What to wear in Miami, month by month

“What should I pack for Miami?” is probably the question I get asked most, right after “Where did you get that dress?” The short answer: less than you think, and lighter than you think. The long answer depends on the month, because Miami really has two seasons, and they dress very differently.

The dry season runs roughly from November to April: sunny, less humid, perfect. The wet season runs from about May to October: hot, sticky and full of short, dramatic afternoon storms. Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, so if you’re visiting then, keep an eye on the forecast.

Here’s how I dress through the year.

January and February

This is Miami’s version of winter, which means daytime highs in the mid to upper 70s °F (about 24 to 26 °C) and cooler nights, usually in the 60s °F (16 to 20 °C). Every so often a cold front blows through and the temperature drops into the 50s °F (10 to 15 °C), and the whole city acts like it’s snowing.

Wear: jeans, light knits, a denim or leather jacket for the evening, and sneakers or closed shoes at night. Bring a swimsuit anyway. The ocean is cooler, but sunny afternoons are still beach-worthy.

March and April

My favorite time of year. Warm, sunny, dry and breezy, with highs in the low 80s °F (around 27 to 28 °C). March is busy with spring break and festivals, including the Calle Ocho Music Festival, the huge street party in Little Havana, so expect crowds.

Wear: sundresses, linen sets, shorts, flat sandals and a light layer for the air conditioning. This is peak swim season without the summer storms, so pack two swimsuits and let one dry.

May and June

The heat and humidity come back, and the rainy season starts, usually in late May. Highs climb into the upper 80s °F (around 31 °C), and afternoon showers become part of the routine.

Wear: loose, breathable fabrics like linen and cotton, and nothing that clings when it’s damp. Keep a small foldable umbrella in your bag, and swap suede or delicate shoes for sandals that don’t mind a puddle.

July and August

Peak summer. Highs around 90 °F (32 °C), very high humidity and a thunderstorm almost every afternoon, usually short and loud. Mornings and early evenings are the best times to be outside.

Wear: as little fabric as you can while still feeling like yourself. Linen, cotton, sleeveless tops, flowy skirts and swim cover-ups. Light colors help. Keep makeup minimal and a setting spray close. Plan beach time for the morning and errands for after the storm passes.

September and October

September is still hot and humid, and it’s also the busiest part of hurricane season. October starts to soften, especially in the second half, when the first cooler fronts can arrive. Highs drift from around 90 °F toward the mid 80s °F (about 29 °C).

Wear: keep your summer wardrobe, but add one light layer for the occasional cooler evening late in October. Halloween in Miami means costumes that can survive humidity, so plan accordingly.

November and December

The dry season returns, and with it the best weather of the year. Highs fall from around 80 °F to the mid 70s °F (24 to 27 °C), the humidity drops, and evenings get breezy. Early December brings Miami Art Week, when the city fills with art fairs and visitors.

Wear: this is when you can finally style. Light trousers, midi skirts, a blazer over a silk top, loafers or clean sneakers. Keep a cardigan or a light jacket for the evening and for the very strong air conditioning indoors.

What I wear all year

Some things never leave my rotation, whatever the month:

• A linen set. Shirt and wide-leg trousers, worn together or separately.
• A slip dress. Daytime with sandals, evening with gold jewelry.
• Comfortable sandals and white sneakers. Miami is a walking city if you let it be.
• A light layer. The air conditioning here is set to “arctic”, I promise.
• Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat. The sun is strong even on cloudy days.
• Gold jewelry. My grandmother, Grandma Dee, gave me the gold Africa pendant I never take off, and gold looks so good against warm, sun-kissed skin.

A few Miami style rules

Dress codes here are relaxed during the day and a little dressier at night, so pack at least one outfit that can go from the beach to dinner. A swimsuit under a linen shirt and wide-leg trousers can do both. Avoid heavy fabrics, dark colors that soak up the sun, and anything you’d be sad to get rained on between May and October.

Want to see the looks? My gallery has outfits for every season here, and I’m designing the swim and resort-wear for my own label with exactly this weather in mind.

Packing for a trip? Send me your dates in the chat and I’ll tell you what to bring.