While we don’t think there’s such a thing as a bad time to visit the Florida Keys, we understand that some times of year are better than others.
For example, folks who visit during the rainy season might be limited in terms of the activities they’re able to do. And people who prefer a bit of peace and quiet during their vacations will certainly want to avoid tourist season.
A tour we think you'll love
These are just a couple of the factors you’ll have to consider when visiting Key West. That’s where our guide comes in. Read on to find out the best time to go to Key West, so you can start planning your trip.
When Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Key West?
Locals and tourists agree that the span of time between March and May is the best time of the year to take a trip to Key West.
As you’ll come to learn in the following sections, March marks the end of peak tourist season, and hurricane season tends to begin sometime in June. So if you visit in March, April, or May, you’re hitting the sweet spot.
The weather during this time of year is superb. You can expect daytime temperatures in the mid-80s, with evening lows dropping to the 70s. That means you should be able to engage in all the water sports your heart desires.
Since the peak tourist season runs from November until February, you’ll also be dealing with fewer crowds. As a corollary to this, flight and hotel prices should be lower as well.
As the weather is likely to cooperate during this time of year, you’ll be able to enjoy one of our personalized sandbar cruises. Whether you opt for a Mud Key Mangrove Safari or a Sunset Cruise, you’re in for the experience of a lifetime. Book your tour and start the journey before you even leave home.
What To Expect During Hurricane Season In Key West
While the Florida Keys make for amazing recreational opportunities, they’re also prone to hurricanes. If you’ve ever visited Florida before, you’re already familiar with the risks.
A severe hurricane can do more than just interfere with your snorkeling trip. Often, when there’s a storm approaching, there will be a mandatory evacuation of the entire island.
The best way to avoid having your vacation derailed by a hurricane is to visit during the drier months of the year. Typically, hurricane season begins in June and runs through late November. The most devastating storms will usually form in August, September, and October, so keep that in mind when you’re making your plans.
When Is Peak Season In Key West?
When the weather turns cooler around Thanksgiving, tourists start thinking about going where it’s warm and sunny. That’s why the island is busiest in the period between November and February.
The winter months are not the best time to visit Key West. Although there are some enticing local events during the holidays, you’ll pay top dollar for your hotel room and rental car. What’s more, the island isn’t that big, so there are only so many places for all these extra tourists to go.
All About Fantasy Fest On Key West
This is the island’s most popular event – a week and a half of outlandish costumes, racy parties, and unabashed public nudity. If that doesn’t sound like your thing, be sure not to plan on visiting Key West around the end of October.
The festival has been a Key West tradition for over 40 years. Events include a “Kinky Carnival” and a nighttime parade down Duval Street. The parade is held on the last Saturday of the festival and is characterized by throngs of people in wild costumes. For many visitors to the Florida Keys, it’s a highlight. Feel free to join in the fun if it sounds like your cup of tea – or glass of rum punch.
Since we don’t think late October is the best time to go to Key West anyway, we would recommend skipping this event. That said if you’re willing to deal with the teeming hordes of tourists, sky-high hotel prices, and the threat of hurricanes, go ahead and join the fun!
A Monthly Breakdown Of Special Events In Key West
Want to know what might be going on during your trip to Key West? Take a look at these local events, broken down by month. This should help you decide when would be the best time to visit Key West in 2024.
January
The weather in the Florida Keys is never what you’d call cold, exactly. But during the month of January, it gets as close as it ever does, with average temps falling in the low 60s to mid-70s.
Events:
-
Key West Half Marathon and 5K Run
-
Key West Literary Seminar
-
Florida Keys Seafood Festival
February
February is still high season in the Florida Keys. As a result, you can expect to pay a premium for flights and hotels. The weather is still on the cooler side as well, similar to January.
Events:
-
Civil War Heritage Days at Zachary Taylor State Park
-
Old Island Days Art Festival
-
Mile o Fest at Truman Water Park Amphitheater
March
If you can stand to wait out the winter season and book your trip to Key West in March, you’ll be rewarded with lovely mild weather and cheaper hotel prices. Since this is the start of the low season, there should be fewer crowds to contend with, too – as long as you can avoid the college students on spring break.
Events:
-
Conch Shell Blowing Competition
-
House & Garden Tours
-
Key West Fishing Tournament
April
April just might be the best time of year to visit Key West. The summer season is kicking in, so daytime temperatures are warmer – usually in the 80s. You’ll also save money if you visit during this time, as the snowbirds will be leaving.
Events:
-
Key West Paddle Classic race
-
Conch Republic Independence Celebration
May
The summer months have arrived, so you can expect Key West weather in May to be hot and sticky. Fortunately, crowds are still fairly low. Make sure to pack plenty of insect repellent for those evenings on the balcony, too.
Events:
-
Key West Songwriters’ Festival
-
“May the 4th Be With You” (Key Concerts by Candlelight)
June
June marks the official start of hurricane season for the island. Even if you don’t have to contend with any major storms, the weather will be hot and humid. Afternoon thunderstorms are common during the summer, so bring your umbrella.
Events:
-
Mango Fest
-
Key West Pride
-
Mystery Fest
July
Be aware that July is Key West’s hottest month, with highs in the 90s and lows in the 80s. You’ll have to be on high alert for hurricanes and tornadoes as well.
Events:
-
Hemingway 5K Sunset Run/Walk & Paddleboard Race
-
Key Lime Festival
-
Annual Underwater Music Festival
August
During August, humidity is at its highest in the Florida Keys. It’s also the start of peak hurricane season, and thunderstorms are a common occurrence. The LobsterFest celebrates lobster season on the island with live music and numerous food vendors offering various takes on the tasty crustacean.
Events:
-
Rum Festival at the Perry Hotel & Marina
-
Key West Lobster Fest
September
Though the threat of hurricanes still lingers toward the end of the summer season in Key West, the weather does start to cool off in September. Flights and hotel rooms are a bit cheaper than they are in peak season, too.
Events:
-
Key West Brewfest
-
Womenfest, a pride-themed event
October
Early October is a wonderful time to visit the Florida Keys. Crowds are low, and temps hover in the mid-70s. Just remember to avoid Fantasy Fest if you don’t want to take part in Key West’s version of Mardi Gras.
Events:
-
Dogtoberfest
-
Islamorada Oktoberfest
- Fantasy Fest
November
You’ve waited out the hurricanes, and now the Key West weather is lovely and mild. The trade-off? The snowbirds are descending during this time, so hotels will be crowded and plane tickets expensive.
Events:
-
Harbor Walk of Lights
-
Key West Film Festival
December
Although tourist season is in full swing, Key West is spectacular during the holidays. If you can get a hotel room before they’re all booked up, you’ll enjoy a tropical Christmas with warm, dry days and gentle Gulf breezes at night.
Events:
- City Home Holiday Parade
-
Conch Shell Drop and Key Lime Wedge Drop on New Year’s Eve
- Schooner Wharf Bar Lighted Boat Parade
Final Thoughts About The Best Time To Visit Key West
While we would try to steer clear of both the summer months and the high season in the dead of winter, there’s no bad time of year to visit Key West. You can have an amazing time on the island no matter when you arrive, as long as you know what to expect.
Whether you visit in the shoulder season, fall season, or holiday season, be sure to take an unforgettable sandbar tour with us. This is the ideal romantic getaway and a Key West experience you’ll be telling your friends about when you return home.
