Best Time to Visit West Palm Beach: Seasonal Guide

"When's the best time to come?" is one of the questions we get most. The honest answer: West Palm Beach is a year-round destination, but each season feels different. Here's what to expect month by month, from the busy, sunny winter season to the quieter, steamier summer, so you can pick the trip that fits you.

Event dates change from year to year, so confirm details on official websites before you book around them.

Winter (December through February): peak season

This is South Florida's high season, and it's easy to see why. Winter is part of the drier time of year, with lots of sunshine, lower humidity and comfortable days that feel like a reward if you're escaping the cold up north. Evenings can be cool enough for a light sweater.

Great for: beach days, outdoor dining, the Lake Trail on Palm Beach island and the Saturday West Palm Beach GreenMarket, which runs on the waterfront from early October into late spring.
Keep in mind: it's the busiest time of year, so book your stay and popular restaurants well ahead, especially around the holidays.

Spring (March through May): sunshine and baseball

Spring keeps the great weather going, with warmer days arriving as the season goes on. Late February and March bring spring training: the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals share CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, and a spring training game is a fun, relaxed outing for baseball fans of any age.

Also in spring: the Palm Beach International Boat Show takes over the downtown waterfront, typically in March.
Keep in mind: March is also spring break season, so expect busier beaches. By May things start to quiet down, and the rainy season usually arrives toward the end of spring.

Summer (June through August): hot, green and laid-back

Summer is hot and humid, with a pattern locals know well: sunny mornings, a quick afternoon thunderstorm, and a beautiful evening. Plan beach time and outdoor activities for the morning, then spend the stormy part of the afternoon at a museum like the Norton Museum of Art, or back at the house for a nap.

Great for: warm ocean swims, families on school break and travelers who prefer fewer crowds.
Keep in mind: the Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30. Most summer days are perfectly normal, but keep an eye on the forecast, consider travel insurance, and read your booking's cancellation policy.

Fall (September through November): the local secret

Early fall is still warm and is part of hurricane season, so flexibility helps. By late October and November, things start to shift: the air begins to dry out, the city gets busier, and the GreenMarket and other seasonal events return. Many locals think November is one of the nicest months of the year.

Great for: travelers who want warm weather with fewer crowds than winter, and a relaxed Thanksgiving getaway.
Keep in mind: some seasonal businesses and events start up again in the fall, so check schedules before you go.

Year-round favorites

No matter when you visit, a few things are always on our list: a stroll along the waterfront and Clematis Street, the city's free Thursday-evening Clematis by Night concerts (check the city's calendar for dates), the art at the Norton, a walk around Palm Beach island and, of course, the beach. Our first-timer's weekend guide puts them together into an easy itinerary, and our list of the best beaches near West Palm Beach helps you choose where to put your towel.

So, when should you come?

For the classic sunny escape: December through April.
For the best balance of weather and crowds: November, or late April into May.
For a quieter, laid-back trip: summer, if you don't mind the heat and afternoon storms.

Whenever you visit, staying in a house makes it easy to adapt to the weather: a rainy afternoon is a lot more fun with a living room, a kitchen and space for everyone. (Here's why we think a vacation rental beats a hotel for families and groups.)

Plan your stay

Peak-season dates go first, so if you have your heart set on winter or spring, book early. Browse our homes in SoSo, check availability on Airbnb, or send us your dates and we'll help you find the right fit.