A federal holiday in the United States, celebrating the life and achievements of Martin Luther King, Jr. In recent years, it has increasingly been seen as a day of service, when Americans are encouraged to volunteer to help others less fortunate than themselves. It is also celebrated with a colourful parade including musicians and dancers in the streets of Miami.
January/February : Chinese New Year (local)Miami rings in the Chinese New Year with large parades, dances, tai chi demonstrations, traditional music, food and entertainment.
July 4 : Independence Day (national holiday)A federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Celebrated with parades, military marches and fireworks.
31 octobreHalloween is celebrated each year by Americans of all ages. In the late afternoon and early evening hours, children don costumes and go door-to-door in their neighbourhoods to ask for treats, typically candy.
Fourth Thursday in November : Thanksgiving (national holiday)Originally a Christian religious observance, for many years Thanksgiving has been a secular holiday in the United States, celebrated by Americans of all faiths. Families come together to prepare and enjoy a large feast at home. The meal typically includes roast turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce as well as various side dishes and ends with an assortment of pies (pumpkin, pecan, apple).
December 25 : Christmas (national holiday)| Month | Min. Average Temperature (°C/F°) | Max. Average Temperature (°C/F°) | Average Rains (MM) | Best Time to Travel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15/59 | 24/75 | 41/1.6 | Not the best period to go |
| February | 17/63 | 25/77 | 57/2.2 | Not the best period to go |
| March | 18/64 | 27/81 | 76/3.0 | Not the best period to go |
| April | 20/68 | 28/82 | 80/3.1 | Not the best period to go |
| May | 23/73 | 30/86 | 137/5.4 | Good period to go
|
| June | 24/75 | 32/90 | 245/9.6 | Good period to go
|
| July | 25/77 | 33/91 | 165/6.5 | Good period to go
|
| August | 25/77 | 33/91 | 226/8.9 | Good period to go
|
| September | 25/77 | 32/90 | 250/9.8 | Not the best period to go |
| October | 23/73 | 30/86 | 160/6.3 | Not the best period to go |
| November | 20/68 | 27/81 | 83/3.3 | Not the best period to go |
| December | 17/63 | 25/77 | 52/2.0 | Not the best period to go |
Miami International Airport is located approximately 11 kilometres (7 miles) from the city centre.
Miami is quite a large city, but its public transport system offers extensive coverage of the entire area.
Miami's Metrorail is an elevated rapid transit system with 23 stations, providing service along the coast south of the city centre as well as to a number of inland points, including the airport. However, the northern portion of the city is not as well served and it is not possible to reach South Beach using the system. The standard fare is USD 2.25.
The Metromover tram system is ideal for short trips within the city centre. The system consists of three lines, known as loops (Inner, Omni and Brickell), with a total of 21 stations. Fully automated and electrically powered, the system is also free for all riders!
Miami's Metrobus network offers dense coverage of the city. More than 95 buses serve Miami's various neighbourhoods, 7 days a week.
The standard fare on Metrobus lines is the same as for the Metrorail, USD 2.25.
Useful tip: The EASY Card is a plastic reloadable fare card. Several discounted passes are available: for 1 day (USD 5.65), 7 consecutive days (USD 29.25), and 1 month (USD 112.50).
Instantly recognizable owing to their orange-and-green colour scheme and retro design, these trolleys connect various points in the city centre. They are also free for all riders.
Taxis are recommended only in exceptional circumstances. The distances in Miami are so great that the simplest trip will cost more than USD 10.
Exploring Miami by car is a good option. Vehicles may be easily rented on the airport property. Miami's streets can sometimes be quite congested with traffic. Many garages offering reasonable rates for parking are available in the city.
Upon your arrival in Miami, you can get in touch with local tourism professionals for further information and to help organize your stay.
Greater Miami Convention & Visitor's BureauOffers practical information and many useful recommendations (accommodation, restaurants, public transport, festivals, cultural events, etc.).
Discover America, a public-private marketing entity, works closely with the travel industry to promote tourism in communities around the country. Its website offers excellent information on all US travel destinations, including Miami and South Florida.
See your doctor before you travel. It is also recommended to take out insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation before your trip. Miami counts several hospitals and medical institutions, as well as quality medical practitioners and health specialists.
VaccinationsThere are no vaccination requirements for visitors to the United States.
For more information, contact Air France's international vaccination centre:
Tap water is safe to drink in Miami.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States without a visa for stays of 90 days or less, whether for tourism or business.
For further information, see the Visitor Visa page on the website of the Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State:
http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/visit/visitor.html
To enjoy peace of mind during your stay in Miami, visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country.
Tipping
In Miami as in the rest of the United States, a service charge is not included in the bill and tips form a major portion of income for waiting staff. Prices on restaurant menus are indicated before taxes and tips. You are therefore expected to leave a tip (generally between 15 and 20 percent of the bill). Tipping less than 15 percent (or leaving no tip at all) means that you are very dissatisfied with the service.
