Things to Do in Miami in February

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PricesPeak Season

February is Miami's golden window. The city sits in the driest, most comfortable stretch of its year, with afternoon highs around 25°C (78°F), low humidity by South Florida standards, and rainfall that barely registers compared to the summer deluge. That comfort comes at a cost. Every snowbird from the Northeast and every European escaping grey skies has the same idea, so hotel rates in South Beach and Brickell climb 50-80% above the annual average. You'll feel the population swell on Lincoln Road and along Ocean Drive, where restaurant waits stretch past 45 minutes on weekend evenings.

To be fair, the crowds come for good reason. February stacks three of Miami's signature events into a single month. The Coconut Grove Arts Festival draws over 100,000 visitors across Presidents' Day weekend. The South Beach Wine & Food Festival fills the last week of the month with tastings, chef demos, and beach dinners featuring names like José Andrés and Marcus Samuelsson. The Miami International Boat Show takes over the Marine Stadium basin on Virginia Key for 5 days mid-month. These aren't filler events. People plan entire trips around them.

The weather, though, is the real draw. February mornings in Coconut Grove start around 19°C (67°F) with dry air that feels almost Mediterranean. By 2 p.m. you're at a comfortable 25°C (78°F) with none of the crushing humidity that defines June through October. Rain falls on roughly 11 days, typically as a brief 15-minute shower that clears within the hour. You might get one genuinely overcast day all month. For the rest, expect sharp blue skies and a light breeze off Biscayne Bay.

Why visit in February

Driest stretch of the year with only 65mm of rain, compared to 279mm in June. Pool days and beach plans rarely get derailed.
Stone crab season is at its peak. Joe's Stone Crab on South Beach and Garcia's Seafood Grille on the Miami River both serve claws that were likely pulled from traps that morning.
Three major events in a single month. The Coconut Grove Arts Festival, South Beach Wine & Food Festival, and Miami International Boat Show all fall in February.
Water temperatures in the Atlantic hover around 24°C (75°F), warm enough for comfortable swimming and snorkeling at Crandon Park on Key Biscayne.
Morning humidity sits around 74%, noticeably lower than the 85%+ that makes July through September feel oppressive.

Worth knowing

Peak-season pricing hits hard. Hotel rates across South Beach and Brickell run 50-80% above the annual average, and last-minute bookings in February are significantly pricier than shoulder months like May or November.
Crowds at marquee spots like Wynwood Walls and Española Way can feel dense on weekends, with wait times at popular restaurants reaching 60+ minutes without a reservation.
Traffic on I-95 and the MacArthur Causeway to Miami Beach backs up significantly on event weekends. A 15-minute drive from Brickell to South Beach can balloon to 50 minutes.
Evenings can dip to 15-16°C (59-61°F) on cold fronts that push down from the north 2-3 times per month. Not freezing, but cooler than many visitors expect from Miami.

Best for

Think twice if

Weather measured 25° / 19°C 65mm rain · 11 rainy days · 74% humidity rains perceptibly ~1.1h/day · 90% of mornings dry

Crowds peak

Pack Light cotton or linen clothing for daytime, a light sweater or long-sleeve layer for evenings and air-conditioned restaurants. Swimwear for daily beach or pool use. A pair of sunglasses with good UV protection. SPF 50 sunscreen is non-negotiable even on hazy days.

February tends to deliver Miami's most pleasant days. Warm but not punishing. Afternoons reach 25.4°C (78°F) under mostly clear skies, with evenings cooling to 19.2°C (67°F). Humidity runs around 74%, which still feels tropical but won't have you drenched after a 10-minute walk the way August will. Rainfall totals roughly 65mm across about 11 days, though most of those "rainy days" amount to a quick afternoon shower that passes in 20 minutes. You might catch 1-2 cold fronts sweeping down from the north, dropping nighttime lows to 14-15°C (57-59°F) for a day or two. These pass quickly. The dominant pattern is sun, light easterly breeze, and dry air.

Year-round climate

Averages from the last 5 years.

