Best time to visit Key West
Re-score for me — drag the dial — every chart recolours live for your heat & sea limits 27°C · sea 29°C
Default 27 °C is the upper edge of the Holiday Climate Index "ideal comfort" band (Scott, Rutty, Amelung & Tang, 2016). Above this, most warm-tourism travellers report measurable discomfort.
Default 29 °C is the Beach Climate Index "bathtub" line (Morgan et al.) — where the sea stops being refreshing and starts feeling like a warm bath.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
How is this scored? HCI / Steadman / CCI gate — full methodology and citations below.
Compare with another destination
Add as many as you like — stacked below the main strips above. Each row is just the recent-window score strip and (for beach destinations) sea-temperature strip.
Tours in Key West
25 top-rated tours via Viator. Booking links earn this site a commission at no cost to you. Map locations are approximate (centred on Key West).
- 1
Shark and Wildlife Viewing Adventure in Key West - 2
Half-Day Trip from Key West with Kayaking, Snorkeling & Sunset - 3
Key West Small-Group Sunset Sail with Wine and Hors d'oeuvres - 4
Key West Schooner Sunset Sail with Bar & Hors d'oeuvres - 5
Key West Full-Day Ocean Adventure: Kayak, Snorkel, Sail - 6
Southernmost Food & Cultural Walking Tour by Key West Food Tours - 7
Key West Craft Cocktail Crawl - 8
Key West Historic Seaport Food & Walking Tour - 9
Guided Clear Kayak Eco-Tour Near Key West - 10
Small Group Key West Adult Sunset & Moët Sail & Amazing Cheeses - 11
Key West Sunset Cruise: Dinner, Live Music & Drinks Included - 12
Key West Sunset Sail with Open Bar, Live Music and Hors D'oeuvres - 13
Key West Sunset Sail: Dolphin Watching, Wine, and Tapas - 14
Key West Reef Snorkel & Sail Adventure - 15
Key West Champagne Sunset Catamaran Cruise - 16
Key West Jet Ski Tour: The Only 2-Hour Ride on the Island - 17
Classic Key West Schooner Sunset Sail with Full Open Bar - 18
Key West Sunset Sail Aboard Legendary Schooner Appledore - 19
Key West Historic Schooner When And If Sunset Cruise - 20
Sunset Sail Cruise in Key West - 21
Key West Mangrove Kayak Eco Tour - 22
Sunset Sail in Key West with Beverages Included - 23
Biologist Owned & Operated: Dolphin Watching & Guided Snorkeling - 24
Guided Bike Tour of Old Town Key West - 25
The Original Key West Island Jet Ski Tour from Barefoot Billy's
Last refreshed 2026-05-30.
Similar climatesExuma90% · Freeport90% · Nassau89%
Other destinations with the most-alike year-round climate to Key West (apparent temperature, rain hours, sunshine — matched within the same trip-profile). The ±N chip compares each match's typical score for the current month against Key West's. Based on the 2020-2024 climatology, not this year's actual weather.
Month-by-month
| Month | Temp °C | Feels °C | Rain days | Rain h | Rain h/day | Humidity | Wind km/h | Sun h | UV | Interest | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 21–23 | 23 | 6 | 59 | 9.8 | 79% | 30 | 222 | 5 | Moderate | 9 |
| Feb | 21–23 | 23 | 6 | 57 | 9.5 | 79% | 30 | 220 | 7 | Moderate | 9 |
| Mar | 23–25 | 25 | 5 | 67 | 13.4 | 76% | 31 | 257 | 9 | Moderate | 9 |
| Apr | 24–26 | 27 | 7 | 69 | 9.9 | 75% | 29 | 275 | 10 | Moderate | 9 |
| May | 25–27 | 29 | 11 | 109 | 9.9 | 75% | 26 | 287 | 10 | Quiet | 7 |
| Jun | 27–29 | 32 | 18 | 200 | 11.1 | 78% | 25 | 252 | 9 | Quiet | 4 |
| Jul | 28–30 | 34 | 17 | 167 | 9.8 | 75% | 24 | 280 | 10 | Quiet | 4 |
| Aug | 28–30 | 34 | 19 | 197 | 10.4 | 76% | 25 | 272 | 10 | Moderate | 3 |
| Sep | 27–30 | 33 | 20 | 226 | 11.3 | 76% | 24 | 235 | 9 | Busy | 3 |
| Oct | 26–28 | 30 | 16 | 216 | 13.5 | 76% | 29 | 233 | 7 | Busy | 4 |
| Nov | 24–26 | 27 | 9 | 128 | 14.2 | 78% | 32 | 212 | 6 | Peak | 7 |
| Dec | 22–24 | 24 | 8 | 90 | 11.3 | 79% | 30 | 213 | 4 | Busy | 8 |
UV Index in Key West by Month
UV index in Key West peaks at 10 (very high) in May, dropping to 4 (moderate) in December. March, April, May, June, July, August, September reach very high or extreme levels — apply SPF 50+, wear a hat and protective clothing, and limit direct sun between 11:00 and 17:00.
