Miami in August

Miami is hands down one of the most unique and enjoyable cities in Florida. August brings a mixture of warm waters, hot temperatures, cheap rates, and lower crowds. Miami is home to exciting nightlife, dozens of museums, beautiful beaches, and an abundance of activities.

This month is ideal for visitors who are flexible and up for surprises. With the unpredictable weather, Florida has, potential tropical storms could threaten your visit.

That is why we have put together the best tips and tricks to help you have the ideal vacation to Miami in August, despite a few downsides.

Is August a Good Time to Visit Miami?

While the weather can be unreliable with rain and potential storms, August is a good time to visit Miami if you are on a budget or trying to avoid crowds. This month brings fewer tourists and cheaper prices so visitors can enjoy their vacation with less stress.

Can’t decide if you should visit in June, July, or August? Check out our detailed guide to Miami in the Summer.

Weather

August in Miami is a very hot time. It is the 2nd hottest month of the year in Florida, with average high temperatures reaching 90°F. Humidity levels are high and afternoons get muggy.

The average high temperature in August is 88-90°F (31-32°C) in Miami. It is the middle of the wet season with frequent rain showers and warmer weather. It is hurricane season in August, and the rainfall increases towards the end of the month with an average of 4.6 to 7.2 inches.

August in Miami | Average High Temperatures:

  • Early August: 88°F (31°C)
  • Mid-August: 90°F (32 °C)
  • Late August: 89°F (32°C)
Rainfall
Storm in Miami during the summer

August is in the middle of the rainy season, as well as hurricane season. Pack your umbrella or a light raincoat. Miami visitors should expect rainfall on most days, especially in the afternoon hours. Precipitation increases as the month goes on, with an average of 4.6-7.2 inches.

During major storms or hurricanes, Miami can see up to almost 12 inches of rainfall.

Miami is Florida’s first line of defense when it comes to hurricanes and tropical storms coming up the coast. Be sure to take warnings and precautions seriously, and pay attention to the weather.

Can it rain the whole day? Rainfall won’t spoil your whole trip, as it usually doesn’t last long. It’s often a passing shower. However, it is the rainy season in Miami, so you should still be prepared for the few long rainy afternoons that turn into night.

Heat/Humidity

Florida summers are hot and muggy, especially in Miami due to its southern location. Humidity levels in August average 72%, but can reach up to the high 90s.

The morning hours tend to be the highest with a humidity level of 86%, dropping down to 65% in the late afternoons. Although the humidity levels are lower in the afternoon, the temperatures are higher; be cautious as heat exhaustion is prevalent this time of year.

Local opinion: Many complain about August weather in Miami, especially the heat and humidity. However, it’s a fact that the breezes off the ocean keep the extreme heat inland, not on the beaches of Miami. That means temperatures in the high 90s are unlikely in South Beach or Miami Beach

It is important to stay hydrated throughout the day and apply sunscreen when being outdoors for long hours. We suggest bringing a refillable water bottle to keep with you throughout the day.

Daily Weather Progression

August tends to stay consistent throughout the day, mainly being hot and muggy the majority of the time. It tends to cool off in the evenings or after rainfall.

Typical daily temperature progression:

  • Early Morning (6 AM): 80°F
  • Early Afternoon (1 PM): 88°F
  • Evening (10 PM): 82°F

Mornings tend to be bright and filled with sunshine, leading into rain showers in the afternoon, followed by higher humidity.

Evenings: It is finally cooling off in the later evening and at night, with humidity levels getting higher in the early morning.

Tours We Loved

Our favorite tours in Miami are:

However, you are free to choose any other activity of course. Just click the banner above and check the dozens of tours that are available.

Water Temperature

Miami Beach: Surfer

August brings great water temperatures to the coastline of Miami. The average ocean temperature is 88°F (31°C). It feels like a giant bathtub. With Miami being in the southern part of Florida, these are some of the warmest waters in Florida.

It is an ideal time for water enthusiasts and swimmers to take part in beach and water activities with almost perfect temperatures. However, be cautious, warm water is one of the main ingredients of a tropical storm and hurricanes love warm water too.

What to Pack | What to Wear

We love Miami because it is such a free-spirited city. Any style is acceptable and you will see a wide range of summer attire, especially around South Beach. Miami gives visitors a chance to wear the trendiest outfits and their favorite summer go-pieces.

During August in Miami shorts and t-shirts or tanks are great to wear in the mornings while the humidity levels are high. Keep a poncho handy for afternoon rain showers. During the evenings, shorts are still acceptable but pack a light sweater due to lower temperatures when the sun goes down.

  • Sandals
  • Shorts
  • Tanks & Cut-offs
  • T-shirts & V-necks
  • Raincoat or Poncho
  • Sundresses
  • Bathing Suit/Swim Trunks
  • Bathing Suit Cover Up
  • LOOSE FIT CLOTHING

It is best to avoid tight-fitted clothing, and opt for more loose-fit or flowy items. The humidity levels are too hot and sticky to have tight clothes sticking to you as well.

