Palm Beach Travel Guide

City Florida barrier island town with upscale homes

Palm Beach’s palms and golf lawns frame Worth Avenue boutiques, pink hotels like The Breakers and long Atlantic beaches. Visitors come for beach time, boutique shopping, art museums and the seasonal social calendar along the island’s barrier shores.

Costs

Expect $200-350 per day

High-end hotels and dining push costs well above US averages.

Safety

Generally safe but watch property crime

Low violent crime; protect valuables on beaches and in cars.

Best Time

November-April (winter season)

Dry, sunny weather and peak social season.

In This Guide

Why Visit
Best Things to Do
Bucket List
Best Time to Visit
How to Get There
How to Get Around
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Local Time

1:59 AM

GMT-4

Weather

76°F

Mostly Clear

Population

8,612

Infrastructure & Convenience

Limited public transit; English common and tourist services abundant.

Popularity

Attracts wealthy vacationers, luxury shoppers, and yachting crowds.

Known For

luxury resorts, Worth Avenue shopping, beaches, historic estates, art museums, golf, boating, upscale dining, celebrity homes

The town is home to Worth Avenue, a famously upscale shopping street inspired by Milan and Paris.

Why Visit Palm Beach? #

This barrier-island enclave is synonymous with upscale beaches, designer shopping and gilded-era resorts such as The Breakers. Shoppers and architecture fans seek out Worth Avenue’s boutiques and the Flagler Museum’s Gilded Age history, while beachgoers appreciate calm Atlantic sands. The island’s mix of high-end dining, palm-lined avenues and preserved estates gives it an exclusive, resort-style character.

Best Things to Do in Palm Beach

All Attractions ›

Mar-a-Lago

Private club and residence in Palm Beach, Florida

Park

Boca Raton Museum of Art

Museum exhibiting modern and contemporary art collections

Museum

Cox Science Center and Aquarium

Hands-on science center with interactive exhibits and aquarium

Museum

South Florida Railway Museum

Museum preserving South Florida's railway history

Museum

Palm Beach Bucket List

Don't Miss

Flagler Museum (Whitehall) - Tour Flagler Museum's Gilded Age mansion, period rooms, and historic waterfront gardens.
Worth Avenue - Shop Worth Avenue's boutiques, galleries, and al fresco cafés along palm-lined streets.
The Breakers - Visit The Breakers for grand architecture, oceanfront gardens, and historic guided tours.

Hidden Gems

Lake Trail - Walk Lake Trail for quiet waterfront views, mansions, and birdwatching opportunities.
Manatee Lagoon - Spot manatees at Manatee Lagoon's education center during cooler winter months.
Phil Foster Park - Swim and snorkel at Phil Foster Park's sheltered reef and calm shoreline.

Day Trips

West Palm Beach - Cross the bridge to West Palm Beach for nightlife, Clematis Street, and cultural venues.
Fort Lauderdale - Drive to Fort Lauderdale's beaches, waterways, and Las Olas Boulevard dining and shopping.

Best Time to Visit Palm Beach #

Visit November-April for the driest, sunniest weather and comfortable days on the beach. Summers bring heat, humidity, daily storms, and hurricane risk from June-November.

Dry Season

November - April · 18-26°C (64-79°F)

Comfortable, sunny days ideal for beaches, golf, and al fresco dining - always expect a few warm nights but little rain.

Wet Season

May - October · 24-32°C (75-90°F)

Hot, humid afternoons with daily thunderstorms; great for pool time and tropical flora, but humidity and bugs increase noticeably, so plan accordingly.

Hurricane Season

June - November · 25-31°C (77-88°F)

Elevated hurricane risk with possible watches and closures - flexible itineraries, evacuation awareness, and travel insurance strongly recommended if visiting during late summer.

Best Time to Visit Palm Beach #

Climate

Palm Beach's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 14°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1495 mm/year), wettest in September.

Air Quality: AQI 29 Good

Best Time to Visit

AprilMarchDecember

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

34°

Warmest Month

5°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

82 Excellent

Comfort

19°

Feels Like Mild

19°C

Temperature

14° – 24°

76%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

69 mm

Rainfall

4.6 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.9

UV Index

Moderate

10.6h daylight

February

February is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

82 Excellent

Comfort

19°

Feels Like Mild

19°C

Temperature

14° – 24°

76%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

66 mm

Rainfall

4.9 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.3

UV Index

High

11.1h daylight

March

March is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).

84 Excellent

Comfort

21°

Feels Like Mild

21°C

Temperature

17° – 26°

73%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

89 mm

Rainfall

5.4 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.7

UV Index

Very High

11.9h daylight

April

April is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).

86 Excellent

Comfort

23°

Feels Like Mild

23°C

Temperature

18° – 28°

73%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

72 mm

Rainfall

5.1 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.9

UV Index

Very High

12.7h daylight

May

May is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (151 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

26°

Feels Like Warm

26°C

Temperature

21° – 30°

75%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

151 mm

Rainfall

4.7 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.0

UV Index

Extreme

13.3h daylight

June

June is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (197 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

64 Good

Comfort

31°

Feels Like Hot

27°C

Temperature

23° – 32°

80%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

197 mm

Rainfall

4.4 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.0

UV Index

Very High

13.6h daylight

July

July is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (158 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

64 Good

Comfort

33°

Feels Like Hot

28°C

Temperature

24° – 33°

80%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

158 mm

Rainfall

3.6 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.1

UV Index

Extreme

13.5h daylight

August

August is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (157 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

68 Good

Comfort

33°

Feels Like Hot

28°C

Temperature

24° – 33°

80%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

157 mm

Rainfall

3.6 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.0

UV Index

Very High

12.9h daylight

September

September is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (213 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

62 Good

Comfort

32°

Feels Like Hot

28°C

Temperature

24° – 32°

81%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

213 mm

Rainfall

4.0 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.7

UV Index

Very High

12.2h daylight

October

October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (162 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

26°

Feels Like Warm

26°C

Temperature

22° – 30°

79%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

162 mm

Rainfall

4.7 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.4

UV Index

High

11.4h daylight

November

November is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).

