Miami in January | Outfits – Weather – Tips

Experiencing Miami during the winter is something everyone should do at least once.

Miami is the perfect place to jump-start the new year as there are endless things to do during the month of January. There are great weather conditions to escape the cold temperatures of winter and a beautiful blue and breezy coastline.

We will answer everything you need to know about this month:

• January Weather Overview
• Outfit Guide | Packing Tips
• Essential Clothing Items
• Beach Guide | Miami Beach – South Beach
• Hotels and Rates

Best Miami & South Florida Travel Guides

Weather Overview

January in Miami brings cool and comfortable temperatures. It is ideal for outdoor activities, where you can enjoy your time without the effects of extreme heat.

During January, the average high temperature in Miami is comfortable most of the day, hovering around 76°F (24°C). It is the dry season, filled with bright and sunny skies with a crisp breeze. There is little rainfall this month, with an average of 1.5 inches. Humidity is low.

January in Miami | Average High Temperatures:

• Early January: 76°F (24°C)
• Mid-January: 76°F (24°C)
• Late January: 76°F (24°C)

Rainfall

January is one of the driest months of the year in Miami. It is the middle of the dry season, and there is very little rainfall happening this month. The month of January tends to average around 1.4-1.6 inches.

Good to know: While January is the dry season, we have experienced nights with the occasional thunderstorms. This isn’t too surprising since Florida is the lighting capital of the world.

In general, you shouldn’t worry about rain or unpredictable weather conditions interrupting your plans during this time. There are usually only 8 rainy days this month on average, so chances are there won’t be an issue.

Heat/Humidity

Since Miami has a southern location close to the Caribbean, there are high humidity levels present all year round. However, the shift of the seasons causes humidity to drop in the month of January. There is no need to worry about high humidity levels putting stress on your time.

The humidity levels in January aren’t too noticeable in Miami due to the cooler temperature and crisp breeze from the coastline. The mornings tend to have the highest humidity of 84% but then drop down to 59% in the late afternoons.

Daily Weather Progression

January weather is usually warmest in the afternoons hours, with mornings and evenings being about 10 degrees cooler.

Typical daily temperature progression:

• Early Morning (6 AM): 66°F
• Early Afternoon (1 PM): 75°F
• Evening (10 PM): 67°F

Mornings tend to be bright, filled with sunshine, and have cool and comfortable temperatures. Afternoons tend to get warmer, but humidity decreases significantly.

Evenings: When the sun goes down, the temperatures tend to get chilly, especially with the winds from the ocean.

Water Temperature

With an average temperature of 73°F (22.7°C), January brings slightly cooler ocean temperatures to the coastline of Miami. For many locals, these conditions are not comfortable enough for swimming. However, water dogs and sports enthusiasts still enjoy the ocean during this time.

💡 Floridians would say January is too cold to go swimming, but it might be comfortable enough for you. It just depends on what you are used to. My personal tip for snorkeling, swimming, and diving:  Shorty Wet Suit (via Amazon)

While the waters tend to be too cold for some, these are ideal weather conditions for water sports and boating. It’s also still a nice way to cool off from the hot afternoon temperatures, even if you don’t feel comfortable being in the ocean for longer.

Outfit Guide | Packing Tips

Miami keeps relatively warm temperatures all year round, but it is the middle of winter, so packing for January can be tricky. However, the good thing about Miami is, that anything is acceptable, and visitors are free to dress the way they choose with no judgment.

During January in Miami, layering options are great for what to wear throughout the day. Long sleeves or pants may be needed in the morning hours and late evenings when the sun sets. During the afternoons, visitors can shed their layers and opt for shorts and a t-shirt.

Our recommended packing list:

• Sandals
• Walking/Tennis shoes (depending on plans)
• Shorts
• Flannels or Blouses
• Leggings/Cargos/
• T-shirts & V-necks
• Jeans (
• Light sweater or jacket
• Bathing Suit/Swim Trunks
• Bathing Suit Cover Up
• Layering clothing items

💡 Tip: January is an ideal month for layering. Mornings and evenings tend to be a lot cooler than the afternoons, and it is convenient to remove and add clothing articles when need be.

A Typical Day

The typical day will depend on how far north or south you are in Florida. Regardless, plan on wearing a variety of layers to be prepared for whatever the weather brings.

9 AM

While early morning temps won’t be summer-level warmth or humidity, you should be comfortable enough to walk around in shorts and a T-shirt.

Especially if you come from a snowy climate around this time of year. Plan on breathable jeans or shorts if you feel comfortable, and a T-shirt with a jacket layered over it.

12 PM

By lunchtime, especially if you are walking around to explore the sights, you should be feeling much warmer than you were in the morning. You might be comfortable peeling off your outermost layer.

3 PM

Daytime temperatures normally peak at this time. If you are still walking around with all your layers, you will definitely be warm enough to go down to your base shirt.

