The best time to visit Key West, Florida, is between March and May. The weather in Key West in the spring is pleasant without the humidity and hurricane risk of the summer months. The subtropical climate brings a dry season in the winter and spring, followed by a wet season from summer to fall.
Key West has great weather year-round, but most people choose to avoid the sticky and wet summers. The winters draw large crowds to the Florida Keys seeking winter sun. During this time, hotel prices soar, and you’ll need to book early to score the island’s top-rated accommodation.
Not sure when to go to Key West? There’s something to suit different types of visitors throughout the year. Pick your perfect season and month to visit the most popular island in the Florida Keys with this in-depth Key West weather guide.
Got more travel plans on the horizon? Check out our other weather & when to go guides and our Florida Travel Guide for more recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do!
Weather in Key West
By season
Spring
Kickstart your summer with a springtime visit to Key West. Ideal temperatures and low humidity make spring a great time to visit.
In spring, the rainfall and humidity of the summer haven’t set in yet, so you’ll spend plenty of time outdoors exploring the top-rated Key West attraction. Cruise the Dry Tortugas or watch the flowers blooming on a house and garden tour.
Foodies should definitely consider visiting Key West in the spring. With pink shrimp, spiny lobster, and stone crab in season, you can enjoy nightly seafood feasts at the island’s top restaurants.
Water temperatures in spring are cool but refreshing, so you can pack in maximum beach time or try out some water sports. Visiting at this time of year means you’ll have no problem grabbing a spot on Key West’s pristine sands.
One caveat: Be sure to avoid the spring break dates if you have a low tolerance for rowdy college kids. Accommodation prices are low, though, so you can snap up great deals on some stunning hotels.
Summer
Summer in Key West comes with a hurricane risk, so it may be better to book last minute to avoid bad weather derailing your plans. Even if there are no storms, humidity and sudden downpours may force you out of the elements.
Luckily, there are some great indoor activities, including the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum and The Key West Aquarium. Make sure you pack a waterproof jacket and umbrella and keep your days spontaneous.
People flock to the coast in summer to escape the soaring temperatures, but Florida Keys’ beaches aren’t as idyllic at this time of year. While warm sea water sounds like a dream, the reality is that you’ll have limited options to cool off from the sweltering heat.
Summers also bring a huge dump of seaweed to Key West’s beaches, ruining those white sand photos and leaving an unpleasant odor. You should think about booking a hotel with a pool since the public pools and water parks will be busy with families and kids on summer break.
Fall
A visit to Key West in the fall may give you sunny blue skies, or it may give you sticky, overcast days and sudden downpours. The hurricane risk remains high in early fall, and showers are still likely.
Temperatures and humidity steadily decrease as the season progresses, bringing respite from the stifling summers. Water temperatures also drop, so your dips in the sea will give you a much-needed refresh on beach days.
With kids back at school, the crowds melt away, and it’ll be easier to find deals on the top hotels in Key West. There’s a feeling of tranquillity and relief in the air after a hot and busy season.
Fall is a peaceful time to visit and unwind from everyday life. While the rest of the country is getting their sweaters out, you can come to Key West in the fall if you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to summer yet.
Winter
Weather-wise, winter is an excellent time to visit Key West. Dry, sunny days and fresh ocean breezes create perfect beach weather and an ideal climate to explore Key West’s stunning natural beauty. Hurricane season is over, so you can book a break with almost guaranteed sunshine.
Unfortunately, winter is also the peak time for sun-seekers. With many states facing plunging temperatures and snowfall, visitors flock to the Florida Keys for some winter warmth.
As the island is small, Key West’s most popular attractions will fill up fast. This is great if you want a city flooded with life, but be prepared to go with the flow and have plenty of patience.
You’ll want to book far in advance to bag your ideal accommodation—and expect the prices of everything to soar. During key holiday dates like Christmas and Thanksgiving, it’ll be almost impossible to land hotel rooms, restaurant tables, and rental cars without organizing your trip months before.
By month
January
January is the coldest month in Key West, but average daily highs still sit at 72°F (22°C). Clear blue skies and a water temperature of 69°F (21°C) are the perfect recipe for long days on the water. There’s a small risk of a cold snap, so pack a light sweater for chillier nights.
The month of January is the peak of the high season, with many visitors drawn here to shake off the dreary January blues. If you’re looking for a cheap January deal, Key West might not be ideal. Flight and hotel prices are high at this time of year and get booked up fast!
February
Prices stay high in February, and hotels will be fully booked around Valentine’s Day. The weather in Key West in February is pleasant, with average highs increasing slightly to 73°F (23°C). It’s also the driest month of the year, with just 1.5 inches of precipitation.
Art lovers should coincide their visit with the Annual Old Island Days Art Festival. Over 100 fine artists come to Key West to promote their oil paintings, photography, and sculptures.
