Known for its beaches, and hot weather, Miami’s tropical climate makes it a pleasant vacation destination year round. The city’s air temperature is almost always hot, peaking around 35°C in the middle of summer, and rarely falling below 25°C on winter days. At night, temperatures can dip by about 5°C to 10°C from their daytime highs.

Miami has two distinct seasons of precipitation. In the summer, monthly rainfall accumulation can easily surpass 200mm, with the rainiest months being July and August. During the winter months, rainfall amounts cut dramatically to an average of 60mm per month. January, February, and March are the driest months.

Miami is susceptible to flooding during the summer, and it is expected to worsen as the effects of Climate Change continue to raise water levels.


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Miami

Palm Springs, California boasts a desert climate with a very hot summer and over 300 days of sunshine. Between March and September, it’s quite normal for the city’s air temperature to surpass 38°C, making the winter months the most comfortable time of year to visit.

Annually, Palm Springs sees only an average of 75mm of precipitation, with over half of that amount falling in January and February. Still, that’s only about 3 to 4 rainy days per month compared to 3 for the entire summer.

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Palm Springs

The capital and largest city in Hawaii boasts a tropical climate albeit with less rainfall than what is typically seen in similar environments. This is due to a rain shadow effect in which Oahu’s tall mountains act as a shield against rain clouds and prohibit them from passing over the island.

On average, the air temperatures in Honolulu are comfortable, ranging from the mid 20s to low 30s year round.

Constant trade winds keep a gentle breeze running through the city, helping to bring down the humidity.

Extreme weather in any capacity is quite rare.

Diamond Head volcanic crater and coastline with blue water on a sunny day in Honolulu, Hawaii.


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A Guide to the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu

Orlando’s humid subtropical climate boasts hot summers with increased precipitation, and a more moderate winter. Between May and September, average mid-day air temperatures hover around 30°C (although the city’s humidity can make it feel considerably warmer), and monthly rainfall accumulations peak slightly above 200mm.

During the winter months, air temperatures dip by about 10°C to a daytime average of 22°C. Monthly rainfall also decreases to an average of 50mm.

In the past, Orlando has been prone to hurricanes from both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricanes typically weaken before arriving, but in 2016 and 2017, there was enough of a threat to close the city’s famous amusement parks for a day.

Sunset over Lake Eola with the city skyline in the background and reflections in the water in Orlando, Florida, USA

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Orlando

Austin experiences all four seasons in a year, albeit in a muted capacity compared to what Canadian tourists are likely used to. Summers are typically hot, with daytime highs often exceeding 32°C. Humidity tends to vary depending on the shifting air flow patterns in the atmosphere. It’s quite common for one day to feel very muggy, and the next feel much more fresh.

Winter months tend to be mild, although short bursts of cold can come in from the north to bring in below freezing temperatures. Winter daytime averages typically float between 10°C and 20°C.

Spring and Fall act as transition months between the two extremes. Precipitation in Austin is fairly consistent at about 60mm per thirty day cycle, however it tends to rain more during Spring and Fall. May, early June and August are the rainiest months.

It’s debated whether Austin sits within the confines of Tornado Alley. Regardless, damaging winds, thunderstorms, and flash floods can occur during any season.

Cityscape skyline as the sun hits the buildings with a river running through the city in Austin, Texas, USA

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Austin

The southwestern coastal city of San Diego is known for having some of the most comfortable year round weather in the contiguous United States. Average air temperatures are consistently in the range of 19°C to 24°C, and rainfall is very minimal, especially in the summer months.

Even during its rainiest season (January to March), monthly rainfall rarely surpasses 65mm per month. From May to September, it’s common to go more than 25 straight days without any rain at all.

In Februar 2019, rural San Diego experienced its first snowfall since 1987, however the snow didn’t accumulate in the downtown areas.


City skyline with ferry from Coronado Island with a orange sunset in the background in San Diego, California, USA

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San Diego

New York City’s climate changes regularly throughout the year, with consistent precipitation acting as one of the few regularities. The city experiences all four seasons, spotlighted by warm summertime temperatures that are amplified by an urban heating effect. From July to August, air temperatures regularly float between 24°C and 28°C. Nighttime averages typically trail daytime averages by 5-6°C.

Winters are brisk and wet. Average air temperatures sit close to freezing level, but usually drop below -10°C a couple times per year.

Spring and Fall act as transition months, and have mixed weather. Both warm and cold periods span over 3-4 days, and can quickly turn into the inverse. Although July is marginally the rainiest month of the year, March and April is considered the rainy season.

Manhattan skyline at sunset with the World Trade Center building and orange, yellow and purple sky in New York City, New York, USA

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New York

The contiguous states in America cover a wide range of geographies that are generally temperate for the majority of the year. Exceptions include the far north which can see extended periods of below 0°C temperatures alongside heavy snowfall; Southern Florida, which boasts a tropical climate akin to the Caribbean; and a hot desert climate in the southwest.