Best months in detail
February
9/1021–23°C · 6 rain days (57h) · 220 sun hours · 79% humidity · Moderate crowd · UV 7 (high) · sunniest 1 in 10 days reach 8 (very high)
March
9/1023–25°C · 5 rain days (67h) · 257 sun hours · 76% humidity · Moderate crowd · UV 9 (very high)
January
9/1021–23°C · 6 rain days (59h) · 222 sun hours · 79% humidity · Moderate crowd · UV 5 (moderate) · sunniest 1 in 10 days reach 6 (high)
Every month
Show the other 9 months in detail
April
9/1024–26°C · 7 rain days (69h) · 275 sun hours · 75% humidity · Moderate crowd · UV 10 (very high)
May
7/1025–27°C (feels 29°C) · 11 rain days (109h) · 287 sun hours · 75% humidity · Quiet crowd · UV 10 (very high) · sunniest 1 in 10 days reach 11 (extreme)
June
4/1027–29°C (feels 32°C) · 18 rain days (200h) · 252 sun hours · 78% humidity · Quiet crowd · UV 9 (very high) · sunniest 1 in 10 days reach 11 (extreme)
July
4/1028–30°C (feels 34°C) · 17 rain days (167h) · 280 sun hours · 75% humidity · Quiet crowd · UV 10 (very high) · sunniest 1 in 10 days reach 11 (extreme)
August
3/1028–30°C (feels 34°C) · 19 rain days (197h) · 272 sun hours · 76% humidity · Moderate crowd · UV 10 (very high) · sunniest 1 in 10 days reach 11 (extreme)
September
3/1027–30°C (feels 33°C) · 20 rain days (226h) · 235 sun hours · 76% humidity · Busy crowd · UV 9 (very high) · sunniest 1 in 10 days reach 10 (very high)
October
4/1026–28°C (feels 30°C) · 16 rain days (216h) · 233 sun hours · 76% humidity · Busy crowd · UV 7 (high) · sunniest 1 in 10 days reach 9 (very high)
November
7/1024–26°C · 9 rain days (128h) · 212 sun hours · 78% humidity · Peak crowd · UV 6 (moderate) · sunniest 1 in 10 days reach 7 (high)
December
8/1022–24°C · 8 rain days (90h) · 213 sun hours · 79% humidity · Busy crowd · UV 4 (moderate)
In a hurricane, visitors are ordered off the Keys first
Key West is joined to the mainland by exactly one road, and the emergency plan hanging off that fact is written down. The City of Key West states that when a storm threatens, mandatory evacuation of visitors is ordered first, with residents following a day or so later as conditions dictate; for a Category 1 or 2 hurricane residents are generally not ordered out at all. Only a Category 3 or stronger triggers a mandatory resident evacuation. Visitors go either way.
The road is US-1, the Overseas Highway, 113 miles and 42 bridges from mile marker 0 to Florida City, with no alternative and no spare capacity. The dates that matter are NOAA's. The National Hurricane Center puts the Atlantic season at 1 June to 30 November, with most activity between mid-August and mid-October and a climatological peak on 10 September. That window is also the wettest stretch of the local record, with September averaging about 140 mm of rain across 18 wet days.
Sitting it out is not the fallback people assume. Key West High School opens as a shelter for lower-category systems, but for a Category 3 or stronger the city states plainly that no shelters open anywhere in the Florida Keys; Monroe County's designated shelter is the Darwin Fuchs Pavilion in Miami. Evacuation here means leaving the island chain altogether.
Sources: City of Key West - Evacuation and Shelters , NOAA National Hurricane Center - Tropical cyclone climatology
When is the best time to visit Key West?
March and April. Rainfall is at its yearly low, around 30 mm across four wet days in March, daytime figures sit near 23 to 25C, the sea has climbed back past 25C, and the whole period falls outside the 1 June to 30 November hurricane season. Midwinter is drier still but costs more and brings the occasional cold front off the Gulf.
When does hurricane season peak in Key West?
The Atlantic season runs 1 June to 30 November, and the National Hurricane Center puts the climatological peak at 10 September, with most activity between mid-August and mid-October. That window matches the wettest part of the local record: September averages about 140 mm of rain across 18 wet days, more than four times the March figure.
Do tourists have to evacuate Key West before residents?
Yes. The City of Key West states that mandatory evacuation of visitors is ordered first, with residents following a day or so later as conditions dictate. For a Category 1 or 2 storm residents are usually not ordered out at all, since only a Category 3 or stronger triggers a mandatory resident evacuation. Visitors are moved either way.
Are there hurricane shelters in Key West?