March
The high season winds down in March, so you’ll be able to bag good flight and hotel deals. The island is much quieter, despite high temperatures averaging at a perfect 74°F (23°C). This tends to be a peak month for younger visitors; book outside of spring break to avoid the hordes of drunk college students.
Attend lively St Patrick’s Day celebrations like the Key Colony Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the St. Patrick’s Day Bar Stroll. Or, for a unique Key West experience, watch the traditional Conch Shell Blowing Contest.
April
Temperatures start to ramp up in April, with average highs of 77°F (25°C). The sea temperature is a perfect 77°F (25°C). Nights remain cool and breezy, with averages of around 70°F (21°C). It’s a dry time to visit, and humidity sits at around 70%.
The highlight for Key West in April is the Conch Republic Independence Celebration. This 10-day party celebrates the city’s ‘sovereign state of mind.’ Get involved with fun events like pub crawls, drag races, and costume contests.
May
May marks the start of the summer season in Key West. Temperatures reach 80°F (27°C), but cloud cover increases to 57% by the end of the month. Rainfall also ramps up from 2.3 inches to 5.1 inches.
The month benefits from the quietness of the spring, and locals begin their summertime escape to cooler climates. May is a great time to launch a Key West itinerary if you want the sizzling heat without the crowds.
May is a great time to visit Key West for vibrant events and culture. Get inspired at the Key West Songwriter’s Festival, or sink yourself into Cuban life at the Cuban American Heritage Festival.
June
June marks the start of hurricane season in Key West. Make sure you have adequate insurance and prepare for sudden downpours. Average highs reach 81°F (27°C), but afternoon thunderstorms are the norm. you’ll want to pack light clothing, a high SPF, and plenty of waterproof layers.
Embrace the tropical vibes at the Mango Fest Key West. Enjoy tastings, cocktails, and competitions that celebrate all things mango.
Celebrate Pride Month Key West style at Key West Pride. It includes all the joy of a classic pride but with added fun, such as pool and beach parties.
July
July is the most humid month of the year in Key West, with humidity expected almost 100% of the time. Combined with an average high temperature of 84°F (29°C), this can be uncomfortable if you’re not used to hot weather.
Average lows in July are 81°F (27°C), and humidity stays high throughout the evening. You may be abandoning those al fresco dinners in favor of your air-conditioned apartment.
Celebrate Key West’s favorite dessert at the Key Lime Festival. Eating and cooking contests, tasty cocktails, and scavenger hunts make this a tart but sweet event.
August
The hurricane season starts to peak in August, so book last minute or make sure all your reservations are refundable. Expect muggy days and regular storms. August is also the warmest month in Key West, with average highs of 85°F (29°C).
You’ll want to spend plenty of time on boats or at the waterparks for the cool ocean breeze. Make sure you have some indoor activities as a backup if the rain decides to settle in for the day.
With lobster back in season, the city celebrates the annual Key West Lobster Fest. The area comes alive with concerts, food vendors, and a lobster boil.
September
Temperatures decrease a little in September, but highs are still around 84°F (29°C), and humidity barely falls at all. Your plans aren’t any safer this month since it’s still the peak of hurricane season.
The island starts to wind down a little as it enters shoulder season. It’s a time for locals to unwind before they gear up for a busy winter. Kids have gone back to school, and Key West embraces its famous relaxed vibe.
Labor Day Weekend brings the Key West Brewfest, a typical beer festival with the added benefit of beachside tastings, pool parties, and day drinking in the sunshine.
October
Extend your summer with warm temperatures and idyllic uncrowded beaches. October is still in the throes of hurricane season, but the rainfall drops drastically from averages of 5.5 inches to 2.8 by the end of the month. Average highs are still a pleasant 82°F (28°C) and it’s not often that lows drop below 70°F (21°C).
The party ramps up at the end of the month of October with the 10-day extravaganza that is Fantasy Fest. Join in the street party for grown-ups in your best fancy dress and enjoy the street parties and parades.
November
November is finally the end of hurricane season in Key West, meaning cooler temperatures and much less rain. Average highs drop to a comfortable 78°F (26°C), and the chance of a humid day drops to 63%. November is also the start of the snowbird season, with an influx of tourists from the North seeking some sun.
Key West is a great place to visit in November if you want to get in the festive mood but want to skip the chilly weather. The Key West Harbor Walk of Lights kickstarts with the Lighting of the Bight, the official opening ceremony for the nautical-themed light installations.
December
December is a joyful time to visit Key West, with lots of festive cheer and without the bad weather bringing the North of the country down. Average highs are 75°F (24°C), but nights can be a little cool, with average lows of 67°F (19°C). December is one of Key West’s busiest times, so if you’re dreaming of a palm tree Christmas, you’ll want to book earlier in the year.
Celebrate Key West style at the Schooner Wharf Bar Lighted Boat Parade. Festive boats are illuminated and paraded around Key West’s Historic Seaport.
