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Palm Beach County Weather by Month: Humidity, Heat, Allergies and Hurricane Season for Retirees Weighing a Move
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Palm Beach County Weather by Month: Humidity, Heat, Allergies and Hurricane Season for Retirees Weighing a Move

October 1, 2026 · 8 min read · By Onias Derilus, Broker

A month-by-month look at heat, rain, humidity, pollen and hurricane season in Palm Beach County, using official NOAA normals, plus the home features that make the climate easier for retirees.

Palm Beach weather by month is one of the first things retirees ask about when they think about a move here. Winters are mild and dry, which is why so many people arrive in January and fall in love. Summers are a different story, with heat, daily storms and hurricane season. This guide walks through each month using official NOAA climate normals for the West Palm Beach airport. It also covers humidity, pollen and the home features that make the climate easier to live with all year.

Key takeaways

  • NOAA's 1991 to 2020 normals for West Palm Beach show average highs from about 75 degrees in January to about 90 degrees in July and August.
  • The station averages about 62 inches of rain a year, and about two thirds of it falls from May through October.
  • The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. The National Hurricane Center puts the peak on September 10.
  • Tree pollen peaks from February to May, and grass pollen runs much of the year, according to UF/IFAS.
  • Right-sized AC, humidity control and impact glass do more for comfort than almost any other feature.

Palm Beach weather by month at a glance

The figures below are NOAA's 30 year climate normals for the West Palm Beach airport station, rounded to whole degrees. Highs and lows are in degrees Fahrenheit, and rain is in inches. Coastal towns can run a little milder, while inland areas can feel hotter by day and cooler at night.

  • January: high 75, low 58, rain 3.5
  • February: high 77, low 60, rain 2.6
  • March: high 79, low 63, rain 3.3
  • April: high 82, low 68, rain 3.7
  • May: high 86, low 72, rain 4.9
  • June: high 88, low 75, rain 8.5
  • July: high 90, low 76, rain 5.6
  • August: high 90, low 77, rain 8.7
  • September: high 88, low 76, rain 8.0
  • October: high 85, low 73, rain 5.9
  • November: high 80, low 66, rain 3.6
  • December: high 77, low 62, rain 3.5

Two things stand out. First, the range between the coolest and warmest month is small, about 15 degrees on the high side. Second, the nights stay warm in summer. A July low of 76 means the air rarely cools off, so your AC runs most of the day and night.

Palm Beach weather by month in the dry season

The dry season runs roughly from November through April. This is when snowbirds arrive, golf courses fill up and outdoor dining is at its best. It is also the best time for a first visit, because the weather matches the postcards.

November to January

November brings the first real relief from summer, with highs near 80 and lower humidity. Hurricane season ends on November 30. December and January are the coolest months. Highs sit in the mid 70s, and lows dip into the upper 50s and low 60s on average. A cold front can bring a few chilly nights, so most locals keep a light jacket handy.

February to April

February is the driest month on average, with about 2.6 inches of rain on average. March and April warm up into the upper 70s and low 80s. However, this is also peak tree pollen season. If you have spring allergies, plan your first visits with that in mind.

Palm Beach weather by month in the wet season

The wet season runs roughly from May through October. Over those six months, the station averages about 41.6 inches of rain. That is about two thirds of the yearly total of about 62 inches.

May and June

May is the turning point. Highs reach the mid 80s, and the air starts to feel heavy. Then June brings the rains in earnest, with about 8.5 inches on average. Most of it comes in short, strong afternoon storms. So mornings are often clear, and many retirees shift walks, golf and errands to the early hours.

July and August

July and August are the hottest months, with average highs near 90 and lows in the mid to upper 70s. August is also the wettest month at the station, with about 8.7 inches. In fact, the heat index often feels higher than the thermometer, because of the humidity. If you move here from a dry climate, these two months take the most getting used to.

September and October

September stays hot and wet, and it sits at the heart of hurricane season. October starts to ease, with highs in the mid 80s and less rain. Still, October storms do happen, so keep your plan in place until the season ends.

Humidity in Palm Beach weather, month to month

Temperature alone does not tell the full story. The humidity is what most new arrivals notice first. From late spring to early fall, the air stays damp for weeks at a time, even on days without rain. As a result, 88 degrees here can feel hotter than 95 degrees in a desert city.