Additional items to pack:

  • Sunscreen
  • Umbrella
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Bug Spray (mosquitos are bad in August)
  • Water Bottle -stay hydrated!
  • Small backpack or fanny pack
  • Water shoes

💡 Restaurant tip: When staying in Miami, we always keep a sweater or light jacket handy throughout the day for dining out in indoor restaurants. Since the temperature outdoors is mainly hot, the air conditioners are on full blast. If you get cold easily, this is a great tip to keep in mind.

When traveling in Miami we suggest always bringing some medicine for a headache. The Florida heat is no joke and if you aren’t used to a warm climate, this could really bring a damper to your vacation.

Rates

Hotel Victor – South Beach, Miami: You only need 2 minutes of walking to get to the beach from this excellent South Beach Hotel. It features a pool overlooking the Ocean! More details and reviews here: Hotel Victor – South Beach (via booking.com)

The rates in Miami in August are going to be lower than average, decreasing as the month goes on. Certain rates will really depend on which neighborhood you are in, but overall prices are on the lower side.

Miami is special in the month of August, as it is host to the ‘Miami Spice’ event. During the entire month, participating restaurants will reduce rates and give special offers. It is a great time of the year to try new cuisines or eat at restaurants you usually wouldn’t choose because of the price.

Depending on your preference and budget, you can find hostels starting at around $45 a night. Staying in an Airbnb starts around $60 a night (depending on the size), hotels average $60-$200 a night, and full home vacation rentals start at an average of $340 per night and go up from there.

5 Best Affordable Hotels in Miami

You don’t have to pay hundreds of dollars for a night during August in a Miami hotel. So many wonderful guesthouses and hotels welcome visitors on a budget. We have put together a list of great but not too expensive hotels below. If you can’t find one now, make sure to bookmark the top hotels in Miami with a price match guarantee by booking.com.

The New Hotel (Location: North Beach/Miami Beach): This hotel is a hidden gem! Frankly, we don’t think you can find a cheaper one which is that good and so close to the beach when staying in Miami during August. The rates per night start from ~ $120. The owner Joyce is a really lovely and super helpful lady. You will definitely love this one.

Marriott Vacation Club Pulse (Location: South Beach): What a hotel and location for that price! If you can spend a little more (from ~180 USD), choose this one! An affordable oceanfront hotel located in the heart of South Beach and in the middle of everything. Lovely rooms, great beds, and bathroom, amazing staff. A+++ for everything, including the cleanliness.

Circa 39 Hotel (Location: Miami Beach): Another beautiful boutique hotel with amazingly friendly staff and excellent rooms. The location is just perfect, as you can walk to Miami Beach within 3-4 minutes. One amazing detail: They offer free beach chairs and umbrellas for a perfect beach day in August. Ask the staff at the hut and they set it up for you on the beach!

El Paseo Hotel (Location: South Beach): You easily walk to South Beach in 1-2 minutes from this hotel, which is awesome and will save you a lot of time! Additionally, there are amazing restaurants downstairs and it’s safe in the evenings. The rooms are super clean, the beds are great (you will sleep well!), and the staff is very friendly.

Life House (Location: Little Havana): An amazing place to experience Cuba’s atmosphere in Miami: Little Havana (Google Maps Location). The hotel is very close to Main Street, with a lovely rooftop bar, and very friendly and helpful staff. We highly recommend this one for one or two nights.

Crowds

No crowds – South Beach, Miami

Miami is one of the most attractive cities in Florida and will always be somewhat crowded due to its popularity. However, this is not a bad time in terms of busy places.

August is considered shoulder season in Miami and tends to have lower crowds this month due to high humidity levels, and high chances of hurricanes and tropical storms.

The crowds in August will be larger at the start of the month due to last-minute summer vacations and travelers soaking up the last few weeks of summer.

Crowds will start to taper off as the month goes on due to kids being back in school and unpredictable weather conditions.

Beach crowds: Always remember, it is Florida, so beaches are always going to be somewhat crowded when the weather is pleasant. If relaxing on the beach is what you are most looking forward to on your vacation, August is a great month as it tends to bring fewer visitors to the shoreline due to unpredictable weather.

Good to know: The area which is called ‘Miami Beach’ is huge and feels infinite. You can always find places where you can sit in solitary.

Places to Visit / Things to Do in August

A private Miami helicopter tour is something you should at least experience once!

August is not prime time for events, openings, and parties but there’s always something going on and Miami is a city where it is hard to ever be bored.

Between all the beaches, museums, restaurants, and shops, you will have a never-ending list of things to do in Miami in August. Remember to take advantage of this time of year, with August bringing lower rates and crowds for a lot of attractions.

