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Are you planning to go to Florida to visit the magic city of Miami? Are you wondering when is the best time to make this trip that will be unforgettable for you? Let’s find out together what are the best times to explore this beautiful city in the south of the United States of America.
Geographical location of Miami
Miami is located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, south of the Florida peninsula. The city is located 155 miles from the Tropic of Cancer. The atmosphere is therefore clearly tropical. Even though summer lasts for a large part of the year, hurricanes, thunderous storms and torrential rains hit Florida at certain times. It is thus advisable to avoid these moments when the elements are unleashed in paradise.
If the water is particularly delicious on the Miami coast, it is thanks to the Florida Current. This marine current flows from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. It is caused by the circular movement of water from the Atlantic Ocean flowing into the Caribbean Sea with the rotation of the Earth. The waters are thus particularly warm between the Florida Strait, the Keys and Cuba. It is part of the most famous marine current, the Gulf Stream.
Miami at the rhythm of the seasons
A winter in Miami
Winter is a pleasant time to visit the Floridian lands. From the end of December to the end of January, the climate is temperate. You can enjoy a delicious coolness and a relatively low humidity. This last point is quite interesting when you consider that Miami is a city with a tropical climate. In some cases, the temperature can even drop below 50°F. I think that you will have to bring a small sweater.
February is the coldest month of the year in Miami. Nevertheless, it rarely freezes at night. The temperature is mild and it flirts with 68°F. The most courageous can venture out for a swim in the Atlantic Ocean or in the hotel pool. Be aware that the ocean temperature is around 74°F, mainly due to the warm currents associated with the Gulf Stream.
From March onwards, temperatures warm up and approach 86°F. The humidity level rises quickly to stabilize around 60%. The atmosphere is therefore quite favorable to visit Miami. I also recommend you to take advantage of this time to discover the Keys and of course the fabulous Key West, frozen in time.
Springtime
From the end of March until April, the temperature is rising and the humidity level is also increasing. A few rains may occur, but they will enhance your trip by providing a cooling effect. The climate is pleasant enough to go bask in the sun on the beaches of South Beach or Key Biscayne, an island near Miami, with lush vegetation.
The months of May and June see the advent of the rainy season. The humidity level approaches 90%. Temperatures exceed 30°C.
Read also “Trip to Miami: Itinerary for a week in Miami !”
Summer in Miami
From the end of June, the climate in Florida becomes very hot and very humid. The atmosphere is quite tropical. Rain is almost daily. Tornadoes are also part of the game. I reassure you, Miami is not really hit by this rather fearsome climatic phenomenon. They are more frequent in the north of the state.
The months of July and August are the season of thunderstorms while the humidity reaches its peak. Temperatures easily reach 104°F. The atmosphere is quite suffocating.
As if that wasn’t enough, August is a peak period for cyclones and hurricanes. You should absolutely avoid traveling at this time of the year, as Miami is a city prone to the elements at this time of the year. If you still want to travel to Florida during this season, I recommend you to download a weather application to alert you of the risk of storms and hurricanes.
The fall
The atmosphere remains quite warm and humid for most of the fall. From September to October, temperatures stay in the 85°F. As for the humidity level, it remains quite high: 80%. Rains still occur at regular intervals. However, the sunny periods are numerous and allow to enjoy the beaches and the city of Miami.
With November comes the end of the hurricane season. Temperatures stabilize around 77°F. Thus begins a milder period for travel. December remains in the same tone.
The best time to explore Miami
The weather conditions in November and December are optimal for exploring Miami. As I told you above, the temperature remains around 77°F. As for the water of the Atlantic Ocean, it welcomes your swims with a temperature higher than 77°F. You will be as well on the sand as in the turquoise water. The period is ideal to discover all the beaches of South Beach and Miami Beach.
December presents similar conditions for visiting Miami and enjoying its charms. Nevertheless, many Americans from the northern states as well as Canadians come to spend the holiday season in Florida. A flood of foreign tourists is added to this movement from the north of America. Hotel and flight prices are skyrocketing at this time of year. So if you want to spend Christmas in Miami, plan to book well in advance.
The period from January to May is also a good time for a trip to Miami. I particularly recommend May and June to book your stay in Florida. The temperatures are not yet excessive and the humidity is tolerable. You can take advantage of this time to visit the Bahamas archipelago which is one of the pearls of the Caribbean.
In short, if you want to combine the best times and take advantage of low prices for accommodation and transportation, the most suitable months to visit Florida are November, January, February, March and April.
Periods to avoid when traveling to Miami
December, even if it enjoys optimal weather conditions, is too crowded with tourists to be the ideal month to enjoy the delights of Miami. I must admit that celebrating Christmas or New Year’s in a tropical atmosphere can be a magical experience. If you really want to go to Florida during this period, I think you should focus on the east coast of the state with very charming little towns like Naples and Venice.
From June to September, it is very hot. The atmosphere is stifling and humid, especially because of the high humidity. Rains are frequent and mosquitoes have a ferocious appetite. With August, the storm season begins and then come the hurricanes until early November. The climatic hazards are too important to fully enjoy your stay in Miami, even if the sunny periods are numerous. However, you should know that hurricanes and cyclones are unpredictable monsters. Meteorologists have a hard time predicting their formation and especially their movements.
Bottom line
Now that you know that November and January-March are the best months to go to Miami, all you have to do is plan your trip to discover its various neighborhoods: South Beach, Ocean Drive, Little Havana, Little Haiti, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, etc. So many sites that will make you fall in love.