Humidity also matters inside the home. The EPA advises keeping indoor humidity below 60 percent, and ideally between 30 and 50 percent, to limit mold. In a closed-up home, that takes a working AC and sometimes a dehumidifier. So if you plan to leave for the summer, set up a plan for humidity control while you are gone.

Hurricane season and Palm Beach weather by month

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. According to the National Hurricane Center, the peak is September 10, and most activity falls between mid August and mid October. June and July tend to be quieter, though storms can form at any time in the season.

For a retiree, the question is less about the odds and more about the plan. Before you buy, find your evacuation zone, flood zone and the age of the roof. Also get insurance quotes early. Our guide to Florida hurricane insurance explains how windstorm coverage and deductibles work here.

Pollen seasons in Palm Beach weather by month

Florida has longer pollen seasons than most of the country. UF/IFAS says trees generally pollinate in winter and spring, while grasses pollinate in spring, summer and fall. Oak is among the worst for allergies, and its peak runs from February to May.

Grass pollen from bahiagrass and Bermudagrass can linger for much of the year. Also, the summer damp can raise mold in older or poorly cooled homes. If allergies are a concern, look for a home with a newer AC system, good filters and well sealed windows. UF/IFAS also suggests limiting time outdoors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during peak pollen season.

Home features that make the climate easier

The right house can make the heat and storms much easier to live with. When you tour homes, look closely at these features.

Right-sized air conditioning

Bigger is not always better. An AC unit that is too large can cool the air quickly but shut off before it pulls out enough moisture. So the home can feel cold and clammy at the same time. Ask the seller for the age of the system and its service records. Then have an HVAC contractor check whether it fits the size of the home.

Humidity control

Some homes have a whole-house dehumidifier tied into the AC. That can help in summer and while the home sits empty. Also look for signs of past moisture problems, such as stains under windows or a musty smell in closets.

Impact glass and storm protection

Impact windows and doors protect the home in a storm. They also save you from putting up shutters every time a storm heads this way, which matters as you get older. In addition, they can help with insurance discounts once the home has a wind mitigation inspection. A backup generator or a generator hookup is another feature many retirees value.

Shade and outdoor living

Finally, think about how you will use the outdoors. A covered lanai, a screened pool and shade trees let you enjoy mornings and evenings in summer. East facing patios get morning sun and afternoon shade, which many locals prefer.

Where retirees settle and how the climate feels there

The weather is much the same from Boca Raton to Jupiter, but daily life can feel different. Towns on the coast, such as Delray Beach and Jupiter, often get a sea breeze in the afternoon. Inland towns can feel a bit hotter by day. In addition, older condos near the beach face more salt air, which wears on AC units and metal fixtures over time.

Prices also vary. In August 2026, Palm Beach County single-family homes had a median sale price of $650,000, and condos and townhouses had a median of $300,000, according to Miami Realtors. Many retirees choose a condo or villa for less upkeep during the storm months.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month for Palm Beach weather?

Many people like February and March best. Highs sit in the upper 70s, rain is light and the humidity is low. However, March and April are also peak tree pollen months.

Which month has the hottest Palm Beach weather?

July and August tie for the hottest, with average highs near 90 degrees at the West Palm Beach station. August is also the wettest month there, with about 8.7 inches of rain.

When is hurricane season in Palm Beach County?

It runs from June 1 to November 30. The National Hurricane Center lists September 10 as the peak.

Is Palm Beach County good for people with allergies?

It depends on the allergy. Tree pollen peaks from February to May, and grass pollen can last much of the year. A home with good AC and filters helps a lot.

Which month has the coolest Palm Beach weather?

January is the coolest, with an average low of about 58 degrees. A few cold fronts each winter can bring cooler nights, but freezes are uncommon.

Sources

Selling up north, or selling a Palm Beach County home to move closer to family? Start with a free home value report so you know your budget. Thinking about retiring here? Request a free relocation consultation, and our agents will help you compare towns, condos and 55+ communities with the climate in mind. Talk with our team.

Onias Derilus

About the author

Onias Derilus

Broker · Florida Real Estate Broker · FL License BK3276618

Reviewed and published by the Pure Equity team, led by broker Onias Derilus. We help clients buy, sell, rent, and invest across South Florida's eight counties. Meet the team.

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