Are you wondering what to wear in Miami? In this month by month guide, we will tell you exactly what to pack for Miami in every season.
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But before we get onto the specifics of what to wear in Miami along with some outfit inspiration we thought it would be worthwhile to talk about the fashion scene and dress codes in Miami.
Miami Dress Code
Miami is one of the most fashion forward places in the US and you are more likely to see risque outfits than maybe anywhere else in the US both during the day and certainly at night.
And in Miami Clubs you will find that there are enforced dress codes particularly for men around shoes and shirts. So be sure to know the dress code in your club of choice before getting dressed.
Also Miami is quite a vibrant and colorful place so bright colors and tropical prints won’t look out of place on your packing list.
What to Wear on the Miami in Summer (June, July and August)
Miami has almost year round great weather and summer is no exception. The only difference is that that summers can get pretty humid so there is always a chance of an afternoon thunderstorm.
Whit this weather in mind we recommend packing
Maxi Dresses and Maxi Skirts.
Skirts and dresses are great for Miami. My personal style leans towards mini and and maxi dresses which are great for days on the beach in Miami. However in evenings you may want to pack some bodycon dresses and cut out dresses too.
Also don’t be afraid to add some bright colors into your beach capsule wardrobe for Miami as Miami is not a city of muted colors schemes.
Trousers
We don’t recommend packing jeans for Miami in any season but especially in the Summer as they are just too hot. However, linen trousers and cotton trousers are a great pick for Miami in Summer.
If you do decide to pack linen be sure to check out our guide on how to pack linen to prevent wrinkles.
Shorts
Shorts are a must for Miami and if you like them you certainly won’t feel out of place in short shorts. Personally however I try and avoid denim as they can be uncomfortable in the heat.
Instead I like cotton and quick dry shorts for the day and chino-tailored shorts for evenings.
Tank Tops and T Shirts
These are perfect for out exploring Miami and can be paired with skirts or shorts. Again don’t be scared to throw in some bright colors.
Blouse
A loose blouse made of natural fabric is another great choice for dealing with the heat in Miami.
Swimwear
Swimwear is a must or any Miami summer vacation. I always pack at least 2 pieces of swimwear for Spain beach vacations one for wearing and one for drying.
And as Miami is such a diverse and cosmopolitan place you can wear amy style of swimwear you want and there is no need to stick to conservative one pieces.
Beach Cover
As you will be spending a lot of time on the beach in Miami we also recommend packing at least two beach covers that can work as part of a beach.
Sun Hats
Sun hats are a staple on any Miami packing list for summer.
Be sure to pick a wide brimmed straw hat instead of a baseball cap to fit in more with locals and to add more shade into your outfit.
Pashmina
I never travel anywhere hot without a pashmina. It is great in the evenings in case you get chilly dining al fresco.
Underwear
Goes without saying
Socks
We recommend wearing sneaker socks when visiting in Miami in Summer when wearing sneakers to help reduce odor and sweat.
PJs
We recommend packing lightweight PJs for Miami.
Note: If you want to know what to wear in Miami for men I recommend packing a mixture of chinos and linen trousers and some smarter shorts alongside plain t shirts and polos and short sleeve shirts for summer.
What to Wear to the Miami in Spring (March, April, May)
Spring is actually one of the best times to visit in Miami in my opinion because the temperatures are more pleasant usually hovering somewhere between high 70s and low 80s F.
Note this is not a Miami Spring break packing list. If you want a specific Florida spring break packing list you may want to check out this post.
Generally speaking however we recommend packing the same as the summer but with a few extra layers. So on top of the items listed above we recommend bringing:
Cardigan
Spring evenings in Miami can be cold so be sure to add a cardigan or two to pair to your dress and trousers outfits.
You may also want a sweater and a beach hoodie too!
Linen Trousers
For cooler nights I don’t think you can go with a wide leg linen trouser or a white jean for Miami.
