Weather and climate in Miami (Florida)

The climate of Miami is tropical, with pleasantly warm winters and long and muggy summers.
Miami is the second largest city in Florida after Jacksonville (the first if we consider the metropolitan area), and is located on the southeastern coast of the peninsula, at nearly 26 degrees north latitude.
The average temperature of the coldest month (January) is of 20.3 °C (68.6 °F), that of the warmest month (August) is of 29 °C (84.2 °F). Here are the average temperatures.

Rainfall amounts to about 1,700 millimeters (67 inches) per year. There is no real dry season, although the least rainy season is winter, from December to February. In summer, from May to October, the rains are abundant, but they occur in the form of showers and thunderstorms, which release a lot of rain in a short time and therefore do not reduce too much the sunshine hours. Here is the average precipitation.

Winter, from December to February, is pleasantly warm. Rainfall is fairly rare and is brought by cold fronts that sometimes can move from the continent to southern Florida.
The cold waves that are typical of large areas of the United States do not arrive this far south; after all, we are almost at the Tropic. Every so often, however, from December to March, a bit of cold air can arrive here, bringing mainly a bit of cold at night for two or three days, around 5/8 °C (41/46 °F), while the days remain very mild, around 18/20 °C (64/68 °F).
In January 1977, when many American states were hit by an intense cold wave, the temperature in Miami dropped for a couple of nights to -0.5 °C (31 °F), but even in those days of low-temperature records, daytime temperatures remained about 15 °C (59 °F). On January 22, 1985, a similar situation occurred, with a minimum temperature of -1°C (30 °F) and a maximum temperature of 15 °C (59 °F). In January 2010, there was a day with a maximum of 9 °C (48 °F).

The short spring, in March and April, and the even shorter autumn, in November, are warm, with almost summery weather but without the sticky heat and the frequent thunderstorms of summer.

The long summer, from May to October, is hot, but above all, it's sultry, although sea breezes give a bit of relief. Showers and thunderstorms are frequent and sometimes may be intense, but for the rest, the sun regularly shines.



The amount of sunshine in Miami is very good all year round. On average, there are 3,155 hours of sunshine per year. The sunniest months (also considering the length of the days) are March and April, while the least sunny are those of winter, when the sun still often shines. In summer, the sky is not always clear: scattered clouds can form quite often, and can sometimes swell, leading to showers and thunderstorms, but after the sun will shine again.

The sea in Miami is warm enough to swim in all year round, in fact, it does not drop below 23.5 °C (74.5 °F) in winter, while in summer it gets very warm, so as to allow long swims. Here are the average sea temperatures.

From June to November, Miami, like the rest of Florida and the Gulf of Mexico, can be affected by hurricanes, which, however, are more frequent from August to October. In the past, some hurricanes have directly hit southern Florida and have been destructive, such as the "Great Miami Hurricane" in September 1926, Hurricane Okeechobee in September 1928, and Hurricane Andrew in August 1992.

Best Time

The best time to visit the city of Miami and explore the nature that surrounds it, like the Keys or the Everglades, goes from December to April. In winter, Miami is definitely the warmest and most sheltered place in the United States, and there are many sunny days, but, as we said, sometimes the weather can be a bit cool, windy or rainy.
So, the weather in winter is not always ideal for a beach holiday, although, as mentioned, the sea is warm enough for swimming even in this season. The best period is probably from mid-March to late April. In May, the heat begins to be felt and thunderstorms increase in frequency, but you can still go. You could also go in the long summer, but the weather is hot and muggy, and there's also the risk, which should not be underestimated though statistically unlikely, of hurricanes.

See also the climate of Florida.

Miami - Weather by month

Based on the period 1991-2020

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January, the coolest month of the year, is generally a warm month. The average temperature is of 20.3 °C (69 °F), with a minimum of 16.1 °C (61 °F) and a maximum of 24.6 °C (76.2 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 7.5 °C (45 °F). However, it dropped to 2 °C (35.6 °F) in January 2010.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 29 °C (84.5 °F). However, it reached 33.3 °C (91.9 °F) in January 2006.
Precipitation amounts to 45 mm (1.8 in), distributed over 8 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 40 minutes.
There are on average 7 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 66% of the time.
The average humidity is 71%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 23.5 °C (74.5 °F). Therefore, the sea can be considered barely acceptable for swimming.

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February is generally a warm month. The average temperature is of 21.5 °C (71 °F), with a minimum of 17.3 °C (63.2 °F) and a maximum of 25.7 °C (78.2 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 9 °C (48 °F). However, it dropped to 2.7 °C (36.9 °F) in February 1996.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 30 °C (86 °F). However, it reached 32 °C (89.6 °F) in February 2008.
Precipitation amounts to 55 mm (2.2 in), distributed over 6 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 20 minutes.
There are on average 7.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 68% of the time.
The average humidity is 71%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 23.5 °C (74 °F). Therefore, the sea can be considered barely acceptable for swimming.

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March is generally a warm to hot month. The average temperature is of 22.8 °C (73 °F), with a minimum of 18.7 °C (65.6 °F) and a maximum of 27 °C (80.6 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 11 °C (52 °F). However, it dropped to 6.7 °C (44.1 °F) in March 1993.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 31.5 °C (89 °F). However, it reached 33.9 °C (93 °F) in March 2003.
Precipitation amounts to 60 mm (2.4 in), distributed over 6 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 9 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 75% of the time.
The average humidity is 67%.
The average wind speed is 15 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 24 °C (75 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.

