In this guide

  1. Two seasons
  2. Spring
  3. Wet
  4. Autumn
  5. Winter

1. Two seasons, not four

Wet season — roughly May to October. Frequent heavy rain, high humidity, intense heat. Growth is fastest. Establishment is easiest because rainfall does much of the watering. Fungal pressure is highest, and drainage problems reveal themselves.

Dry season — roughly November to April. Much less rain, lower humidity, milder temperatures. Best working weather. Irrigation matters. Growth slows, which makes it a good window for structural pruning on many plants.

The nursery yard where planting is timed to Miami seasons
TimingPlanting timed to the Miami year

2. Late winter and spring — February to April

  • First fertiliser application as growth resumes
  • Structural pruning on most shrubs before the growth flush
  • Check irrigation — this is the driest stretch and the time systems are most tested
  • Plan planting projects for the wet season
  • Refresh mulch before the heat arrives

Comfortable working weather makes this a good time for hardscape and bed preparation, even if planting waits.

3. Wet season — May to October

  • Best planting window. Rainfall assists establishment; plant early in the season for maximum benefit.
  • Second and third fertiliser applications — late spring and midsummer
  • Watch drainage. Low spots that hold water will show now.
  • Reduce irrigation. Continuing on a dry-season schedule through daily rain drowns new planting.
  • Storm preparation before and during hurricane season — see our hurricane guide.
  • Fungal watch. Improve airflow, avoid evening watering.

4. Autumn — October to November

  • Final fertiliser application in early autumn. Stop after this so soft growth is not pushed into cooler months.
  • Assess the storm season. Reset anything leaning, remove damaged wood.
  • Resume irrigation as rainfall drops off — the transition catches people out.
  • Good secondary planting window as heat eases, with attentive watering.

5. Winter — December to January

  • Lowest water demand, but the driest stretch — established plants still need occasional deep watering.
  • Excellent working weather for larger projects and installations.
  • Cold snaps are rare but possible. Miami-Dade very occasionally sees temperatures low enough to damage the most tender tropicals; a covering overnight is usually sufficient.
  • Plan for spring. Order for projects you want completed before the heat.

Planning a project? Tell us when you want it finished and we will tell you when to start. Get in touch.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to plant in Miami?
The start of the wet season, roughly May and June, so natural rainfall assists establishment. You can plant year-round in Miami-Dade with consistent watering.
Can I plant in summer in Miami?
Yes — it is arguably the best time, provided drainage is adequate. Heat is intense but rainfall does much of the establishment watering for you.
When should I fertilize in Miami?
Roughly four light applications: late winter, late spring, midsummer and early autumn. Stop after early autumn so soft growth is not pushed into cooler months.
Does it get cold enough in Miami to damage plants?
Rarely. Miami-Dade is zone 10b to 11a and hard freezes are very uncommon, though occasional cold snaps can damage the most tender tropicals. Covering overnight is usually enough.