Monthly climate averages for Miami
Month	Avg high (°C)	Avg low (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
Jan	24	17	59
Feb	25	19	65
Mar	27	20	89
Apr	27	21	87
May	30	23	109
Jun	30	24	279
Jul	31	26	127
Aug	32	26	150
Sep	30	25	232
Oct	29	23	133
Nov	27	21	118
Dec	25	19	118

Headline events

Citywide

South Beach Wine & Food Festival

Late February (typically the last Thursday through Sunday)

One of the largest food and wine festivals in the United States. Over 100 events across 5 days, from the Burger Bash on the sand to intimate dinners led by Michelin-starred chefs. The festival has run since 2002 and draws roughly 65,000 attendees annually.

#SOBEWFF

Citywide Free

Coconut Grove Arts Festival

Presidents' Day weekend (mid-February)

One of the top-ranked outdoor art festivals in the country, running since 1963. Over 300 artists exhibit painting, sculpture, photography, and glass work along McFarlane Road and South Bayshore Drive. Attendance typically exceeds 100,000 over the 3-day weekend.

#CoconutGroveArtsFestival

Nationwide

Miami International Boat Show

Mid-February (Thursday through Monday, typically the week before Presidents' Day)

The largest in-water boat show in the world, held at Miami Marine Stadium Park and Basin on Virginia Key. Over 1,000 boats on display, from fishing skiffs to 30-metre superyachts. The event draws more than 100,000 visitors over 5 days.

#MiamiBoatShow

Best things to do in February

Snorkeling at Crandon Park

outdoor

Crandon Park on Key Biscayne has a protected reef area about 200 metres offshore with visibility that typically reaches 15-20 metres in February. You'll likely spot parrotfish, sergeant majors, and juvenile barracuda in the shallows. The park's 3.2 km beach is calmer than the open Atlantic side.

February's low rainfall keeps water clarity high, and 24°C (75°F) water temperatures are comfortable without a wetsuit.

Booking tipArrive before 10 a.m. on weekends to secure parking. The lot fills by late morning during peak season.

Walking tour of Wynwood Walls

culture

The Wynwood Walls outdoor museum covers 80,000 square feet of murals by artists from over 16 countries. The surrounding neighborhood has expanded to include more than 70 galleries, and February still carries residual energy from Art Basel in December. New installations typically go up in January, so February visitors see fresh work.

Post-Art Basel momentum means galleries are fully stocked, and February's dry weather makes an outdoor walking tour reliable.

Booking tipWeekday mornings before 11 a.m. are the least crowded. The Wynwood Walls themselves are free to enter.

Kayaking through Oleta River State Park

outdoor

Oleta River State Park in North Miami Beach is the largest urban park in Florida at 1,043 acres. The mangrove-lined kayak trails wind through tidal channels where manatees surface in the cooler months. February's calm winds make paddling easier than in March or April when easterlies pick up.

Manatees move into the warmer inshore waters during winter, and February's low winds create ideal paddling conditions.

Booking tipRent kayaks from the park's concessionaire. Single kayaks are available on a first-come basis, but tandem kayaks tend to run out by noon on Saturdays.

Exploring the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

culture

Vizcaya sits on 28 acres of Biscayne Bay waterfront in Coconut Grove. The 34-room main house was built in 1916 for industrialist James Deering, and the Italian Renaissance gardens run down to the water. February's lower humidity means you can spend 2-3 hours outdoors in the gardens without wilting.

February's mild temperatures and low humidity make the outdoor gardens genuinely pleasant, unlike the sweltering summer months when the gardens empty out by noon.

Booking tipTimed entry tickets are required. Book online at least 3-4 days ahead for weekend visits during February.

Biking the Rickenbacker Causeway to Key Biscayne

outdoor

The Rickenbacker Causeway runs 10 km from Brickell to Key Biscayne, with a dedicated bike lane and views of downtown Miami, Fisher Island, and the open Atlantic. The bridge crests at about 24 metres, giving you a panoramic sweep of Biscayne Bay. February's dry mornings make for comfortable early rides.

Cooler morning temperatures around 19°C (67°F) and low humidity keep the ride comfortable. Summer heat makes midday crossings punishing.

