United States, North America

Key West in August

Rising hurricane risk and heat. Low rates and quiet streets.

TradeoffsHot, highs near 90F (32C), storms

Key West, United States — Key WestPhoto: Julian Lupyan, CC0

The straight answer

August is a month of real tradeoffs in Key West. Rising hurricane risk and heat. Low rates and quiet streets.

Weather: Hot, highs near 90F (32C), storms
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What August is like in Key West

August is hot, humid, and quiet. Highs sit near 90F (32C), afternoon storms are common, and hurricane risk rises sharply as the month goes on. The upside is low hotel rates and empty streets, since most visitors stay away. The water is warm, and on calm mornings the reef is lovely. A few small businesses may start shortening hours.

This month suits flexible, budget-minded travelers who watch the forecast and buy travel insurance. It is a risky pick for families on fixed dates or anyone who would lose money if a storm hit. For a safer trip, choose November, December, or May.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Key West this month.

Some of the lowest rates of the year

Hotels in Old Town drop their prices sharply, so a nicer stay costs far less than in winter.

An empty island

Mallory Square, the Hemingway Home, and the beaches are calm, and you rarely need a reservation.

Calm morning snorkels

Early mornings often bring flat, clear water before the afternoon storms build.

What to pack for August

A rain jacket or umbrella
Light, quick-dry clothes
Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat
Bug spray for still, humid evenings

Our timing tip

Buy travel insurance that covers hurricanes, book refundable rooms, and watch the tropical forecast in the week before you leave.

Book Key West for August.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Key West
Opens a hotel search for Key West in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Key West
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Key West
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Key West for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Key West

Full guide

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.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

Hemingway's house, with dozens of six-toed cats. Go at opening.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Mallory Square Sunset Celebration

Every evening at sunset. Arrive early for a spot on the dock.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

The best beach on the island, with a Civil War era fort and snorkeling off the rocks.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Harry S. Truman Little White House

Truman's winter White House, with guided tours.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Reef snorkel trips

Half-day trips to the outer reef. Calmest from late spring through summer on non-stormy days.

Tickets and tours →

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.

Know before you go

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.