United States, North America
The best time to visit Key West
The southernmost city in the continental US, where winter is high season and September is a gamble.
- Best months
- Apr to May and Dec to Jan
- Think twice
- Sep
- Quietest
- September
- Cheapest
- September
The straight answer
The best time to visit Key West is December through May: dry, sunny days in the upper 70s to mid 80s F, calm seas for snorkeling and Dry Tortugas trips, and no hurricane risk.
Go between December and May. Key West's dry season brings steady trade winds, highs from the upper 70s to mid 80s F (25 to 29C), low humidity by Florida standards, and the calmest seas for reef trips and the ferry to Dry Tortugas. It is also high season, especially January through March, when snowbirds and spring breakers push hotel rates to their peak.
The smart-money window is late April and May. The weather is still dry and warm, the water is warming up, and rates start falling after Easter. November is the fall version, as hurricane season winds down and the winter crowds have not fully arrived.
Summer and early fall are hot, humid, and stormy, with highs near 90F (32C) and daily thunderstorms. Hurricane season runs June through November and peaks in August through October; September is the riskiest and the quietest month on the island. Some small businesses shorten hours or close for a few weeks in late summer.
Key West, month by month
Every month gets a verdict. Tap one for its own page: weather, crowds, prices and what is on.
- 01JanuaryBestPleasant, highs near 75F (24C), dryPeak season with snowbirds. Occasional cold fronts make the water feel chilly. Book early.Hotels for January →CrowdsPrice
- 02FebruaryGoodPleasant, highs near 76F (24C), dryThe busiest, priciest month. Perfect weather if you can stomach the rates.Hotels for February →CrowdsPrice
- 03MarchGoodWarm, highs near 79F (26C), drySpring break crowds on Duval Street. Great weather, very busy.Hotels for March →CrowdsPrice
- 04AprilBestWarm, highs near 82F (28C), dryWarm, dry, and rates easing after Easter. The Conch Republic celebration in late April is a local party.Hotels for April →CrowdsPrice
- 05MayBestWarm, highs near 85F (29C), humidity buildingThe value sweet spot: calm seas, warm water, fewer crowds. Rain starts late in the month.Hotels for May →CrowdsPrice
- 06JuneTradeoffsHot, highs near 88F (31C), stormsHurricane season begins. Hot and humid, but water is great for snorkeling.CrowdsPrice
- 07JulyTradeoffsHot, highs near 90F (32C), stormsHemingway Days and the lobster mini-season bring crowds. Hot and sticky.CrowdsPrice
- 08AugustTradeoffsHot, highs near 90F (32C), stormsRising hurricane risk and heat. Low rates and quiet streets.CrowdsPrice
- 09SeptemberThink twiceHot, highs near 89F (32C), peak hurricane seasonThe riskiest month. Some businesses close for a break. The cheapest time on the island.CrowdsPrice
- 10OctoberTradeoffsWarm, highs near 85F (29C), storm riskFantasy Fest in late October is an adults-only street party. Hurricane risk remains.CrowdsPrice
- 11NovemberGoodWarm, highs near 80F (27C), drying outHurricane season ends November 30, crowds are moderate, and weather turns pleasant.Hotels for November →CrowdsPrice
- 12DecemberBestPleasant, highs near 77F (25C), dryEarly December is a sweet spot. The holiday weeks bring peak prices.Hotels for December →CrowdsPrice
Book Key West for December.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for December
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Key WestOpens a hotel search for Key West in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Key WestWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Key WestTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Key West for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Why go to Key West
The only living coral barrier reef in the continental US
The Florida Reef Tract runs just offshore, with snorkeling and diving trips leaving daily.
Dry Tortugas National Park
A 19th century fort on a remote island about 70 miles west, with clear water and great snorkeling. One of the most remote national parks in the country.
A small, walkable island town
Conch cottages, gingerbread houses, and a relaxed pace. You can bike the whole Old Town.
Sunsets and street life
The nightly Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square is a Key West institution, with buskers, performers, and food stands.