Booking tipCiti Bike stations sit at the Brickell end. Start early, ideally before 8 a.m., to beat both the heat and the traffic.

Strolling the Coconut Grove Arts Festival

culture

Over 300 artists set up booths along McFarlane Road and South Bayshore Drive in Coconut Grove for Presidents' Day weekend. The festival started in 1963 and ranks among the top outdoor art festivals in the United States. Expect paintings, sculpture, blown glass, jewelry, and photography spread across roughly 1 km of tree-lined streets.

The festival only happens once a year on Presidents' Day weekend. It's a February-only event.

Booking tipStreet parking fills fast. Use the Coconut Grove Metrorail station and walk 10 minutes south to the festival entrance.

Everglades airboat ride from Shark Valley

outdoor

Shark Valley in Everglades National Park sits about 45 minutes west of downtown Miami on US-41. February is the dry season, which concentrates wildlife around remaining water pools. You'll likely see alligators, great blue herons, anhingas, and possibly a roseate spoonbill from the 24 km tram loop or a shorter airboat tour.

The dry season concentrates birds and alligators around shrinking water sources, making wildlife sightings far more reliable than in the wet summer months.

Booking tipBook airboat tours at least a week ahead during February. Shark Valley's tram tour also books out on weekends.

Sunset at South Pointe Park Pier

outdoor

South Pointe Park sits at the very tip of Miami Beach where Government Cut channels cruise ships and container vessels past the jetty. The park's 137-metre fishing pier extends into the channel, and February sunsets drop behind the downtown Miami skyline around 6:15 p.m. The breeze off the water tends to carry the smell of salt and diesel from the port.

February's clear skies produce sharper sunsets than the hazy summer months. The dry air means fewer clouds blocking the horizon line.

Booking tipNo booking needed. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset to claim a spot along the railing.

What to eat in February

In season: fruit

Florida avocados
South Florida's avocado season overlaps into early winter, and you'll still find the large, smooth-skinned Florida variety at stands along US-1 in Homestead through February. They're milder and less fatty than the Hass avocados most visitors know, with a watery crunch that works well in Cuban salads.

On menus now

Stone crab claws
Florida stone crab season runs October 15 through May 15, and February is considered prime time. The claws are sweet, firm, and served cold with a sharp mustard sauce. Joe's Stone Crab on South Beach has been the landmark spot since 1913, but CJ's Crab Shack on Ocean Drive offers a less hectic alternative.
Ceviche
February's mild weather and fresh catches make ceviche a staple at restaurants across Miami. My Ceviche in South Beach and Brickell has been serving Peruvian-style versions with leche de tigre since 2012. The yellowtail and shrimp versions tend to rely on whatever came off the boats that morning at the Miami River docks.

What to drink

Ventanita Cuban coffee
Miami's Little Havana ventanitas serve cafecito year-round, but February's cooler mornings make that first tiny cup of thick, sweet espresso hit differently. Versailles on Calle Ocho is the most famous window, though locals tend to favor La Carreta or Exquisito Restaurant for shorter lines. Prices remain remarkably low compared to specialty coffee shops.

Regular events in February

Miami Marathon and Half Marathon

Starts at AmericanAirlines Arena and runs a flat, scenic course through Coconut Grove, Key Biscayne, and South Beach. The race draws around 25,000 runners and typically falls on the first or second Sunday of February.

First or second Sunday of February

Carnaval on the MileFree

Coral Gables hosts a one-day street festival on Miracle Mile with Latin music, food vendors, and a parade. The event typically draws 50,000 attendees and runs from noon to 11 p.m. on a Saturday in early March, though it sometimes falls in late February.

Late February or early March

Original Miami Beach Antique Show

One of the largest indoor antique shows in the world, held at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Over 800 dealers spread across 200,000 square feet of exhibition space, selling furniture, jewelry, art, and decorative objects dating back centuries.