82 Excellent

Comfort

23°

Feels Like Mild

23°C

Temperature

19° – 27°

77%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

104 mm

Rainfall

4.9 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.0

UV Index

High

10.7h daylight

December

December is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

84 Excellent

Comfort

20°

Feels Like Mild

20°C

Temperature

16° – 25°

78%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

57 mm

Rainfall

4.6 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.8

UV Index

Moderate

10.4h daylight

How to Get to Palm Beach

Palm Beach is best accessed via Palm Beach International (PBI) for short transfers; Fort Lauderdale and Miami are alternate major-hub airports. The West Palm Beach station (Brightline/Amtrak) provides fast rail links south along Florida's east coast, and local Palm Tran buses cover intracity trips.

By Air

Palm Beach International Airport (PBI): PBI is the main airport for Palm Beach / West Palm Beach and is very convenient for downtown Palm Beach area destinations. Taxi or ride-hail from PBI to downtown West Palm Beach typically takes 10-15 minutes and costs around $15-$30. Rental cars are widely available.

Fort Lauderdale (FLL) / Miami (MIA): These larger airports are options if you need more flight choices; both are about 45-90 minutes by car depending on traffic and offer shuttle and Brightline/rail connections into the Palm Beach area.

By Train & Bus

Train: West Palm Beach has a major station served by Brightline (higher-speed regional service to Miami and Fort Lauderdale) and by Amtrak (Silver Service). Brightline fares vary by demand but commonly start around $10-$20 one-way for off-peak short trips; Amtrak fares to Miami/Orlando vary by route and booking.

Bus: Palm Tran is the local bus network serving Palm Beach County; single rides are typically low-cost (about $2). Tri-Rail and local shuttles connect with other regional transit services.

How to Get Around Palm Beach #

Palm Beach is compact and very walkable along the beachfront and Worth Avenue-many boutiques, restaurants and beaches are within easy walking distance. Still, parking can be limited and paid, so plan ahead if you drive. Taxis and rideshares are readily available for longer trips; a car is useful to explore nearby West Palm Beach or the wider area. Streets are pedestrian-friendly close to the hotels and shopping districts.

Where to Stay in Palm Beach #

Budget

West Palm Beach / Singer Island - $90-220/night

Palm Beach proper has few cheap rooms; budget travelers often stay in nearby West Palm Beach or on Singer Island for lower rates.

Budget and chain options in West Palm Beach - Cheaper stays across the Intracoastal
Hampton Inn West Palm Beach - Reliable, no-frills brand option

Mid-Range

Palm Beach island - $200-450/night

Mid-range options include boutique beachfront hotels and well-known chains located close to shops, dining, and the island's beaches.

The Colony Hotel Palm Beach - Iconic, boutique beachfront hotel
Palm Beach area Marriott properties - Comfortable, beach-accessible stays

Luxury

Oceanfront Palm Beach - $600+/night

Palm Beach is known for true luxury resorts and historic oceanfront hotels-expect premium rates, top dining, and private beach access.

The Breakers Palm Beach - Historic oceanfront resort with amenities
Four Seasons Resort at The Surf Club - High-end service and beachfront setting

Where to Eat in Palm Beach #

Upscale Palm Beach dining

Palm Beach dining centers on elegant, hotel-driven restaurants with refined seafood, classic continental preparations, and polished service suitable for special occasions and sunset dinners.

Buccan - Inventive small plates and craft cocktails.
Café Boulud Palm Beach - Refined French-American menu inside a luxury hotel.
The Breakers (hotel dining) - Multiple oceanfront restaurants and classic Palm Beach service.

Casual beach cafés & classic spots

Bright cafés and well-known Palm Beach institutions serve fresh breakfasts, casual lunches, seafood, and classic desserts-good for relaxed beachside meals and brunching.

Ta-boo - Iconic, lively spot for prime people-watching and cocktails.
Leopard Lounge (The Breakers) - Retro Palm Beach cocktails in a storied lounge setting.
Green's Pharmacy (deli & soda fountain) - Old-school counter service and classic sandwich options.

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Palm Beach's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Burger

American

Chicken

Sandwich

Donut

Pizza

Italian

Coffee Shop

Mexican

Breakfast

Steak House

Seafood

Tex Mex

Thai

Cuban

Caribbean

Asian

Salad

Tacos

French

Nightlife in Palm Beach #

Nightlife here is polished and mostly hotel- and restaurant-focused: cocktail lounges, hotel bars and refined dining dominate. For livelier bars, craft beer scenes or late-night music, cross the bridge into West Palm Beach.

The Breakers - Historic oceanfront resort with multiple bars, restaurants and evening events.

Shopping in Palm Beach #

Palm Beach is best known for upscale shopping on Worth Avenue-designer boutiques, art galleries and jewellers line the avenue. You’ll also find elegant antique shops and specialty stores catering to luxury tastes.