Miami is a beautiful city, and there are so many things to see and do all over the city. February brings crystal blue skies and lots of sunshine. It is one of the driest months of the year, and humidity is low. You can’t go wrong visiting Miami during this time of year.
This month is ideal for visitors who are looking to avoid extreme crowds or comfortably spend their time enjoying events, festivals, and activities.
As Floridians, we visit Miami regularly. We hope our guide gives you an idea of what to expect and how to plan the perfect vacation to Miami in February, despite a few downsides.
We answer every question visitors might have:
- Is the weather pleasant in February?
- What you should pack and wear?
- Is it beach weather or too cold for swimming?
- What are the best activities?
Is February a Good Time to Visit Miami?
The month of February is a superb time of year to visit the city of Miami. Visitors can enjoy the city with lower crowds, average rates, and warm weather conditions. There is an abundance of activities, and little rainfall means there is little chance of your plans being disrupted.
February is an ideal time to visit the coastline due to the lack of extreme temperatures and a very low chance of rain.
Tip: Make sure to check out our guide to Miami in January in case you plan to visit earlier in the winter (the link opens in a new tab).
Tour Tips | Our Favorites
We highly recommend these activities. Reservations are very easy and safe (you receive a mobile voucher > very comfortable!)
Weather
If you love warm temperatures, Miami is the best place to spend the month of February. This city offers visitors a chance to enjoy the winter season in a more tropical climate, with little rain and no extreme effects.
The average high temperature in Miami during February is 76-78°F (24-26°C). It’s the dry season with mostly pleasant temperatures. There is very little rainfall this month, averaging around 1.7 inches. It’s typically a warm month, with sunshine and blue skies.
Average High Temperatures:
- Early February: 76°F (24°C)
- Mid-February: 77°F (25 °C)
- Late February: 78°F (26°C)
Cold fronts: During February, there is still a small possibility of a cold front coming in, as opposed to March in Miami when superb weather is almost guaranteed. However, it’s only a small chance, with a temporary temperature drop of 10-15 degrees for typically 2-3 days. Bring a sweater for layering (read our detailed clothing tips below).
Rainfall
February is known for being one of the driest months of the year in Miami. The city sees very little rainfall and instead is filled with clear skies and sunshine. Precipitation, if any, is often steady in February with an average of 1.7 inches.
Good to know: While it is the middle of the dry season, keep in mind Florida is known for unpredictable weather. There is always the potential for an occasional storm or passing shower. However, those rare storms and quick showers won’t spoil your trip.
You don’t have to worry about rainy weather disrupting your itinerary in February.
Heat/Humidity
During February, the humidity levels tend to be at their lowest for the city of Miami. However, considering Miami is still located in a very southern region, the humidity is still higher than in the rest of the state.
Humidity shouldn’t be too much of an issue this month, and it is very easy to enjoy your time outdoors without the effects of the extreme heat. Just keep in mind the morning hours tend to be the highest, with a humidity level of 83%, dropping down to 57% in the late afternoons.
Daily Weather Progression
February is often pretty consistent throughout the day when it comes to weather conditions. Temperatures usually peak in the afternoon hours when the sun is at its highest.
Typical daily temperature progression:
- Early Morning (6 AM): 68°F
- Early Afternoon (1 PM): 77°F
- Evening (10 PM): 70°F
Mornings: Mornings tend to be bright and sunny, with temperatures increasing as the day goes on.
Evenings: Evenings bring more winds, and temperatures often drop about 10 degrees once the sun goes down.
Water Temperature | Swimming
The month of February brings some of the coldest water temperatures of the year, but they are still warmer than most parts of Florida.
In Miami, the average ocean temperature throughout February is 74°F (23°C). While it will be too cold to swim for some visitors, a dip in the ocean is still a great option for cooling off during those hot afternoons.
💡 However, many people don’t mind colder water temps and still enjoy swimming or snorkeling in the ocean during this month. It depends on your tolerance and what you are used to. The water is chilly but also still within the range of acceptable swimming temperature.
February brings clear skies and little rain, making it an ideal month for diving or snorkeling, as well as other water sports. Die-hard water lovers can enjoy their favorite activities without the high crowds warm temperatures bring.
