Best Time to Visit Key West 2025: Complete Seasonal Guide
Key West enjoys warm, tropical weather year-round, but timing your visit right can mean the difference between perfect conditions and packed beaches—or hurricane season surprises. Here's exactly when to visit based on weather, crowds, prices, and what you want to do.
Quick Answer: When to Go
🏆 Best Overall: March - May
Perfect weather (75-85°F), calm seas, moderate crowds after spring break. Ideal for water activities. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for popular tours.
👍 Best for Diving/Snorkeling: April - June
Clearest water visibility (60-100ft). Water temp 78-84°F. Calm conditions before summer storms.
💰 Best for Budget: September - November
Lowest prices, fewest crowds. Hurricane risk (manageable with flexibility). Hotel deals up to 40% off.
⚠️ Busiest/Most Expensive: December - February
Peak season, highest prices, biggest crowds. Book months ahead. Great weather but expect lines everywhere.
Month-by-Month Breakdown
| Month | Avg Temp | Water Temp | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 75°F | 72°F | High | $$$ |
| February | 76°F | 73°F | High | $$$ |
| March | 79°F | 76°F | Very High | $$$$ |
| April | 82°F | 79°F | Moderate | $$$ |
| May | 85°F | 82°F | Low | $$ |
| June | 88°F | 85°F | Moderate | $$ |
| July | 89°F | 87°F | Moderate | $$ |
| August | 89°F | 87°F | Low | $ |
| September | 87°F | 86°F | Very Low | $ |
| October | 83°F | 82°F | Low | $$ |
| November | 79°F | 78°F | Moderate | $$ |
| December | 76°F | 74°F | High | $$$ |
Seasonal Details
Winter (December - February)
Weather: Warm and dry, 70-80°F. Occasional cold fronts bring temps into the 60s. Water 72-74°F (wetsuits optional).
Crowds: Peak season. Snowbirds escape northern winters. Book accommodations and tours months ahead.
Highlights: Perfect escape from cold weather. Fantasy Fest hangover, holiday events, New Year's celebrations.
Spring (March - May)
Weather: Ideal. 75-85°F, low humidity, minimal rain. Water warms to 82°F by May. Best conditions for water activities.
Crowds: March is spring break madness. April-May perfect—crowds thin but weather stays ideal.
Highlights: Tarpon season begins (April). Best diving visibility. Comfortable for all-day outdoor activities.
Summer (June - August)
Weather: Hot and humid, 88-90°F. Afternoon thunderstorms common (usually brief). Water 85-87°F—like a warm bath.
Crowds: Families arrive for summer vacation. Moderate crowds, good deals.
Highlights: Best water temperatures. Morning activities before afternoon heat. Lobster mini-season (late July).
Fall (September - November)
Weather: Hurricane season peak (Sept-Oct). When storms aren't threatening, weather is beautiful. 79-87°F.
Crowds: Lowest of the year. Locals reclaim the island. Some businesses reduce hours.
Highlights: Fantasy Fest (late October)—Key West's biggest party. Best hotel deals. Fishing excellent.
Best Time for Specific Activities
- Snorkeling/Diving: April-June (clearest water)
- Fishing: Year-round, but April-July for tarpon, Nov-March for sailfish
- Sunset Cruises: Year-round (sunset times vary 6pm-8:30pm)
- Sandbar Trips: April-October (warmest, calmest)
- Dolphin Watching: Year-round (morning trips best)
- Dry Tortugas: March-May (calmest seas)
Hurricane Season: Real Talk
Official hurricane season runs June 1 - November 30, with peak activity August-October. Should you avoid Key West during this time?
Not necessarily. Most days are beautiful. Hurricanes are well-forecasted days in advance. The tradeoff: significantly lower prices, virtually no crowds, and flexible booking policies.
Tips for hurricane season travel:
- Book refundable accommodations
- Get travel insurance
- Monitor weather before departure
- Have a flexible itinerary
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