The island state of Hawaii has a tropical climate with constant trade winds that help to relieve the humidity.

To the north, Alaska’s proximity to the Pole gives it a subarctic climate with very cold winters, and short summers. The State alternates between periods of extended sunshine (peaking at a full 24 hours on the summer solstice), and months of complete darkness.

America’s wide variety of climates offers something for everyone making it a year round vacation destination.

Skyline of New York City, USA with the Statue of Liberty and the World Trade Center in the background

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United States

The Dominican Republic is mostly a tropical climate complete with warm ocean water, lots of sunshine, and intense humidity. It’s a mountainous country, which means even the shortest of drives between cities can lead to dramatic weather changes.

Just like in the rest of the Caribbean, The Dominican Republic has a wet season and a dry season, however, these seasons begin and end at different times of the calendar year depending on whether you vacation in the north or south of the country.

In the north, beachside destinations like Puerto Plata see intense rainfall from November to May, making April to October the best time to visit. During these prime vacation months, the ocean sits around a balmy 29°C, and air temperatures range from the mid twenties to the low thirties.

In the south and south-east (where Punta Cana is), precipitation is considerably more intense during the opposite months, making December to April the best time of year to visit. Air temperatures during these prime vacation months sit between the mid to high twenties.

In short, the Dominican Republic is an all-year destination. Its varying topography can lead to a different weather experience depending on where you are at any given time. The plus side is that if you’re experiencing inclement weather where you are, warm and sunny skies are usually just a short drive away.

Panorama of the Dominican Republic with palm trees on a tropical beach and a bright sunset

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Dominican Republic

Geographically situated at the very top of the Caribbean islands, The Bahamas boasts a tropical climate that is slightly cooler than its neighbouring vacation spots. During the dry season (November to April), The Bahamas offers a welcoming temperature range of 18°C to 27°C. Consistent trade winds keep the island breezy, and comfortable ocean water temperatures bring an opportunity to cool off even further. For those who dread hot and balmy places but still want to escape harsh Canadian winters, this is the vacation spot for you.

In the summer months, rain dominates the forecast. The Bahamas sees an average of 18 rainy days per month from June to October. Precipitation often comes in short but strong spurts, clearing up quickly and returning to sun in as little as just a few minutes. This is also the time of year when the country is prone to very strong winds.

Despite the uptick in tropical storm appearances in the past five years, The Bahamas has historically avoided the most serious of hurricanes. One notable exception is in September 2019, when Hurricane Dorian became the first Category 5 hurricane since 1992 to make landfall, causing massive damage.

Caribbean tropical beach on a bright sunny day with white sand coastline and the deep blue sea in the Bahamas

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The Bahamas

As one of the largest countries in the world (14th overall), Mexico’s wide landscape offers a diverse range of climates for all sorts of vacationers. While air temperatures across the country are consistently warm year round, factors such as altitude and proximity to the equator play a large role in rainfall amounts, relative humidity, and a number of other categories.

Along the eastern shores, tourist hotspots like Cancun and Playa Del Carmen boast tropical climates akin to something you’d expect from the Caribbean. Air temperatures are hot and humid all year, and precipitation tends to fall in short, but strong bursts.

On the opposite coast, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, and Mazatlan offer a similar climate, albeit with a concentrated precipitation schedule.

Venturing inland towards Mexico City and other densely populated areas brings higher altitudes and therefore cooler air temperatures. 

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Culture in Mexico

Mexico

Canada’s climate tends to vary from region to region, but in most cases can be categorized as long, cold winters and comfortable, temperate summers.

Snow is a defining characteristic across the country. In some areas, it can be present for six to eight months, however, popular tourist spots like coastal British Columbia and southern Ontario experience a considerably less severe winter season.

In Alberta, the contrasting landscapes between the Rocky Mountains and the flat plains can bring temperature swings of up to 30 degrees during a single night. As the Prairies continue east, the flat terrain and high humidity can spawn tornadoes more than anywhere else in Canada.

The northern territories make up 40% of Canada’s land, and are typically classified as dry and very cold. That said, much of the north still experiences a short summer where air temperatures range between 6°C to 18°C.

The climate across the Maritime provinces are strongly influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. Precipitation is a constant across the East. In winter months, that rain can turn into heavy snowfall. In Newfoundland particularly, there are usually one to two events where upwards of 70cm can fall in a single 24 hour period.

Summers across the country are more uniform than winter. Most major Canadian cities experience a comfortable, temperate summer season with high levels of humidity, and a fair amount of rainfall.

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Canada

Spain is generally regarded as a hot, sunny vacation destination, although by looking in the right places, it is possible to seek out chillier winters fit for skiing.

