With temperatures already climbing, the City of Miami has officially opened 10 cooling centers to help residents stay safe during the 2025 extreme heat season, which runs from May 1 through October 31.
Launched by the Office of Resilience and Sustainability in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department and the Fire-Rescue Division of Emergency Management, the network of cooling centers is part of the City’s broader efforts to protect public health during increasingly intense heat events. The initiative is guided by the Miami Forever Climate Ready: Extreme Heat Plan.
“As we enter our extreme heat season, it’s critical that we take proactive steps to protect our most vulnerable residents,” said Mayor Francis X. Suarez. “The launch of these Cooling Centers is a testament to our commitment to building a safer, more resilient Miami for everyone.”
Miami experiences approximately 130 days each year with temperatures at or above 90°F (32.2°C). Combined with high humidity, this can push the heat index to dangerous levels—as high as 112°F (44.4°C) in May 2024—making heat the leading cause of weather-related deaths. Heat-related illnesses include cramps, exhaustion, and life-threatening heat stroke, particularly among older adults, children, and those with chronic health conditions.
The 10 cooling centers are located at select park community centers, chosen for their proximity to health-vulnerable populations and to complement rather than duplicate the Miami-Dade County cooling center network, which includes public libraries.
“While we encourage residents and visitors to get outdoors and enjoy our beautiful City, we recognize the importance of having a safe and inviting area to cool off during this extreme heat season,” said Interim Parks & Recreation Director LaClevia Morley. “Parks play an integral role in leisure and recreational access, and we are happy to work side by side with other City departments to provide such a vital service.”
Each center offers a designated air-conditioned area equipped with drinking water, seating, restrooms, and heat safety resources.
To locate the nearest Cooling Center, visit: www.miami.gov/coolingcenter
