With high temperatures hovering between the mid 70s°F and lower 90s°F year-round, is there really a bad time to visit Key West? For those seeking a tropical island paradise and the warm vibes that come with it, there isn’t.
Waters spanning the blue color spectrum, international culinary delights and an aquatic underworld like no other are guarantees for any Key West adventure. But to avoid crowds, maximize your money and minimize your chances of a weather-related encounter, there are optimal times for a visit. Here’s how to plan the perfect Key West trip.
Book a warm-weather getaway from January to March
Best time to escape frigid temps
For folks needing or wanting a reprieve from frigid climates, winter is a dreamy – and popular – time for a vacation. Snowbird season, as it’s known, traditionally happens between October and May, when folks from the northern states leave their freezing-cold towns to reside in sunny Florida, and peaks between January and March, when Key West averages just three to four days of rain per month and daily temperatures hover in the mid- to upper-70s.
An overlap of snowbirds and spring breakers makes March the pinnacle of peak season in Key West. This is when you’ll find some of the highest prices for lodging, along with swelling crowds.
The Key West Food & Wine Festival, one of the area’s biggest annual events, typically falls at the end of January, giving the masses another reason to visit early in the year. Also in January, Mile 0 Fest draws crowds for a multi-day lineup of live music on stages big and small by established and up-and-coming artists.
Sweat it out between June and August
Best time for those who can handle the heat
Summer in South Florida is not a joke. It’s hot and humid, and you should come prepared to sweat and sweat some more. For some people, this may be a deterrent and for others, a steamy delight. The hottest time of year is between June and August, with average temps floating in the upper 80s to low 90s.
From fishing and kayaking to swimming and scuba, the best way to cool off when visiting Key West in the summer is to head to the water. The easy-to-access beach near Fort Zachary Taylor is a popular spot for snorkelers, with many fish surrounding the beautiful coral reefs. (Note: there is a small entry fee to access this beach.)
Smathers Beach is a popular free option for sunbathers, swimmers and snorkelers on the southern side of Key West, just off Highway AIA. Higgs Beach is a small, lesser-known beach with a pier, playground, nearby dog park, tennis and pickleball courts and a short fitness trail. Although you’ll need a reservation on the ferry or your own boat to get there, Dry Tortugas National Park has incredible locations for underwater and on-land exploration.
Though the nearby village of Islamorada claims the title of “Sport-Fishing Capital of the World,” there are still some prime locations in Key West to cast a line. Charter a boat to fish off-shore where you might catch tarpon, yellowtail, snapper, grouper, marlin, tuna or redfish. Knight Pier and Fort Zachary Taylor Park are popular shore and pier fishing spots. There are tournaments and events throughout the year dedicated to the sport, including the Key West Fishing Tournament, which runs from January through July.
Typically held in mid-July, Hemingway Days celebrates one of the Keys’ most famous residents: Ernest Hemingway. Festivities include look-alike contests, poetry readings, rum tastings, a sunset run, beach parties and a multi-day marlin fishing tournament.
Also held in July, the Key Lime Festival showcases the islands’ iconic dish, the key lime pie. Be sure to sample Blue Heaven’s authentic-style pie topped with meringue, Kermit’s version with whipped cream or other interpretations from local favorites like Old Town Bakery or Kaya.
The Atlantic hurricane season kicks off June 1 and runs through the end of November; you’ll want to pack some rain gear, but you’ll be rewarded with generally cheaper hotel rates and quieter beaches than snowbird season. August to October usually has the highest risk of storms, although they could occur anytime.
Save some cash in September and October
Best time for budget travelers
Typically the heart of hurricane season, September and October are widely regarded as off-season in Key West. Still, this time can be hit or miss for any community along the Eastern US and Gulf of Mexico shores – you could go years without a hurricane-related event, or several could affect a specific area in a single year alone.
That inconsistency can result in stellar deals on accommodations and activities in the Florida Keys – just keep a close eye on the weather, opt for travel insurance and be flexible with your plans if need be.
