Short answer: In South Florida, the dry season runs roughly from November through May, and it is the best window of the year to install a new landscape. Temperatures and humidity drop, hurricane season ends on November 30, and crews can work without daily afternoon storms. The tradeoff is that rain is scarce, so new plants depend on a planned watering schedule until their roots take hold. Plan the design in the fall, install early in the season, and give every new plant a clear establishment schedule.
Key takeaways
- South Florida's dry season runs from about November to May, and the region averages roughly 18 inches of rain over that stretch, according to the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD).
- Cooler weather, lower humidity, and the end of hurricane season make it the easiest time to plant, build hardscape, and lay sod.
- New shrubs in South Florida need water at least every 4 days during establishment, and every 2 days gives better growth, per UF/IFAS research.
- SFWMD watering rules give new landscaping extra watering days for the first 90 days, and drip or micro-irrigation is exempt from day restrictions.
- To install in the prime months, finish your design in October or November. A virtual design plan takes about one to two weeks.
When is the dry season in Florida?
For South Florida (Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Broward, Miami-Dade, Collier, and Lee counties), the dry season generally runs from November through May. The wet season covers the rest of the year, when daily afternoon thunderstorms deliver most of the region's rainfall. SFWMD notes that the dry season averages about 18 inches of rain across the district, far less than the summer months.
North and Central Florida follow a similar pattern but add real cold snaps and occasional frost, which changes what you can plant and when. This guide focuses on South Florida, where frost is rare and the dry season is the main planting season.
Why the dry season is the best time to landscape in South Florida
Easier conditions for planting and building
Summer heat stresses freshly dug plants, and daily storms turn job sites into mud. From November on, crews can grade, set pavers, pour footings, and plant without losing afternoons to lightning. Hardscape cures and settles more predictably, and soil is easier to shape.
Hurricane season is over
Atlantic hurricane season ends on November 30. Installing after that date means young trees and palms get months to anchor their roots before the next storm season begins in June.
Less disease pressure
Lower humidity means fewer fungal problems on new foliage and turf. Plants put energy into roots instead of fighting leaf spot and rot.
You enjoy the yard during the best months
The dry season is also when South Florida homeowners spend the most time outside. A landscape finished in December is ready for holiday gatherings, winter guests, and spring evenings on the terrace.
The tradeoff: new plants need a watering plan
Dry season planting only works if new plants get consistent water until their roots grow into the surrounding soil. University of Florida IFAS research on establishing shrubs found:
- In South Florida, water new shrubs at least every 4 days. Every 2 days produces more vigorous growth.
- About 1 gallon per shrub per watering is enough for a 3-gallon plant. Larger volumes did not improve survival or growth.
- Apply water directly to the root ball and the few inches of soil around it.
- Shrubs are typically established in about 20 to 28 weeks, once roots reach the edge of the canopy.
- Skip watering if a quarter inch or more of rain fell in the previous 24 hours.
The key finding: light, frequent watering beats heavy, occasional soaking. A big drink once a week cannot make up for days of dry root balls.
South Florida watering rules for new landscapes
SFWMD's year-round landscape irrigation rule sets the baseline for most of South Florida. In Broward, Collier, Lee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, St. Lucie, and several other counties, residents may water up to three days a week, only before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. New landscaping gets extra days:
- Installation day: new plants and soil may be watered once at any time.
- Days 1 to 30: watering is allowed six days a week, before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
- Days 31 to 90: watering is allowed four days a week, during the same hours.
- Exempt methods: drip, bubbler, and other micro-irrigation, plus hand watering with a shut-off nozzle, can be used any day.
Some cities and counties set stricter local ordinances, so check with your local government before setting a schedule. Details are in SFWMD's year-round irrigation FAQ.
This is why we design irrigation zones around plant needs. Putting new shrub beds on their own drip zone lets you water them often during establishment without overwatering the established lawn next to them.
Plants that handle the dry season well
Choosing Florida-friendly, drought-tolerant plants means less water once they are established. A few we specify often for South Florida properties:
- Coontie: a native cycad for low, structured borders in sun or shade.
- Muhly grass: fine texture all year and pink plumes in fall.
- Firebush: native, heat tolerant, and a favorite of butterflies and hummingbirds.
- Silver buttonwood: salt tolerant, ideal for coastal hedges and screening.
- Simpson's stopper: a native shrub or small tree for privacy screens.
- Sabal palm: Florida's state tree, hardy and storm tolerant once established.
- Beach sunflower: a fast native groundcover for sunny, sandy areas.
Even drought-tolerant plants need the full establishment schedule in their first months. "Drought tolerant" describes an established plant, not one that went in the ground last week.
A simple dry season timeline
- October: design the landscape. Measure, photograph the yard, and settle the plan, plant list, and irrigation layout.
- November: get contractor quotes from your plan and schedule the install.
- December to February: install hardscape, then plant. Start the establishment watering schedule on day one.
- March to May: keep watering through the driest, warmest stretch, then ease off as the summer rains begin.
How Sol & Arbor fits the dry season window
Most homeowners lose the best planting months waiting for a designer to come out, measure, and return with drawings. Our designers work over video, so you get a complete, contractor-ready plan in about one to two weeks. Every plan includes the planting, stone, and lighting layout plus a plant list your contractor can price and install.
Founder Chuck Smith has designed and built landscapes on the Treasure Coast since 1985, so our plans are drawn for South Florida conditions: salt exposure, sandy soil, and the dry season watering rules above. Add our Irrigation Design Add-On to get zoned drip and spray layouts built for establishment.
Ready to plant this season? Start with a Backyard Design, Front Yard Design, or the Complete Yard package, see how the process works, or call us at 888-248-6072.
Frequently asked questions
When is the dry season in South Florida?
South Florida's dry season runs roughly from November through May. The wet season, with daily afternoon storms, runs from about late May or June through October.
Is the dry season a good time to plant in Florida?
Yes. In South Florida it is the best time to install a landscape because of cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and the end of hurricane season. New plants need regular watering until established, since rain is limited.
How often should I water new plants during the Florida dry season?
UF/IFAS recommends watering new shrubs in South Florida at least every 4 days, and every 2 days for best growth, with about 1 gallon applied to the root ball each time. Establishment usually takes about 20 to 28 weeks.
Can I water new plants more often under South Florida watering restrictions?
Yes. SFWMD rules allow new landscaping to be watered six days a week for the first 30 days and four days a week for days 31 to 90, before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Drip and micro-irrigation are exempt from day restrictions. Check local ordinances, which may be stricter.
When should I start designing my landscape for dry season planting?
Start in September or October. A virtual design plan takes about one to two weeks, which leaves time to get contractor quotes and install early in the dry season.