Miami and Miami Beach are definitely year-round destinations, although most visitors come October through April, when fleeing cold weather in the north. Hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions are crowded at this time of year, and special events and the performing arts take center stage - so be prepared for in-season rates and low availability. Although more and more Latin Americans and Europeans are visiting during the summer months, summer is still a good time for budget-minded visitors; many hotels lower their rates considerably, and even the nicer restaurants may offer discounts (check local newspapers). If you're traveling to other Florida destinations in addition to Greater Miami, you may also want to consider the fall and late spring shoulder seasons, when many rates are as good as in the summer - and rates plummet in the Keys and Orlando.

Miamians brag that the reason they live in South Florida is for winter - dry, clear blue skies, temperatures in the 60s and low 70s, cotton-puff clouds, and humidity-free, good-hair days. Even better, there's very little difference between winter, late fall and early spring. Good thing, since Greater Miami is often very hot and humid in the summer, and air-conditioning is a must. Along the coast, ocean breezes make summer quite bearable, and afternoon thunderstorms disappear as quickly as they come. Hurricane season officially begins June 1 and ends on November 30. Severe storms can interrupt public services, including water and electricity. In the rare instance of hurricane-force winds, Miami-Dade County may order evacuation of storm-surge areas. Most hotels have emergency plans in place to assist tourists, although if availability is scarce at inland hotels, you may find yourself at an area shelter. If before you leave on vacation you're advised South Florida is under a hurricane watch, you might want to postpone your plans.

Following are average monthly minimum and maximum temperatures for Greater Miami:January 75-59°F (24-15°C); February 76-60°F (24-16°C); March 79-64°F (26-18°C); April 83-68°F (28-20°C); May 85-72°F (29-22°C); June 88-75°F (31-24°C); July 89-77°F (32-25°C); August 89-77°F (32-25°C); September 88-76°F (31-24°C); October 85-72°F (29-22°C); November 80-67°F (27-19°C); December 77-62F (24-16°C).

Holidays

Major national holidays include New Year's Day (Jan. 1); Martin Luther King, Jr., Day (3rd Mon. in Jan.); President's Day (3rd Mon. in Feb.); Easter Sunday; Memorial Day (last Mon. in May); Independence Day (July 4); Labor Day (1st Mon. in Sept.); Thanksgiving Day (4th Thurs. in Nov.); Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (Dec. 24 and 25); and New Year's Eve (Dec. 31).