Things to do, and when to do them
Dry Tortugas National Park
Reach it by the official ferry or seaplane. Book months ahead in winter and spring; seas are calmest from spring into early summer.
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Hemingway's house, with dozens of six-toed cats. Go at opening.
Mallory Square Sunset Celebration
Every evening at sunset. Arrive early for a spot on the dock.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
The best beach on the island, with a Civil War era fort and snorkeling off the rocks.
Harry S. Truman Little White House
Truman's winter White House, with guided tours.
Reef snorkel trips
Half-day trips to the outer reef. Calmest from late spring through summer on non-stormy days.
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
Treasure from the Atocha shipwreck. A good rainy-day option.
Events and seasons worth planning around
Conch Republic Independence Celebration
Late April
A tongue-in-cheek celebration of the island's 1982 'secession', with a mock sea battle and parties.
Hemingway Days
July, around Hemingway's July 21 birthday
Look-alike contest, readings, and a street party.
Florida lobster mini-season
The last Wednesday and Thursday of July
A two-day recreational lobster season that fills the Keys with divers and boats.
Fantasy Fest
Late October, about ten days
An adults-only costume festival and parade. Not for kids.
Beat the crowds
- Book Dry Tortugas ferry seats and Old Town hotels months ahead for January through April.
- Come in late April or May for dry-season weather with lower rates.
- Walk Duval Street in the morning; it gets rowdy at night, especially during spring break and Fantasy Fest.
- Cruise ship days crowd Old Town midday. Check the cruise schedule and plan museums for early morning.
Open or closed
- Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, peaking August through October. Storms can close the Overseas Highway and prompt evacuations of the Keys.
- Some small restaurants and shops close for a few weeks in September.
- Dry Tortugas ferries can cancel on rough seas, most often in winter cold fronts. Build in a backup day.
With kids in tow
- Key West is walkable and bikeable with kids. Fort Zachary Taylor, the aquarium, and the Hemingway cats are highlights.
- Avoid Fantasy Fest and spring break weeks with children. Duval Street at night is adult territory.
- For homeschool families: Fort Jefferson at Dry Tortugas, the Truman Little White House, and reef ecology make a strong trip.
Getting there
- Key West International (EYW) is small, with limited nonstops and higher fares. From Austin, connect through Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, or Miami.
- Most visitors fly into Miami and drive the Overseas Highway, about 3.5 to 4.5 hours with traffic. The drive over the Seven Mile Bridge is part of the trip.
- You do not need a car on the island. Bikes, walking, and the free Duval Loop bus cover Old Town.
Packing? Packing cubes and the airport kit.
Key West for the holidays
Holiday and school-break weeks where Key West makes our ranked list.
MLK Weekend
January
The first long weekend of the year lands in the dead of winter. Go chase sun, powder, or the history the holiday is named for.
Presidents' Day Weekend
February
The peak of the ski season and the Caribbean high season in the same week. Pick your warm or your snow early, or pick the week after.
Spring Break
March, April
The week the whole country goes somewhere warm at the same time. Pick the right warm, or pick a different week.
Thanksgiving
November
The busiest travel days in America wrapped around one of the best-value weeks abroad. Fly on the right day and go somewhere that is not having a holiday.
Key West timing, quick answers
What is the best month to visit Key West?
April or May. Dry, warm weather, calm seas, and falling rates after Easter. December is also excellent before the holidays.
What is the cheapest time to visit Key West?
August and September, when hurricane risk is highest and heat is heavy. Rates drop sharply, but buy travel insurance.
When is hurricane season in Key West?
June 1 through November 30, with peak risk from August through October. September is the riskiest month.
When is Key West most crowded?
February and March, with snowbirds and spring breakers, plus the holiday weeks and Fantasy Fest in late October.
How far ahead should I book Dry Tortugas?
Several months ahead for winter and spring, as the ferry sells out. A few weeks is often enough in late summer and fall.
Weighing alternatives
Similar trips, with their best months.
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