6 PM

South Florida: If you are further south, your style of attire will not have to change too much from loose or short-sleeved clothing. If you get cold easily, plan on wearing pants instead of shorts. Regardless of how you feel in the outdoor weather, bring a jacket or sweater for your time indoors.

9 PM

You will want to be wearing a warm outer layer for the late night temperatures.

Should I Bring Jeans?

Jeans are a good option for the morning, but keep in mind that you may grow uncomfortable during the higher afternoon temperatures, especially if you come from a snowy climate.

That’s why I recommend bringing lighter summer jeans:

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Plan on bringing at least one or two pairs of jeans/pants for when temperatures are cooler in the evenings.

Rain Protection

Rain is not likely during this time of year, but it is still possible, and you want to be prepared so it doesn’t put a damper on your trip! Especially in South Florida, you should expect the unexpected when it comes to showers. Keeping a small umbrella handy is always a good idea.

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If visiting the theme parks, we recommend bringing your own poncho. This will keep you and your belongings nice and dry in case of showers. While you can buy a poncho at the park, you will find it much cheaper to buy one outside of the park and bring it in.

Comfortable Shoes

You should wear comfortable shoes most of the time. Don’t underestimate the amount of walking you’ll be doing.

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💡 Without comfortable walking shoes, you end up with blisters and hurting feet at the end of the day.

 

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: If you are someone who gets cold easily, we recommend that you wear a light sweater or at least keep a jacket handy when dining in indoor restaurants. Air conditioners usually stay on the entire year due to the high temperatures in Miami.

Essential Clothing Items

T-shirts

T-shirts are fundamental for layering since they can provide a great breeze when you start to get warm and need to peel some layers off. They can also give you more coverage than a tank top and protect sensitive areas like your shoulders and back from the sun.

Sweaters and Long Sleeves

Packing at least one sweater or jacket and a few long-sleeved shirts is essential.

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It will keep you safe rather than sorry if you run into cold weather or indoor temperatures.

Trousers or Jeans

Trousers or jeans are essential for nighttime when temperatures go down and for the mornings.

Shorts or Capris

Shorts are a must if you’re spending time in South Florida.

Tip: Diversity in your suitcase is key. If you plan on being warm most of your trip, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pack any jacket or long pants, and vice versa.

Skirts or a Casual Dress

Loose skirts and sundresses are a great option if visiting South Florida because they can keep you cool but are also versatile enough that you can add layers to keep warm.

Sneakers and Boots

Sneakers aren’t your only option for comfortable footwear if you want some variety.

Sandals can be an option, but we recommend you opt for sneakers thanks to their versatility for walking and keeping your feet a bit warmer.

Swimwear

If you’re planning to swim, pack more than one bathing suit so you always have a dry one ready to go!

Beach tip: If you visit the beach and have plans in the area afterwards, most places by the beach are swim-attire-friendly. Make sure to double-check official policies, but you shouldn’t have any problems if you want to grab lunch in a swimsuit and cover-up or T-shirt and swim trunks.

Jewelry

Don’t overdo it with the jewelry if you have a full day of activities planned ahead. Stick to simple chains with a secure clasp, especially when going in the ocean or on theme park rides. Avoid rings, earrings, or other pieces of jewelry that can get lost or caught on something.

Prepare Well for Your Night Out

We recommend wearing comfortable shoes when going out. If opting to wear high heels, pick a pair with a thicker base or lower heel so you can feel comfortable wearing them all night.

You should bring a pair of thick socks in your bag if you’re wearing very high or uncomfortable heels. These will give you the option to retire your heels and keep you from walking around barefoot if you aren’t able to keep a spare pair of shoes handy.

This is especially true if you’re doing a lot of walking in the evening, like bar hopping or going to a concert.

Beach Guide

A trip to Miami in January isn’t complete unless you spend a day or two at the beach. Miami has some of Florida’s warmest waters and most beautiful coasts.

Depending on your preferences,  Miami offers a variety of possibilities for everyone. South Beach and Miami Beach are the two most popular beaches in the Miami area.

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. It is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy their time in Miami without all the craziness and upbeat energy that comes along with South Beach.

Crowds

Although South Beach and Miami Beach are the most popular beaches in Miami, there are numerous lesser-known and less-crowded parts of the shore in the Miami Beach area.

Thus, if you need some relaxation, you can often find a quiet location away from the crowds.

Hotels and Rates

January tends to be a very cost-efficient month when visiting Miami. While there is a lot happening, it is also the first month after the holidays. The demand is lower due to fewer vacationers and typically cooler weather.

Prices will be slightly lower on average but can vary depending on place and time.

Miami has a lot going on in January with all the events and festivals happening throughout the region. Be prepared to see slightly higher prices in neighborhoods and areas where and when festivals are taking place.

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 January 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.

1. 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 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.
2. 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), select this one for your January 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.
3. 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 on a pleasant January afternoon.
4. 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! 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.
5. 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 December.