What to Wear to the Miami in Fall (September, October and November)
What to wear to the Miami in Fall is very similar to what to wear in Miami in Spring and Summer.
If you are visiting Miami in September you can pretty much select the same outfits as you would in August in Miami.
However the later in Miami you visit the cooler it becomes and peak season tends to end in mid–October.
You will want cardigans and sweaters on your packing list, and in November you may even want a jacket and a thicker hoodie than just a beach one.
What to Wear to Miami in Winter (December, January and February)
Winter is actually one of the most popular and therefore most expensive times to visit Miami as people try to escape the cold weather in the North. As even in Winter, and January which is traditionally the coldest month, the temperatures are still in the high 60sF.
With this in mind you can start with the same base wardrobe as in the shoulder seasons however oyu might want a couple of slightly heavier weight top layers just in case (though nothing as thick as a thick knit jumper).
Jacket
A lightweight jacket like a denim jacket can be a great addition.
Cardigans, Sweaters and Top Layers
We recommend packing a few different types of top layers with you for instance a combination of cardigans, sweaters and hoodies of different weights so you have enough variety in case of a very cold snap.
Jeans
Although linen trousers are still a good pick for Winter, you may also want to pack something like a white jean for cooler days.
Best Shoes for Miami
Sneakers
The best shoes for Miami no matter the season is a sneaker. For summer I don’t think you can go wrong with a plain white sneaker. However for the rainier monthsa sneaker with some waterproofing is a good idea. My favorite waterproof sneaker is the Ecco Soft Seven.
Sandals (Summer)
However in Summer and the shoulder seasons you will want a sandal with you too. Perfect for the beach and dinner in summer and shoulder seasons. But if you want something with a bit of height then you can’t go wrong with a summer wedge.
Flip Flops
FLip flops are a great addition to your packing list if you plan on hitting the beach or hanging around a pool in Miami.
What Else to add to your Miami Packing List
Travel adaptor
Travel adaptors are required if you are traveling from Europe but not if you are coming from elsewhere in the US.
Click here to shop universal travel adaptors.
On top of the travel adaptor you will also need
Sun Cream / Sunscreen
No matter when you traveling you will need sun cream with you. We recommend getting a high SPF, we recommend SPF 50.
Also as you are going to spend a lot of time in the water we recommend only bringing reef safe sunscreen with you to help protect the marine life of Miami.
Click here to shop coral safe sun screen here.
Aloe Vera
No one wants to get burnt on vacation but just in case we recommend packing aloe vera / aftersun.
Click here to shop aloe vera / aftersun
Lip Balm with SPF
Although it is very important to protect your skin from the sun, it is also important to protect your lips. For this reason we recommend packing a lip balm with SPF. Our current favorite lip balm with SPF is Sun Bum. Click here to shop lip balm with SPF.
Toiletries
You will always be able to get toiletries on arrival in Miami however our toiletries packing list will give you a quick overview of things you may want to pack if you have space in your case.
Click here to shop the best shampoos and conditioners for tropical climates.
Also when looking at packing makeup remember to pack waterproof mascara as you will be spending lots of time in the water.
Beach Bag
For use on the beach.
Camera
Miami is a beautiful modern city so it should come as no surprise that you will want to take a lot of photos. Be sure you have a good quality camera with you. On top of a regular camera you may also want
Waterproof Phone Case
If you plan on using your phone on the beach and in the pool we recommend taking a waterproof phone case with you. This will not only keep your phone safe from water but is also a good theft deterrent. Click here to shop waterproof phone cases for travel.
Battery pack
A requirement of any packing list. Click here to shop battery packs.
FAQs About what to Wear in Miami
What to wear to dinner in Miami?
Miami is a pretty casual place though people do tend to dress. I recommend packing a mix of summer dresses, tighter fit dresses or just jeans and a nice top for dinner in Miami paired with a wedge shoe.
Have you been to Miami? What did you wear? We would love to hear in the comments below!