So, you’re thinking about heading to Palm Beach. Maybe you’re eyeing a weekend at The Breakers or just want to sit on the sand without feeling like you’re inside a giant hairdryer. Honestly, most people just assume Florida is "hot" and "sunny" year-round. While that’s mostly true, if you show up in September expecting a gentle breeze, you’re going to be disappointed—and probably very wet.
Palm Beach weather by month is a game of nuances. It’s the difference between a crisp 70-degree morning in January and an August afternoon where the humidity is so thick you can basically wear it.
The Winter "Secret" (January & February)
January is the coldest month. But "cold" here is a relative term. We’re talking average highs of 75°F and lows around 58°F.
You’ll see locals in North Face parkas the second it hits 65°F. It’s hilarious. Meanwhile, tourists from Ohio are in the ocean.
February stays pretty dry with about 2.6 inches of rain. It’s arguably the most expensive time to visit because the weather is, frankly, perfect. You’ve got clear blue skies and zero chance of melting into the pavement.
Spring: The Sweet Spot (March, April & May)
If I were planning a trip, I’d pick April.
March is great, but it can be windy. By April, the "Bermuda High" starts to settle in, the water temperature creeps up to a comfortable 78°F, and the humidity hasn’t yet become a sentient monster.
✨ Don't miss: Fort Collins Discovery Museum: What Most People Get Wrong About This Hybrid Space
- March: Highs of 80°F. Great for golf, but the ocean is still a bit bracing.
- April: The goldilocks zone. 83°F highs.
- May: You start to feel the shift. Highs hit 86°F. The rain starts picking up toward the end of the month as we head into the "wet season."
The Sizzle and the Soak (June - September)
This is where things get real.
Summer in Palm Beach isn't just hot; it's a mood. June is actually one of the wettest months, averaging over 8 inches of rain. This isn't all-day drizzle, though. It’s the "4:00 PM Special"—a massive, sky-opening downpour that lasts 20 minutes and leaves everything smelling like wet asphalt and jasmine.
August is the hottest, with highs averaging 90°F. But with the humidity? It feels like 105°F.
You spend your time moving from air-conditioned car to air-conditioned building. September is peak hurricane season. While a direct hit is statistically rare in any given year, the threat is always there. It’s also the month with the highest average rainfall—nearly 9 inches.
The Great Cooling (October, November & December)
October is a transition month. It's still warm (86°F), but the "oppressive" humidity starts to break.
By November, the hurricane threat is basically gone. The average high drops to 81°F. It’s a fantastic time to visit if you want to avoid the massive "Snowbird" crowds that arrive right after Christmas.
December brings the holiday vibes. 78°F days. 62°F nights. You can actually eat dinner outside without swatting away a single mosquito.
The Reality of Humidity and the "RealFeel"
Don't just look at the thermostat.
In Palm Beach, the dew point is the only metric that matters. From June to September, the dew point rarely drops below 70. That means your sweat doesn't evaporate. You just stay damp.
If you aren't used to subtropical climates, the summer can be a physical shock. You'll need to double your water intake. Seriously.
Hurricane Season: Should You Worry?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.
Most travelers get anxious about this, but modern forecasting is incredible. You'll know a week in advance if something is brewing. If you travel during this window, just buy the travel insurance. It’s worth the peace of mind.
The peak of the season is mid-August through October. This is when the Atlantic is at its warmest, providing the "fuel" these storms need.
✨ Don't miss: Sagrada Familia: Why Barcelona’s Great Unfinished Masterpiece is the Most Beautiful Church in the World
What to Actually Pack
Forget the heavy jeans.
Even in the "winter," you really only need a light sweater or a denim jacket for the evenings.
- Summer: Linen is your best friend. Synthetic moisture-wicking fabrics are great too.
- Winter: Layers. It can be 55°F at 7:00 AM and 78°F by noon.
- Year-round: Polarized sunglasses. The glare off the Atlantic and the white sand is brutal on the eyes.
Actionable Strategy for Your Visit
If you want the best Palm Beach weather by month without the soul-crushing prices, aim for the shoulder seasons.
- Late April to Early May: The weather is spectacular, and the spring break crowds have filtered out.
- Early November: You get the "winter" weather early, but hotel rates haven't spiked for the holidays yet.
Check the National Hurricane Center (nhc.noaa.gov) if you’re visiting in the fall, and always keep an umbrella in the car during the summer. Even the sunniest morning can turn into a deluge by mid-afternoon.
Plan your outdoor activities—tennis, biking, or beach walking—for before 10:00 AM or after 5:00 PM during the summer months to avoid the peak UV index and the most intense heat.