Are we to expect loads of rain at this time of the year and can anyone suggest cheap transportation around miami. We're staying in Bal Harbour but would like to see the rest of the city such as Coral Gables and little havana plus any outlet shops.

For the most part, the rainy season ends with September. You should find beautiful weather next week. Today is the first day it got below 70 in quite awhile.

Gill from the UK:

You will be going to South Florida at the most wonderful time of the year! November is the month with the least amount of rainfall. I went in November 2000 to Ft. Lauderdale, FL, area and it was sunny and bright every day, no rain the whole time with temps between 80 and 85 with a cool refreshing wind off the ocean.

We were in Miami a couple of weeks ago. The weather was mostly wonderful, but I hope you're not planning on swimming in the ocean. Brrrrrr, freezing cold. It rained all weekend for us, but we still enjoyed our time.

I doubt you will find the ocean freezing cold - it's warmer than summer in Europe all year around. The weather will be T shirt and shorts in all likelihood. As for cheap transport, best thing to do is rent a car. FLorida car rentals are usually very cheap.

Since Florida car rentals are down more than 20% (according to today's Orlando Sentinel), you should be able to get a great rate on a rental car.

The ocean is getting too cold for me to swim in it (below 76), but my blood has thinned after living here for so long. It'll probably be just fine for people who live north of Florida!

Hello,
I just wanted to warrant my post. Yes, charles, the water is freezing cold. I'm from Wisconsin a.k.a. "the frozen tundra." I saw only one person swimming in the ocean in 3 days. The rest were enjoying the surroundings. It's beautiful and we were glad we went, just don't go expecting to swim in the ocean while you're there. Only 2 people swam in the hotel pool, but the weather temperature was perfect. This is mid October I'm talking about mind you.
For the car rental, I booked through expedia.com with Dollar. $18.99 a day for a standard sized, even the rep complimented me on the good rate we got when I called to confirm.
Have fun!

Having worked in the hospitality industry on and of in the Keys for 10 years, it would unusual if it would be too cold for most to swim in the beginning of November. The water temps are currently around 77 degrees- Maril can call that freezing if she wants to, but even the native Floridians are still swimming. Sure, Gill might hit a "cold" front (we just are getting through one now, in fact, when at night it has gotten down to the bone-chilling low of 65), but early November is a very nice time of year in South Florida and VERY swimmable. But don't take my word (or Maril's), get on the web and find out Miami's current water temp, compare it to the average summertime water temp at your favorite UK beach, and judge for yourself.