Walking to a show under an umbrella is a familiar sight in any rainy city, and Miami is no exception. The city has a tropical monsoon climate, and its rainy season runs from May 15 to October 15. If you love open-air music, you will sooner or later face a wet evening. A little planning keeps the night enjoyable.
Know the season
Summer in Miami is hot and humid, and the Atlantic hurricane season, as defined by NOAA's National Hurricane Center, runs from June 1 to November 30. Most rainy evenings bring ordinary showers, but it is worth following the forecast in the days before an outdoor event and checking for updates from the organizer on the day.
Umbrella or poncho?
An umbrella is handy for the walk from the car or the station, but it can be a problem inside the venue. In a crowd it blocks views and can catch other people, and many venues restrict umbrellas, especially large ones. Check the venue's own rules before you bring one. A lightweight poncho or rain jacket is often the more practical choice for open-air shows.
Other ways to stay dry and comfortable
- Wear shoes that can cope with wet grass or puddles.
- Keep your phone and cards in a sealable pouch or a zipped inside pocket.
- Bring a small towel or a spare pair of socks if you have a long trip home.
- Remember that heat does not disappear when it rains; keep drinking water.
Outdoor venues to plan for
Bayfront Park on Biscayne Boulevard has an amphitheater that holds 10,000 people and hosts festivals and the city's New Year's Eve party. Stadium shows at Hard Rock Stadium and free outdoor WALLCAST screenings beside the New World Center also leave you exposed to the weather. Street life around Máximo Gómez Park on Calle Ocho is best enjoyed with an eye on the sky.
Getting there
Transit can save you a soggy walk from a parking lot. Metromover is fare-free and serves Downtown Miami, Brickell, Park West and the Arts & Entertainment District, while Metrorail has 23 stations on the Green and Orange lines.
For more on comfort at outdoor events, see Summer Shows and the Heat and our Comfort at Shows page.