Most tourists tend to visit cities along the Balearic Sea like Barcelona or Valencia. Summers in these coastal cities are pleasantly warm with very little rainfall. Similarly, island destinations like Ibiza or Palma offer the same mediterranean climate, but with slightly hotter air temperatures.

Inland, cities like Seville see a more dramatic range of weather compared to their coastal counterparts. Here, temperatures can get blisteringly hot during dry summer months, and increased rainfall during early winter can cause some vacation disturbances.

Madrid’s high altitude exposes it to below-zero temperatures during the winter, including a period in January 2021 where 50cm of snow fell on the city, setting a new record.

The Canary Islands, which sit closer to Africa than mainland Spain, are another popular island getaway with pleasant summer temperatures and very little rainfall.

View of the water on Ibiza Island with boats in the ocean and tropical trees around the frame in Spain

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Spain

Jamaica is a popular tourist destination complete with year round pleasant weather and a robust culture. It boasts a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. High air temperatures, and warm ocean waters are the norm. 

Vacation hotspots are scattered across the island country. To the northwest, Montego Bay and Negril see slightly more intense rainfall than their counterparts to the east. That said, precipitation in Jamaica tends to come in strong but short bursts, making most days at least a little bit sunny.

Jamaica is prone to hurricanes. The most impactful ones tend to appear in late August through October, but hurricane season can sometimes begin as early as June or July. 

Aerial view of a main road, colorful buildings and ocean in Montego Bay, Mexico with sunny weather

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Jamaica

Italy’s lengthy geography with contrasting ecosystems gives the country a diverse climate range. Winters in the Alps get very cold, suitable for skiing, meanwhile winters along the coast or on the island of Sicily are quite pleasant. Similarly, summer hot spells can become uncomfortable as temperatures breach 30°C in some parts of Italy, while those same summers can become cool and breezy just by moving a few hundred kilometres inland.

Generally speaking, air temperatures increase toward the Southeast of the country.

Most popular destinations like Rome or Florence experience hot, dry summers, and brisk, but palatable winters. Precipitation is regular and relatively consistent throughout the country, with the rainiest months being October and November, and the driest months being during the summer.

Water temperatures, for the most part, are suitable for swimming during the summer months, but too cold any other time of year. 

Aerial view of the turquoise water flowing through buildings during a yellow sunset in Venice, Italy

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Italy

France covers a lot of diverse territory, and for that reason, it encompasses a number of different climates. Most of the country boasts a temperate, four-season climate where winters are cold, summers are warm, and Spring and Fall act as a transition period.

More extreme climates can be experienced in the Southeast. The French Alps are characterized by mountainous landscapes that bring in more rainfall, colder winters, and relatively cool summers.

Conversely, along the Rhône Valley, summers can get quite hot making it a desirable tourist destination.

Aerial view of the Seine river at sunset in Paris, France

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France

Australia is generally well-known for having a hot, sunny climate, but due to the country’s massive size, weather conditions and temperatures throughout the year tend to vary dramatically depending on where you visit.

In the south, where most of the population lives, the temperate climate sees a modified version of the four seasons that many Canadians are used to. In major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, summertime temperatures can get quite hot and sticky, while winter conditions are typically mild and wet. 

Moving along the eastern shores to Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Cairns will bring hotter temperatures and more of a tropical climate akin the Caribbean. Rainy days are even more prominent in this part of Australia, although the precipitation there often comes in strong, quick bursts rather than prolonged over the course of an entire day.

The famous Australian Outback makes up most of the country’s interior. Its climate can get dangerously hot and dry, with summertime temperatures regularly floating around 40°C.

Extreme weather conditions in Australia can sometimes lead to massive wildfires or flash floods. The entire country is prone to these disasters, so it’s important to be conscious about protocols particularly when venturing out of the major cities.

When planning a vacation here, it’s also important to bear in mind that Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere. Their seasons are reversed from Canada’s, and getting closer to the Equator means travelling north rather than voyaging south.

Sydney, Australia from the ocean at sunset with the Sydney Opera house in the skyline

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5 Australian Cities You Should Have On Your Bucket List

Australia

The Caribbean nation of Cuba is located only 200km away from the Floridian tip of the United States and boasts a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.

During the rainy season (May to October), the country sees on average, 10 stormy days per month, and an air temperature range of 24°C to 31°C. The rainiest months are June and October. In the dry season (November to April), Cuba’s air temperature dips slightly to a range of 19°C to 26°C, and precipitation amounts are considerably lower. March and April are the driest months during this time.

Cuba is also prone to powerful hurricanes, with most occurring during August to October. 

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Cuba

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Climate in United States

Average Temperatures and Precipitation for Popular Destinations in United States

Other Vacation Destinations in United States