September and October can still be a great time to visit, especially if you’re visiting Key West on a budget. Pack a bathing suit along with your rain jacket and some light, comfortable layers, then enjoy balmy days on the beach, walk the streets of Old Town or cycle around the island. Despite being a tourist spot, Key West is packed with free things to do, from fun photo ops to fascinating historic stops.
Key West in October means it’s time for Fantasy Fest, an annual 10-day extravaganza for grown-ups with revelers decked out in imaginative costumes and creative art, music and theater exhibitions. The event began in 1979 to revitalize the slow month of October with a massive party, combining the island’s artistic spirit with the mischief and mayhem of Halloween. Themed events occur across the island, from pool parties and burlesque shows to ghost tours and masquerades. Don’t miss the Fantasy Fest Parade as the party makes its way down Duval Street. The Fantasy Market, Living Art Expo and Robert the Doll’s Fantasy Facade are also staples of this one-of-a-kind event.
January
The holiday spirit carries into January with big-time culinary festivities and delightful temperatures taking center stage.
Key events: Key West Literary Seminar, Key West Food & Wine Festival, Mile 0 Fest, Kingfish Mayhem
February
Presidents’ Day and Valentine’s Day are popular excuses for long-weekend adventures.
Key events: Key West Art and Craft Festival, Cuda Bowl
March
Anchored by St Patrick’s Day and all its colorful glory, March sees an influx of visitors. Spring breakers emerge throughout South Florida, and Key West remains a lasting hotspot.
Key events: Conch Shell Blowing Contest, Tennessee Williams Birthday Celebration, St Patrick’s Day Bar Stroll, Taste of Key West
April
The flood of snowbirds and spring-break crowds noticeably slows to a trickle as spring blossoms. For outdoor activities, such as snorkeling, boating and beach lounging, April is bliss.
Key events: Conch Republic Independence Celebration, 7 Mile Bridge Run, Songwriters Festival
May
Tangerine is the color in May. The island’s picturesque Royal Poinciana trees bloom in vibrant shades of orange, rivaling the breathtaking sunsets.
Key events: Queen Mother Pageant
June
Despite the start of summer and hurricane season, this is the last of the non-super-humid months before summer is in full swing. Families embarking on summer vacation noticeably take advantage of it.
Key events: Key West Pride Week, Mango Fest
July
The temps are as hot as the fireworks you’ll see over Edward B. Knight Pier. Pack your sunscreen, or you’ll end up looking like a lobster. Speaking of crustaceans, Key West’s spiny lobster mini-season starts at the end of the month, too.
Key events: Hemingway Days Festival, Key Lime Festival, Underwater Music Festival
August
For fans of warm baths, this is the month the ocean is primed for you. Whether at your hotel pool or one of Key West’s beaches, you’ll want to take a dip to stay cool.
Key events: Key West LobsterFest, Tropical Heat, Rum Fest
September
The dog days of summer taper off, the kids are back in school, and a tranquil buzz takes over the island.
Key events: Womenfest, Key West BrewFest, Key West Paddle Classic
October
It’s only appropriate that a quirky and artsy community like Key West does Halloween right. As hurricane season ends, stone crab season begins.
Key events: Fantasy Fest, Goombay Festival
November
Between a happening Halloween and Christmas, November is a comparatively quiet month in Key West.
Key events: Race World Offshore Key West Championships, Key West Film Festival
December
All is lit up – bikes, boats and everything in between. The island is loaded with holiday-infused events, culminating in a New Year’s Eve fireworks spectacular over Key West Harbor.
Key events: BeLighted Bike Ride, Key West Hometown Holiday Parade, Key West Lighted Boat Parade, New Year’s Eve.
Keep planning your trip to Key West:
Plan the best time to visit Key West
Explore the islands of the Florida Keys with tips for first-timers
Learn how to get around the Keys
Add these best things to do to your Florida Keys itinerary