Mid-February (typically runs 5 days)

Best places this February

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
nature
33 hectares of tropical plants in Coral Gables, including the largest collection of tropical palms in the continental United States. February's flowering season brings the royal poinciana and frangipani into bloom. The Wings of the Tropics butterfly exhibit runs year-round in the conservatory.
Coral Gables
Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)
culture
The waterfront contemporary art museum in Museum Park opened in 2013 and was designed by Herzog & de Meuron. The hanging gardens on the exterior terraces are worth the visit alone. February's post-Art Basel programming tends to include newly acquired pieces from the December fair.
Downtown
Little Havana along Calle Ocho
culture
SW 8th Street between 12th and 17th Avenues is the heart of Miami's Cuban community. Domino Park (officially Máximo Gómez Park) still draws older Cuban men for afternoon domino games. The cigar shops, ventanitas, and fruit stands give the strip a sensory density you won't find in Brickell or South Beach. The smell of roasting coffee and cigar smoke hangs in the warm February air.
Little Havana
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
nature
The park occupies the southern tip of Key Biscayne, anchored by the Cape Florida Lighthouse built in 1825. The 1.9 km beach on the Atlantic side is quieter than South Beach and has a wilder, less manicured feel. February's calm seas make it a good spot for paddleboarding.
Key Biscayne
The Kampong (National Tropical Botanical Garden)
nature
A 3.6-hectare tropical garden in Coconut Grove that was the personal estate of plant explorer David Fairchild. The property sits on Biscayne Bay and contains rare tropical fruit trees from across Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Visits are by guided tour only, limited to 15 people.
Coconut Grove
Wynwood Arts District
culture
The neighborhood north of Downtown between NW 20th and NW 36th Streets has over 70 galleries, studios, and street art installations. February is a strong month for gallery openings as dealers rotate in new work after Art Basel. Second Saturday Art Walks draw crowds on the second Saturday evening of each month.
Wynwood
Deering Estate at Cutler
culture
A 180-acre bayfront estate in Palmetto Bay built in the 1920s by Charles Deering. The property includes two historic houses, a natural pine rockland forest, and a tidal mangrove preserve. Far fewer visitors than Vizcaya, and the moonlight tours on select evenings are worth checking the schedule for.
Palmetto Bay

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SPF 50+ sunscreenThe UV index in Miami reaches 7-8 in February, higher than most visitors expect for winter. Reapply every 2 hours, especially on boats or at the beach where water reflection intensifies exposure.Shop
Light sweater or long-sleeve layerAir-conditioned restaurants and bars in Brickell and South Beach run cold, often around 20°C (68°F). Evening cold fronts can drop outdoor temperatures to 15°C (59°F), so a light layer saves you from an uncomfortable dinner.Shop
Comfortable walking shoesWynwood, Coconut Grove, and Little Havana are best explored on foot. Expect 10,000-15,000 steps on a full day of sightseeing, much of it on uneven sidewalks.Shop
SwimwearYou'll use it more than you expect. Atlantic water at 24°C (75°F) is warm enough for extended swims, and most hotels have heated pools that stay comfortable into the evening.Shop
Reusable water bottleFebruary's lower humidity can trick you into underestimating dehydration. Tap water in Miami is safe to drink, and refill stations are common at parks like Crandon and Bayfront.Shop
Polarized sunglassesGlare off Biscayne Bay and the white sand at South Beach is intense in February's clear conditions. Polarized lenses cut the reflection and make outdoor dining more comfortable.Shop
Light rain jacket or compact umbrellaThose 11 rainy days in February tend to produce short, sharp showers. A packable rain layer saves you from ducking into shops for 20 minutes. It folds into a daypack easily.Shop
Evening outfitSouth Beach and Brickell restaurants lean dressier than most American cities. Collared shirts and closed-toe shoes are the norm at spots along Collins Avenue and in the Design District.Shop

