Climate of Miami

Its sea-level elevation, coastal location, position just above the Tropic of Cancer, and proximity to the Gulf Stream shape its climate.

With January averaging 69.2 °F (20.7 °C), winter features warm temperatures; cool air usually settles after the passage of a cold front, which produces much of the little amount of rainfall.

Lows sometimes fall to or below 50 °F (10 °C), with an average 3 such occurrences annually,[1] but rarely 40 °F (4 °C); from 1981 to 2010, temperatures reached that level in only eight calendar years.

During El Niño events, Miami becomes cooler than normal during the dry season with above average precipitation.

[15][1]This chart shows the average coastal ocean water temperature by month in degrees Fahrenheit for Miami Beach based on historical[when?]

The most likely time for Miami to be hit is during the peak of the Cape Verde season which is mid-August through the end of September.

[citation needed] In addition, a tropical depression in October 2000 passed over the city, causing record rainfall and flooding.

Hurricane Betsy passed over Key Largo, south of the city, but did cause hurricane-force winds and very heavy rainfall there.

Hurricane Andrew in 1992 also struck south of city and caused extensive damage and flooding in the Homestead area suburbs.