What to Pack | What to Wear
We absolutely love Miami because it is a free-spirited city where you can wear whatever you want.
You never know the kind of outfits you will see during the South Beach nightlife. Due to the colder temps at certain times, packing can be tricky in February, so we suggest packing clothing items that can easily be layered.
During February in Miami, wear clothing items that can be layered easily. The morning hours may require a light jacket or long pants, followed by afternoons when shorts and t-shirts are comfortable. Keep a jacket or light sweater with you in the evenings as temperatures drop when the sun sets.
Our recommended packing list:
- Sandals
- Tennis shoes or walking shoes
- Shorts
- Pair of jeans
- Flannel or long-sleeved layering shirt
- T-shirts & V-necks
- Jacket or light sweater
- Joggers or athletic pants
- Bathing Suit/Swim Trunks
- Bathing Suit Cover Up
Additional items to pack:
- Sunscreen
- Umbrella
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Water Bottle -stay hydrated!
- Small backpack or fanny pack
- Water shoes
Restaurant tip: When dining out in indoor restaurants in Miami, we recommend bringing a jacket or light sweater with you. The weather in Miami is still relatively warm on average, and the air conditioners are usually on full blast. Remember this tip if you are someone who gets cold easily.
Rates
February rates will vary depending on the time you visit and the location you are visiting. All in all, February rates tend to be average and affordable; not too high, but not dirt cheap either. Visitors should expect to see higher weeks on weekends or during festivals and events.
Keep in mind: The increase of seasonal residents in Miami during this time of year tends to hike the prices up in certain neighborhoods.
5 Fantastic and Affordable Hotels
A night in Miami does not have to be outrageously expensive. There are numerous excellent but reasonably priced hotels you can choose from for your February visit. We’ve put together a list of awesome but fairly priced accommodations. If you can’t find one right 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 is a hidden gem! Actually, we don’t think you can find a more affordable hotel in February that is so good and so close to the beach. The rates per night start from ~ $120. The owner is just lovely and a super helpful lady.
- 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 for your February visit! It is an affordable oceanfront hotel situated in the heart of South Beach. Its location is in the middle of everything. Great rooms, comfortable beds, and bathroom, fantastic staff. A+++ for everything, including the cleanliness.
- Circa 39 Hotel (Location: Miami Beach): Another gorgeous 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 great detail: They offer free beach chairs and umbrellas. Ask the staff at the hut, and they set it up for a pleasant February afternoon.
- El Paseo Hotel (Location: South Beach): You can easily walk to South Beach in 1-2 minutes from the El Paseo Hotel. This will save you a lot of time when visiting in February! Furthermore, there are amazing restaurants downstairs, and it’s a safe place in the evenings. The rooms are super clean, the beds are great and comfortable (you will sleep well!), and the staff is very friendly.
- Life House (Location: Little Havana): An extraordinary place to experience Cuba’s atmosphere during November in December: 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 suggest this hotel for one or two nights in February.
Crowds
The southern location of Miami attracts thousands of visitors all year round. This is also a popular month for locals and seasonal residents to take advantage of their southern homes.
During February, Miami will be fairly crowded, but nothing too extreme like the upcoming spring season. It’s relatively easy for anyone who visits to spread out around the different parts of the city.
💡 Our last visit to Miami in February didn’t bring any issues relating to crowds or high numbers of visitors. There weren’t any long wait times at restaurants, and the beach crowds looked like any average day and were easy to spread out on if need be.
Beach crowds: It is Florida, so beaches are always going to be somewhat crowded.
Although South Beach and Miami Beach are the most popular beaches in Miami, there are several lesser-known and less-crowded parts of the shore in the vicinity. So, if you need some peace, you can always find a quiet location away from the crowds.
Places to Visit / Things to Do
It is impossible ever to be bored in Miami, particularly in February. This month is great for outdoor activities since the weather isn’t too hot or too cold. February also brings various events and festivals all throughout the city.
Between the various beaches, museums, restaurants, and shops, visitors have a never-ending list of things to do in Miami in February.