Insider tips

The Metromover is free and runs a 6.4 km loop through Downtown, Brickell, and Omni. It's a genuinely useful transit option for getting between Bayside Marketplace, Brickell City Centre, and the Arsht Center without fighting traffic or paying for rideshares.
Versailles on Calle Ocho gets the tourist foot traffic, but locals in Little Havana tend to grab their cafecito at smaller ventanitas like Exquisito Restaurant on Flagler Street. Shorter lines, same strong pull.
The rooftop pool at the SLS South Beach and 1 Hotel South Beach both allow day passes for non-guests, which can be a cheaper way to get a premium pool experience than booking a full night at peak February rates.
For the Boat Show, take the water taxi from Bayside Marketplace to Virginia Key rather than driving. Parking on Virginia Key fills early and the causeway backs up past Rickenbacker by 10 a.m. on Saturdays.
Matheson Hammock Park in Coral Gables has an artificial atoll pool fed by tidal flow from Biscayne Bay. It's calmer and more sheltered than any open beach, and it draws far fewer people than Lummus Park on South Beach.

Avoid these mistakes

Underestimating the sun. February feels mild at 25°C (78°F), but the UV index reaches 7-8. Visitors from northern climates burn badly on day one because the temperature doesn't feel "hot enough" to warrant sunscreen.
Skipping reservations at popular restaurants. South Beach spots like Juvia, Cecconi's, and Carbone book out 2-3 weeks ahead for Friday and Saturday dinners in February. Walking in and hoping for a table rarely works during peak season.
Driving to South Beach on event weekends. The MacArthur Causeway and I-195 become bottlenecks, and parking in South Beach can take 30-45 minutes of circling. The Miami Beach Airport Express (Route 150) runs from Miami International Airport to South Beach for a flat fare and avoids all of it.
Packing only summer clothing. A cold front in February can drop evening temperatures to 15°C (59°F), and most indoor spaces are aggressively air-conditioned. At least one long-sleeve layer and closed-toe shoes belong in the bag.
Assuming all beaches are the same. Lummus Park Beach in South Beach is a party scene with speakers and vendors. Crandon Park on Key Biscayne is family-oriented and calmer. Bill Baggs at the southern tip of Key Biscayne is the wildest and least developed. Matching the beach to your mood matters.

Practical tips for February

Book hotels and flights at least 6-8 weeks before February, especially for Presidents' Day weekend and the South Beach Wine & Food Festival window. Restaurant reservations at popular South Beach and Brickell spots should go in 2-3 weeks ahead for weekend dinners. Rideshare prices on event nights can run 3-4 times the normal rate, so the Metromover, Metrorail, and Miami Beach trolley (free, runs along Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue) are worth learning. Carry cash for Little Havana ventanitas and Coconut Grove Arts Festival vendors, as some smaller stalls still run cash-only. Sunscreen and hydration are more important than most February visitors realize, because the mild air temperature masks strong UV exposure.

FAQ

Is February a good time to swim in the ocean in Miami?

The Atlantic off Miami Beach runs about 24°C (75°F) in February, which is comfortable for most swimmers without a wetsuit. Crandon Park on Key Biscayne tends to have calmer conditions than the open beach at South Beach. Lifeguards are on duty at most public beaches from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

How far in advance should I book a hotel for February in Miami?

At least 6-8 weeks ahead for reasonable rates. Presidents' Day weekend and the South Beach Wine & Food Festival in late February are the tightest windows. Last-minute bookings are still possible but typically come with a significant premium, sometimes 30-50% above what you'd pay by booking early.

What is the best way to get from Miami Airport to South Beach?

The Miami Beach Airport Express (Route 150) runs from MIA to South Beach with stops along Washington Avenue and terminates at Lincoln Road. It takes about 35-45 minutes depending on traffic. Rideshares take 20-30 minutes outside of rush hour but can cost significantly more during peak travel times on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Are the Everglades worth visiting in February?

February is one of the best months for the Everglades. The dry season concentrates wildlife around remaining water, so alligator, wading bird, and manatee sightings are far more frequent than during summer. Shark Valley and Anhinga Trail, both about 45 minutes from downtown Miami, are the most accessible entry points.

Do I need a car in Miami in February?

It depends on your plans. South Beach, Wynwood, Brickell, and Downtown are all walkable and connected by the free Metromover. But reaching Key Biscayne, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, or the Everglades without a car means relying on rideshares, which get expensive during peak season. A rental car gives you more flexibility, though parking in South Beach is frustrating on weekends.