Beaches

An August visit to Miami is not complete without spending a day, or three, at the beach. Miami offers some of the warmest waters and most beautiful coastlines in all of Florida. Depending on which type of beach you prefer, Miami has many options for travelers. The two most popular beaches in the Miami area are South Beach and Miami Beach.

💡 Avoiding Beach Crowds: It depends on the location, the day of the week, and the weather conditions, but in general, the best location for fewer crowds is north of 23 street.

South Beach: This is one of the most popular beaches in the country and is loaded with restaurants, attractions, shops, and sights. It is a very welcoming, energetic, and trendy/upbeat city, so visitors shouldn’t be surprised by anything. It is known for its thriving nightlife and abundance of bars and clubs on the strip.

Miami Beach: For visitors wanting a more relaxing and peaceful vibe on the beach, head north to Miami Beach. Ideal for travelers who are wanting to enjoy their time in Miami, without all the craziness and upbeat energy that comes along with South Beach.

Airplane or Heli Tours

You will love this airplane flight tour in August! It’s an incredible journey to view Miami and Miami Beach from a breathtaking bird’s eye view. We did this one three so far!

Review from a customer: ‘Just excellent, the special pilot, brings confidence, humor, and experience. Felipe, the guide, is more than attentive and willing to coordinate everything perfectly and adjust to the client 100%. An unforgettable experience and more than recommended.’

You will see from above (it’s jaw-dropping):

  • South Beach, North Beach, and Haulover Beach
  • Biscayne Bay and its famous lighthouse
  • Colorful Boca Chita and Elliot keys
  • The Miami Seaquarium
  • The Bayside cruise port
  • Skyscrapers of downtown Miami
  • Islands with celebrity homes
  • The Art Deco District and Ocean Drive
  • The incredible Everglades
  • The Vizcaya Mansion and Gardens
  • The Miami Marlins Stadium
  • The Hard Rock Casino
  • Stunning Cayo Brickell
  • The Venetian canal and islands
  • Stiltsville homes hovering above the water
Everglades

Everglades National Park is just a short 30-minute drive west of downtown Miami. In August, the Everglades is generally hot, with an average high of 90°F (32.2°C) and an average low of 74°F (23.4°C).

August is in the middle of the rainy season and you should expect recurring showers on many afternoons. Mornings and evenings will be the best time to spot animals due to rising water levels in the afternoons. That’s why we recommend a tour from Miami which starts at 9 AM:

Boat Tours

The city of Miami, especially Biscayne Bay, is filled with various different boat tour opportunities for everyone. Depending on your budget and interest, there is definitely something for you in August. If boats aren’t your thing, jet skis (South Beach Jet Ski Rental) are also available as an alternative.

You can also float by Millionaire Row and Celebrity Island for views of some of the most beautiful homes in all of Miami, owned by famous celebrities such as Shaquille O’Neal and P.Diddy. We highly recommend checking out this tour for a must-do activity in August:

There are also sunset tours, city tours, and boat tours all over the area of Biscayne Bay. Sunset tours are great for group trips, and a superb way to end a day in August of exploring:

Water Sports

The abundance of water sports available in Miami is unmatched. You can take part in kayaking/canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, kitesurfing, swimming, snorkeling, diving, and jet skiing all over the city of Miami.

Since Florida has some of the bluest waters in the state, Key Largo Marine Sanctuary has some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the country.

Great for beginners, and seasoned SUP lovers as well, Crandon Park has calm waters and little distractions, and ideal conditions for stand-up paddleboarding.

Wynwood Arts District

A personal favorite activity of ours is the Wynwood Arts District. This outdoor street museum is filled with street art, graffiti, and art installments that are unique, beautiful, and historical as well. There are guided tours available if you are interested in learning about the history.

It is also the ideal place to get the perfect new profile picture as there are dozens of backdrops available for social media lovers.

Little Havana

This is a ‘must see’ if you are a lover of food. Little Havana offers a little taste of Cuba right in the middle of Miami. It is a very walkable neighborhood and there are guided walking tours daily as well.

While you are here, don’t forget to stop by Versailles restaurant; Miami’s most popular Cuban restaurant dating back to 1971.

Museums

Miami has a museum for every type of traveler. The city is home to history, science, art, and interactive museums for visitors of all ages. These are great activities for those rainy days during August.

If you are a lover of music, head downtown to the Museum of Contemporary Art on Friday evenings for live music. If history is more your cup of tea, you may enjoy the Vizcaya museum and gardens, with history and facts dating back to the 19th century, and beautiful views. Additionally, and great for kids, The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is not only a museum but also a planetarium and aquarium.

Bayside Marketplace

Located in the heart of downtown, the Bayside Marketplace is another one of our personal favorite places to spend an afternoon. Located on the Bay close to Miami’s port, visitors can enjoy an afternoon of shopping and snacking at the various stores and cafes at the marketplace. This is an ideal place to grab any last-minute gifts or souvenirs!

Save the 3 Best Activities