Fall in Miami: A Different Kind of Autumn in South Florida

Since arriving in Miami a few days ago, I’ve been thinking about how different fall in South Florida feels compared to back home in Pennsylvania.

In some ways, we hated to leave Pennsylvania. Everything was so beautiful — bursts of orange, yellow, and red in the trees, cheerful fall decorations on porches and lawns, pumpkins everywhere, hayrides, and pick you own apple farms full of family outings. That classic autumn spirit was contagious, and it followed us at least as far as Maryland or D.C.

But the farther south we drove, the more it faded. The trees lost their colors, the porches lost their decorations and pumpkins, and by the time we reached Miami nineteen hours later, it just didn’t feel like fall anymore.

Tree in my neighbor's yard

Don’t get me wrong — we love being in Florida. There’s always that little thrill when we cross the border from Georgia to Florida and spot the first palm trees.🌴🌴

My condo in Miami

But autumn in Miami is a completely different experience. There’s no dramatic change in the air, no crunch of leaves underfoot. It’s more like a gentler, calmer version of summer. The days stay in the mid-80s, the ocean’s still warm for swimming, and it’s perfect for early morning or evening walks along the beach.

Palm trees don’t change color; they stay their steady, bright green. Still, a few tropical plants will still bloom as the temperatures drop, so there’s color here — just in a different way.

Fall in Miami also marks the end of hurricane season, less rain and humidity, and the start of art fairs, craft shows, food festivals, and outdoor concerts and activiites. After the long, humid, often oppressive summer, people finally start getting out again to enjoy the cooler, breezier weather. Fort Lauderdale is 1/2 hour ride for us. 

So while there’s no need for sweaters or leaf rakes, fall in South Florida has its own kind of charm. It’s warm, breezy, and full of life — like an endless summer, only softer. Whether we are enjoying the beach, exploring a weekend market, or catching a sunset concert, this really is one of the best times of year to be in Miami- not too hot, humid, or rainy.

Do you like pumpkin pie? 

Here is a really easy vegan pumpkin pie recipe  that is made in the blender. Nice and creamy and of course meets gluten-free standards.