Beaches
Even in February, Miami brings some of the warmest waters and most gorgeous coastlines in all of Florida. Depending on which type of beach you prefer, there are different options. The two most popular beaches in the Miami area are South Beach and Miami Beach.
- 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.
Festivals
Miami is the home to dozens of festivals throughout the year, including February. This month hosts an abundance of events such as the South Beach Food and Wine Festival, showcasing over 400 culinary experts with opportunities for wine tasting and a lot of taste testing. Additionally, it is Health and Wellness month in Miami, and if you visit at the right time, you can also catch a Mardi Gras celebration.
Airplane / Heli Tours
This is an incredible experience to view Miami and Miami Beach from a breathtaking bird’s eye view. We did this one 3 times already! It makes you feel as if you are in my own private plane. We think it’s a must-do activity in February:
- Miami: 60-Minute Airplane Flight Tour (via GetYourGuide). Check the availability here:
We really loved this flight! The pilot brings confidence, humor, and experience. Felipe, the guide, is more than attentive and willing to coordinate everything perfectly and adjust to our needs and wishes 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
- The American Airlines Arena and Bayfront Park
- Incredible Cayo Brickell
- The Venetian canal and islands
- Stiltsville homes hovering above the water
- Indian Creek Gulf Camp
- Hard Rock Stadium
Everglades
Everglades National Park is just a short 30-minute drive west of downtown Miami. In February, the Everglades is generally hot, with an average high of 76°F (24.4°C) and an average low of 64°F (17.7°C).
Since it is the dry season, there is a multitude of tour options during this month, and well as various hiking and biking opportunities in the area. It is also a perfect time to spot wildlife as there are lower water levels due to less rainfall.
To avoid crowds, we recommend a tour from Miami which starts at or before 9 AM:
- Everglades National Park: Airboat Tour and Wildlife Show (via GetYourGuide): Make a reservation. It’s hassle-free and you get a voucher via phone (you can also print it if you like)
Boat Tours
The city of Miami, especially Biscayne Bay, is filled with various boat tour options you can choose from. Depending on your budget and interests, there is something for everyone. If boats aren’t your thing, jet skis (South Beach Jet Ski Rental) are also available as an alternative.
45-Minutes Speedboat Tour (reservation via GetYourGuide): Our personal tip and absolute favorite. What an adventure! We were blown away at how much fun this was. We did this one three times last year!
You can float by Millionaire Row and Celebrity Island for views of some of the most beautiful residences in Miami, owned by famous stars such as Shaquille O’Neal and P.Diddy. We highly suggest checking out this tour:
City Cruise to Millionaire’s Homes & Venetian Islands. The tour guides are amazing and the whole cruise is simply amazing.
There are also sunset tours, city tours, and boat tours all over the area of Biscayne Bay. Sunset tours are great for group or girls trips, and a superb way to end an evening of exploring:
Sunset Cruise through Biscayne Bay and South Beach: ‘Our guide was an amazing host, entertainer, and historian! The views of the sunset were stunning!’
Water Sports
The abundance of water sports available in Miami is unmatched. You can take part in kayaking/canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, kitesurfing, swimming, snorkeling, diving, and jet skiing all over the city of Miami.
Biscayne Bay Kayak or Paddleboard Rental: Perfect for explorers, as you can get to incredible places that are hard to reach with a car or motorized boat along the shores of Biscayne Bay.
Key Largo Marine Sanctuary has some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the whole 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, especially on a slightly cooler day in February. 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, which we highly recommend. The stories they tell and their knowledge is intriguing:
Wynwood Art District 1-Hour Street Art Tour by Golf Buggy: Even locals are doing this tour and recommend it as a fantastic experience!
It is also the ideal place to get the perfect new profile picture as there are dozens of backdrops available for creators.
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 fascinating guided walking tours daily as well.
Little Havana: Food & Cultural Walking Tour with Lunch: The tour guides are exceptional and the food on this tour is fantastic! This is a must-do!
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. Depending on your interests, Miami is home to history, science, art, and interactive museums. This is a great activity for people of all ages, especially on a colder February morning.
Special Tip: ‘Superblue Miami’ Immersive Art Experience Ticket
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!