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April is generally a warm to hot month. The average temperature is of 24.8 °C (77 °F), with a minimum of 21 °C (69.8 °F) and a maximum of 28.7 °C (83.6 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 15 °C (59.5 °F). However, it dropped to 11.7 °C (53.1 °F) in April 2003.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 32.5 °C (90.5 °F). However, it reached 36.1 °C (97 °F) in April 2020.
Precipitation amounts to 85 mm (3.3 in), distributed over 7 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 50 minutes.
There are on average 10 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 76% of the time.
The average humidity is 67%.
The average wind speed is 15 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 25 °C (77 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.

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May is generally a warm to hot month. The average temperature is of 26.7 °C (80 °F), with a minimum of 23 °C (73.4 °F) and a maximum of 30.4 °C (86.7 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 19 °C (66.5 °F). However, it dropped to 13.3 °C (55.9 °F) in May 1992.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 34 °C (93 °F). However, it reached 36.7 °C (98.1 °F) in May 2017.
Precipitation amounts to 160 mm (6.3 in), distributed over 11 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 25 minutes.
There are on average 9.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 72% of the time.
The average humidity is 69%.
The average wind speed is 14 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 27 °C (80.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.

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June is generally a very hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 28.2 °C (83 °F), with a minimum of 24.6 °C (76.3 °F) and a maximum of 31.8 °C (89.3 °F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature usually drops to around 22 °C (71.5 °F). However, it dropped to 19 °C (66.2 °F) in June 2005.
On the warmest days, the temperature usually reaches around 34.5 °C (94 °F). However, it reached 36.7 °C (98.1 °F) in June 2009.
Precipitation amounts to 265 mm (10.4 in), distributed over 18 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 40 minutes. June 21, the summer solstice, is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 9.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 70% of the time.
The average humidity is 74%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 12 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 28.5 °C (83.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.

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July is generally a very hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 28.9 °C (84 °F), with a minimum of 25.3 °C (77.5 °F) and a maximum of 32.6 °C (90.6 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 22.5 °C (72.5 °F). However, it dropped to 20.6 °C (69.1 °F) in July 2002.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 35 °C (95 °F). However, it reached 38.9 °C (102 °F) in July 2019.
Precipitation amounts to 185 mm (7.3 in), distributed over 17 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 35 minutes.
There are on average 10 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 73% of the time.
The average humidity is 73%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 29.5 °C (85.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.

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August, the hottest month of the year, is generally a very hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 29 °C (84 °F), with a minimum of 25.4 °C (77.7 °F) and a maximum of 32.6 °C (90.7 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 22.5 °C (72.5 °F). However, it dropped to 21 °C (69.8 °F) in August 2006.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 34.5 °C (94.5 °F). However, it reached 36.1 °C (97 °F) in August 1993.
Precipitation amounts to 245 mm (9.6 in), distributed over 19 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 9.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 72% of the time.
The average humidity is 74%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 30 °C (86 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.

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September is generally a very hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 28.3 °C (83 °F), with a minimum of 24.9 °C (76.9 °F) and a maximum of 31.7 °C (89 °F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature usually drops to around 22.5 °C (72.5 °F). However, it dropped to 21 °C (69.8 °F) in September 2001.
On the warmest days, the temperature usually reaches around 34 °C (93 °F). However, it reached 36 °C (96.8 °F) in September 2007.
Precipitation amounts to 260 mm (10.2 in), distributed over 18 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 20 minutes.
There are on average 8.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 71% of the time.
The average humidity is 76%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 29.5 °C (85 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.

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October is generally a warm to hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 26.7 °C (80 °F), with a minimum of 23.4 °C (74.2 °F) and a maximum of 29.9 °C (85.9 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 18.5 °C (65 °F). However, it dropped to 12.8 °C (55 °F) in October 2008.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 33 °C (91 °F). However, it reached 34.4 °C (93.9 °F) in October 2009.
Precipitation amounts to 195 mm (7.7 in), distributed over 14 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 30 minutes.
There are on average 8.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 73% of the time.
The average humidity is 73%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 28 °C (82.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.

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November is generally a warm to hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 23.8 °C (75 °F), with a minimum of 20.2 °C (68.3 °F) and a maximum of 27.4 °C (81.3 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 13.5 °C (56 °F). However, it dropped to 7.2 °C (45 °F) in November 2006.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 30.5 °C (87 °F). However, it reached 32.8 °C (91 °F) in November 2002.
Precipitation amounts to 90 mm (3.5 in), distributed over 9 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 55 minutes.
There are on average 7.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 67% of the time.
The average humidity is 72%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 26 °C (79 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.

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December is generally a warm month. The average temperature is of 21.8 °C (71 °F), with a minimum of 17.9 °C (64.3 °F) and a maximum of 25.7 °C (78.2 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 10 °C (50 °F). However, it dropped to 2 °C (35.6 °F) in December 2010.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 29.5 °C (85 °F). However, it reached 31.7 °C (89.1 °F) in December 2009.
Precipitation amounts to 60 mm (2.4 in), distributed over 8 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 35 minutes. December 21, the winter solstice, is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 7 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 66% of the time.
The average humidity is 73%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 25 °C (76.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.