rain gear, but later in fall nighttime temperatures dip a bit, so bring along a light jacket and pants for evening outings.

Average Temperatures by Month

September: 89 F (32 C)/77 F (25 C)

October: 86 F (30 C)/74 F (23 C)

November: 82 F (28 C)/69 F (21 C)

Winter in Miami

Miami is beautiful during the winter, experiencing temperatures in the mid-70s, often with clear blue skies and very little rainfall. The great weather comes at a price though—literally. Visitors flock to the state to enjoy the sun and enjoy fantastic weather, but this means higher prices for travel and hotels, and heavy traffic in many parts of the city.

What to pack: If you visit during the winter you should also take a lightweight sweater, jacket, or pashmina for evenings, along with closed-toes shoes that are a bit dressier for evenings out.

Average Temperatures by Month

December: 79 F (26 C)/ 64 F (18 C)

January: 77 F (25 C)/61 F (16 C)

February: 79 F (26 C)/63 F (17 C)