Winter, from December to February, is one of the most popular times to visit Miami. The weather is at its best, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the upper 70s (°F). The humidity is low, and there’s little rainfall, making it perfect for outdoor activities like strolling along Ocean Drive, relaxing on South Beach, or exploring on one of our excursions like the Little Havana Food and Cultural Tour.
However, it probably comes as no surprise that winter is the peak tourist season, meaning higher hotel rates and crowded attractions. If you're planning to visit during the holidays or major events, book accommodations and experiences well in advance to avoid inflated prices or missing out altogether.
But as the vitality of Miami and Miami Beach may be at its zenith, so are all the prices. Airfare, hotels, Airbnb, and more expenses will put a deep hole in your wallet. Come later in February and March, and you can enjoy just a notch below the frenetic atmosphere and still have cash saved for your next trip.
Why not schedule your winter vacation in time for the Miami International Boat Show in February? While a super deluxe yacht may not be in your future, it’s still a blast to wander the marina and dream of sipping from a tall flute of champagne as you lean over on the bow, watching the cool ocean waves. And it’s not only luxurious vessels on display, but various monohulls and catamarans too, offering the hearty sailor a chance to attend exciting sailing seminars.
The South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF) is another February highlight that attracts top chefs and food lovers from around the world. Check out our Brief Guide to South Beach Wine and Food Festival in Miami to find out more.
Maybe a neighborhood arts festival is more your speed. So, what better reason to pack your shorts and flip-flops than to visit the Coconut Grove Arts Festival in February? Art lovers can wander from stand to stand in a gorgeous al fresco setting where friendly artisans display every imaginable art form from fiber to clay to metal works. The festival also offers culinary workshops, international foods, and family-friendly activities. Stroll around this bohemian neighborhood after you leave the fairgrounds to get a good sense of Miami life away from the beach. If this sounds like your kind of event, we think you’ll love our Art Lover’s Guide to Miami.
Come March, head to Coral Gables for the weekend celebration of Carnaval on the Mile. Created to celebrate the vibrant Latin and Caribbean cultures of Miami, artists take over the main drag of Miracle Mile, selling everything from arts and crafts, jewelry, paintings, and sculptures while being flanked by two large stages for live entertainment, including jazz, funk, and rock music. The scene captures the spirit of beloved Carnavals around the world, and Miami’s is right up there with the best of them.