Weather in West Palm Beach: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

West Palm Beach is the place to visit if you're looking for sunny skies and balmy breezes. The popular destination, located in Southeast Florida and north of Miami, has an overall average high temperature of 83 degrees Fahrenheit and an average low of 67 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you're wondering what to pack, shorts and sandals will keep you comfortable in the summer, and nothing more than a sweater will usually keep you warm enough in the winter. Of course, don't forget your bathing suit. Although the Atlantic Ocean can get a bit chilly in the winter, sunbathing is not out of the question.

Weather in South Florida is unpredictable so you may experience higher or lower temperatures or more rainfall than the average. The highest recorded temperature in West Palm Beach was a sweltering 101 degrees Fahrenheit in 1942, and the lowest recorded temperature was a very chilly 27 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fast Climate Facts

• Hottest Month: August, 83 degrees Fahrenheit (23 degrees Celsius)
• Coldest Month: January, 67 degrees Fahrenheit (19 degrees Celsius)
• Wettest Month: June, 8.30 inches.

Hurricane Season in West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach's hurricane season runs from June through the end of November, with peak activity occurring in September. West Palm Beach, in particular, has not been affected by a hurricane in more than a decade. The last significant storms were Hurricane Frances in 2004 and Hurricane Jeanne in 2005. A year later, Hurricane Wilma battered the area. If you are concerned about a hurricane affecting your trip, contact your trip provider or monitor the National Hurricane Center.

Spring in West Palm Beach

While "April showers" is the saying most people know, spring is actually on the drier side for West Palm Beach. May can be downright balmy, with temperatures in the high 80s, but March and April are still fantastic months to visit. Rain doesn't begin to increase until mid-May, and water temperatures are on the upswing through the season, averaging 78 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) in mid-April.

What to pack: Spring weather can range from cool and breezy to hot and humid, so pack for those climates—and everything in between. Shorts and casual tops are always a good idea, along with lighter long-sleeved T-shirts for cooler nights.

Average Temperatures and Rainfall by Month

March: 79 F / 62 F, 4.59 in.

April: 82 F / 66 F, 3.66 in.

May: 86 F / 71 F, 4.51 in.

Summer in West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach's "hot season" officially kicks off in early June and lasts through the end of September. Temperatures are consistently hot during the summer months, especially during the day when high humidity often results in thunderstorms in the afternoon. June is among the wettest months in West Palm Beach.

What to pack: Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, ideally made from materials that wick away sweat and moisture. West Palm Beach is muggy and hot during the summer so the less clothing you can wear, the cooler you'll be.

Average Temperatures and Rainfall by Month

June: 88 F / 74 F, 8.30 in.

July: 90 F / 76 F, 5.76 in.

August: 90 F / 76 F, 7.95 in.

Fall in West Palm Beach

Fall encompasses more of the wettest months in West Palm Beach, as well as the peak of hurricane season. Don't expect a respite from hot temperatures either—days in the 90s aren't uncommon until well into October. Luckily, by November, temperatures are cooler, and the threat of hurricanes has subsided somewhat.

What to pack: With highs still in the mid-80s for much of the season, you won't want to pack too many layers. Shorts and T-shirts are still appropriate for most of the fall. Don't forget sunscreen, regardless of when you visit, as well as an umbrella or a poncho for those late afternoon thunderstorms.

Average Temperatures and Rainfall by Month

September: 88 F / 75 F, 8.35 in.

October: 85 F / 72 F, 5.13 in.

November: 80 F / 65 F, 4.75 in.

Winter in West Palm Beach

Even winters in West Palm Beach are pretty balmy, with temperatures rarely dropping below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius). Frosty weather can occur, and you should generally expect a frost to occur every three or four years. Winter is the driest season, but West Palm Beach is typically wetter than central Florida and other parts of the state.

What to pack: Winter is cool, but not cold, so you'll want to pack a combination of shorts and long pants for chillier nights. Short-sleeved tops will suffice during the day time, but bring at least one sweater or sweatshirt for the evenings. Additionally, a tank top or two is a good idea for warmer days.

Average Temperatures and Rainfall by Month

December: 76 F / 60 F, 3.38 in.

January: 75 F / 57 F, 3.13 in.

February: 76 F / 59 F, 2.82 in.