Miami has two seasons: hot and wet (June to October) and warm and dry (November to May). The dry season is peak tourist season, with pleasant temperatures in the mid-20s Celsius and low humidity. Hotel prices reflect this — January through March is the most expensive time to visit.
Summer brings daily afternoon thunderstorms, oppressive humidity, and the risk of hurricanes (officially June through November, though September and October are the highest-risk months). It is also significantly cheaper, and the city is less crowded.
Art Basel Miami Beach in early December transforms the city into the centre of the contemporary art world for a week. Galleries, pop-up exhibitions, and parties take over Wynwood, the Design District, and the Convention Center. Book well in advance.
The Calle Ocho Festival in March is the biggest street party in the country — over a million people fill Little Havana's SW 8th Street for a day of live music, dancing, and Cuban food.
Ultra Music Festival in late March draws electronic music fans from around the world to Bayfront Park. The Miami Open tennis tournament runs in March and April.
Winter is also stone crab season (mid-October through mid-May), which is as good a reason as any to time your visit.