Introduction to South Florida Rainy Season 2025
The South Florida rainy season is set to begin on Thursday, May 15, and will run until October 15. This period accounts for 60-70% of the region’s yearly rainfall, sometimes more. Despite the start of the rainy season, the forecast for the first day shows afternoon highs peaking near 90° with no showers in sight.
What is Rainy Season?
The South Florida rainy season runs from May 15 to October 15 and is parallel to the Atlantic hurricane season, which has set start and end dates as well. The season is characterized by a significant amount of rain, with the metro areas averaging 37 to 45 inches of rainfall during this period. However, due to the nature of scattered showers and storms, seasonal totals often vary from place to place.
How Much Rain Can South Florida Expect During Rainy Season 2025?
The amount of rain South Florida can expect during the rainy season varies. For example, in 2024, Fort Lauderdale recorded 55 inches of rain, while Miami measured 54 inches. The consistency of the South Florida rainy season lies in its somewhat predictable phases.
The Mini ‘Seasons’ Within Rainy Season
The first phase of the rainy season, lasting from late May to early July, is often the stormiest and produces the greatest number of severe weather days. The highest frequency of storms occurs between Memorial Day and the 4th of July. By mid-summer, South Florida settles into the hottest and driest phase of the summer season, with a slight downturn in overall shower activity. The homestretch of the season, which comes around Labor Day and continues through mid-October, brings the highest variability of rainfall to the area due to the possibility of passing tropical systems and the eventual approach or arrival of cold fronts.
Why Does Rainy Season Start on May 15?
In the past, a series of criteria were used to determine the "official" start and end of the rainy season. These criteria included observing consecutive days with high temperatures in the middle to upper 80s and dew point temperatures over 70°, which provides the familiar "sticky" feel to the air. Additionally, the metric of afternoon storms over land and nighttime storms over the Atlantic waters helped to mark the shift to the season. However, due to the varying nature of these parameters, the determination of the season’s start used to be made retroactively. Since 2018, the National Weather Service in Miami moved to a definitive start and end date for the rainy season, regardless of the weather conditions.
Is It Normal to Start Off Rainy Season on a Hot, Dry Day?
It’s not uncommon for the rainy season to start on a hot, dry day. Just as you shouldn’t expect a tropical system to form on June 1, storms don’t automatically fire up on May 15. The desire to shift away from subjective parameters led to a start and end date being established, allowing residents to have a reasonable anticipation of stormy days and unbearably muggy nights.
What to Know
- Thursday, May 15 marks the start of the South Florida rainy season, and it runs until Oct. 15
- This is when South Florida gets 60-70% of its yearly rainfall, sometimes more.
- Rainy season usually showcases some predictable phases, or mini “seasons”
Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
A woman covers from the rain as heavy downpours fall over parts of South Florida on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Hollywood, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Conclusion
The South Florida rainy season is a significant period for the region, accounting for a substantial amount of the yearly rainfall. Understanding the phases of the rainy season and what to expect can help residents prepare for the upcoming months. While the start of the rainy season may not be marked by storms, it’s inevitable that the season will bring days of rain to recharge pools, landscaping, and waterways around the area.
FAQs
Q: When does the South Florida rainy season start and end?
A: The South Florida rainy season starts on May 15 and ends on October 15.
Q: How much rain can South Florida expect during the rainy season?
A: The metro areas average 37 to 45 inches of rainfall during the rainy season, but this can vary from place to place.
Q: What are the phases of the South Florida rainy season?
A: The rainy season has several phases, including the stormiest phase from late May to early July, the hottest and driest phase in mid-summer, and the most variable phase from Labor Day to mid-October.
Q: Why does the rainy season start on May 15?
A: The National Weather Service in Miami established a definitive start and end date for the rainy season to provide a consistent expectation for South Floridians.
Q: Is it normal for the rainy season to start on a hot, dry day?
A: Yes, it’s not uncommon for the rainy season to start on a hot, dry day, as the start of the season is not determined by the weather conditions on that specific day.