Only for weaker storms. Key West High School on Flagler Avenue opens as a shelter for lower-category systems. For a Category 3 or stronger the city states that no shelters open anywhere in the Florida Keys, and Monroe County's designated shelter is the Darwin Fuchs Pavilion in Miami. That is an evacuation, not a move down the street.
Is chemical sunscreen banned in Key West?
No, and the ban never took effect. The city passed an ordinance in 2019 barring the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate from 1 January 2021, but Florida SB 172, signed in June 2020 and effective 1 July 2020, added section 499.002(7) preempting local regulation of over-the-counter products. Reef-safe formulas are still worth using.
Can cruise ships still dock in Key West?
Yes. Voters approved caps in November 2020, including a 1,500-a-day disembarkation limit, but section 311.25 of the Florida Statutes, in force from July 2021, voids local rules and referendums that restrict vessel type, size, number or capacity at state-funded seaports. Pier B is privately run and won a 25-year state lease in March 2024.
How many days do you need in Key West?
Three. One for Old Town on foot, taking in the Hemingway Home, Duval Street and the Mallory Square sunset; one for Dry Tortugas National Park, 70 miles west and a full day by Yankee Freedom ferry or seaplane; and one for the water, whether that means the reef, Fort Zachary Taylor or a drive back up to Bahia Honda.
How do you get to Key West?
There is one road. US-1, the Overseas Highway, covers 113 miles and 42 bridges from Florida City to mile marker 0. Key West International Airport handles regional flights and the Key West Express runs a passenger ferry from Fort Myers. Nothing else connects the island, which is why evacuation orders are issued so early here.
When is Fantasy Fest in Key West?
Late October. The 2026 edition runs 16 to 25 October across ten days on the theme Musical Icons and Iconic Musicals, and 2027 is set for 22 to 31 October. It is the busiest week of the Key West year and it falls inside hurricane season, so rooms are both expensive and worth booking on refundable terms.
How warm is the sea at Key West?
It never turns cold. The recent record runs from about 24C in January and February to roughly 31C in August, so swimming and snorkelling work all year. Key West itself has little natural beach, with Smathers, Higgs and the sand at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park the practical options, and the reef reached only by boat.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Key West
When is the best time to visit Key West?
February is the highest-scoring month (9/10 on the Holiday Climate Index). Typical conditions: 21–23°C (6 rainy days). The top three months by score are February, March, January.
What is the worst time to visit Key West?
September is the lowest-scoring month (3/10, capped by extreme heat). Typical conditions: 27–30°C (20 rainy days).
Is Key West too hot in summer?
5 months (June, July, August, September, October) trip the heat deal-breaker in our scoring: apparent temperature crosses the comfort cap, so even with clear skies and low rain the score is held down. Plan around it if heat tolerance is low.
When are crowds lowest in Key West?
Search-interest seasonality (Google Trends 2021-2025) is lowest in June and peaks in November. Interest tracks both in-trip visitors and lead-time planners, so treat it as a "destination is on people's minds" signal rather than literal arrivals.
Which months in Key West have good weather but fewer tourists?
March (climate 9/10, crowd index 45) and April (climate 9/10, crowd index 42) — shoulder months with above-average climate and below-median search-interest. Often the best value-for-weather trade.
What is the UV index in Key West by month?
UV peaks at 10 (very high) in May and is lowest in December at 4 (moderate). Monthly peak values: Jan 5, Feb 7, Mar 9, Apr 10, May 10, Jun 9, Jul 10, Aug 10, Sep 9, Oct 7, Nov 6, Dec 4. March, April, May, June, July, August, September reach very high or extreme levels — apply SPF 50+, wear a hat and protective clothing, and limit direct sun between 11:00 and 17:00.
What is the UV index in Key West in May?
May is the peak UV month in Key West, with a daily-peak UV index of 10 (very high). At this level, sunburn can occur in under 20 minutes on unprotected fair skin. Apply SPF 50+, wear protective clothing and a hat, and avoid direct midday sun (11:00–17:00).
How high can UV get in Key West on the sunniest days?
Most days look like the monthly average, but on the sunniest ~1 in 10 days UV climbs higher than the mean suggests. May is the worst case: typical days average UV 10 (very high), but the top 10% of days reach UV 11 (extreme) — and even higher. Months where the sunniest days routinely exceed the typical reading: January, February, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. Plan sun protection for the worst case, not the average.
Is air quality in Key West bad for travelers?
PM2.5 (fine-particle pollution) exceeds the WHO sensitive-group guideline (15 µg/m³) in 2 months: June, July. The worst month is July with a typical-day mean of 13 µg/m³ (moderate); on the worst 10% of days PM2.5 reaches 21 µg/m³ (unhealthy for sensitive) and higher. People with asthma, heart conditions, or sensitive children may want to avoid these months or limit outdoor activity. Source: CAMS via Open-Meteo.