Key West Weather by Month

Key West weather moves like a tide clock, shifting from crisp blue-sky winter days to summer air that feels warm enough to wear. You’ll notice dry season mornings made for harbor walks, breezy boat rides, and sunset drinks without a sweat. Then come the steamy months, when the sea turns silky, thunder rumbles late in the day, and hurricane season starts to matter. Month by month, the pattern gets more interesting.

Key Takeaways

• Key West has a tropical savanna climate with a dry, breezy season from November to April and a hotter, wetter season from May to October.
• January through March are the driest months, with highs mostly in the 70s, low humidity, and sea temperatures around 69–76°F.
• April and May warm noticeably, with highs reaching the low to mid-80s and ocean temperatures rising into the upper 70s to low 80s.
• June through September are hottest and most humid, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, bath-warm water, and peak hurricane risk in September.
• October and November are transition months, offering warm sea temperatures, easing humidity, and increasingly reliable sunshine by November.

Key West Climate and Seasons

Because Key West sits in warm, shallow waters, it feels more like a gentle two-season island than a place with big swings in weather. You get a tropical savanna climate, shaped by the Gulf Stream, the Gulf of Mexico, and sea breezes. From May to mid-October, Weather turns wetter and stickier. Late afternoons often rumble with quick showers or thunderstorms, then clear just as fast. September brings the highest hurricane risk. From November to April, the island dries out and feels bright, breezy, and easygoing. Winter days usually land between the 70s and low 80s, while summer highs stay mostly in the upper 70s to around 90. Even the water stays inviting, from about 69 to 89 degrees, so the air rarely feels harsh. For ideal weather and fewer crowds, the sweet spot is usually during the drier months outside the busiest peak periods.

Best Time for Key West Weather

If you want Key West at its easiest and most comfortable, aim for November through April. That’s the best time to visit Key West if you’re chasing dry air, sunny skies, and afternoons that stay around 73 to 80°F. You’ll notice lower humidity, brighter water, and streets that feel made for long walks, bike rides, and dinners outside.

Late October can work too if you want a smart middle ground. It still feels warm, but humidity and storm risk usually ease up. From May through October, heat builds, afternoon thunderstorms pop up, and hurricane risk rises, especially in early fall. The ocean stays swimmable all year, so you can snorkel or paddle whenever you go. Even the breezes seem to know the assignment there. Even in calmer stretches, the forecast can still carry a slight chance of showers and occasional cloud lines that are known to produce waterspouts over the surrounding waters.

Key West Weather in January

In January, you can expect Key West days to land around 66 to 75°F, with mild nights that usually stay near the upper 60s to low 70s. You’ll also get one of the driest stretches of the year, with about 23 sunny days and only around 1.9 inches of rain, so your umbrella can mostly take the month off. If you’re wondering how that feels on the ground, think bright sidewalks, light ocean breezes, and easy weather that makes winter plans look smart. For anyone planning a first trip, this kind of weather makes it especially easy to explore Key West comfortably on foot.

January Temperatures

While much of the country shivers through January, Key West feels easy and bright, with daytime highs that usually land between 66 and 75°F and average around 75°F. You’ll notice daily high temperatures ranging through that sweet spot most afternoons, so T-shirts work, but a light layer helps after sunset. Nights usually often settle near 66 to 67°F, which feels soft rather than chilly when you’re walking Duval Street or lingering by the harbor. Humidity stays low during this dry-season stretch, so the air feels clean and comfortable instead of sticky. If you’re tempted by the water, the sea generally sits between 69.2 and 73.2°F, mild enough for many swimmers and paddlers. January in Key West lets you trade boots for sandals and still sleep cool, which is a pretty excellent winter trick. This dry season weather also makes January a great time for walking, sightseeing, and other outdoor activities around the island.

Rainfall And Sunshine

Because January falls in Key West’s dry season, you won’t spend much time dodging rain. The month averages only about 1.9 inches, so you can usually plan beach walks and harbor strolls without checking the radar every hour. You’ll see roughly 23 sunny days, and the light feels bright, clean, and almost polished after the occasional showers that really don’t last long. When rain does pass through, it usually taps the palms, darkens the sidewalks, and then gives way to blue sky again. With daytime highs around 66 to 75°F, the sunshine stays comfortable instead of harsh. Even the sea, near 69.2 to 73.2°F, feels milder than many mainland beaches, which makes a winter dip surprisingly tempting. You’ll likely leave your umbrella in the room most of January. The pleasant January sunshine also makes it a great time to plan a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park, where clear winter weather often enhances the experience.

Key West Weather in February

By February, Key West settles into one of its sweetest weather grooves, with warm days that usually reach 72 to 77°F and nights that stay soft at about 67 to 69°F. You step outside and instantly get the easy feel in Key West, where low humidity keeps the air light and the sun shows up often.

With about 22 sunny days and only 1.6 inches of rain, you can plan beach time, bike rides, and long walks without much weather drama. February is also a great time to explore best beaches in Key West, with sunlit shores and hidden coves feeling especially inviting under clear skies. The sea hovers near 69 to 73°F, so swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding all stay tempting. Compared with mainland winters, conditions barely wobble, which feels almost suspiciously convenient. You might pack a light layer for breezy evenings, but February usually lets you travel unbothered.

Key West Weather in March

In March, you can expect Key West days to warm into the 69 to 79°F range while nights stay comfortably in the mid to upper 60s, so packing feels pleasantly simple. You’ll usually get long bright days and about 24 sunny ones across the month, with only around 1.8 inches of rain, so a quick shower rarely steals the show. The water sits near 71 to 76°F, the humidity stays comfortable, and you can spend hours outside without feeling like your shirt picked a fight with the weather. This is also a great time to use a Key West packing list so you can bring light layers, sun protection, and other warm-weather essentials without overpacking.

March Temperature Range

Two things stand out about Key West in March: the days feel warm without turning heavy, and the nights stay cool enough for a light layer. You can expect daytime highs to land around 69°F to 79°F, which gives the island an easygoing spring feel. The average afternoon feels comfortable for walking Duval Street, biking to the harbor, or lingering by the water.

After sunset, temperatures usually settle between 60°F and 70°F. That drop feels invigorating after a bright day, especially when the breeze moves off the ocean and brushes your skin. If you like balance, March delivers it. You won’t bake at lunch or shiver at dinner. Even the water stays inviting, averaging roughly 70.6°F to 75.9°F, so a swim, paddle, or quick beach stop still fits nicely into your plans. If you’re planning flights around this spring weather, the Key West Airport guide can help with local travel logistics.

Rainfall And Sunshine

While March doesn’t stay bone dry, it comes close enough to make planning feel easy. You can expect about 1.8 inches of rainfall across the month, which keeps the forecast friendly without turning dusty or dull. Most rain arrives as a quick passing shower, then slips away before it can hijack your beach walk or sunset plans. That brief pattern fits Key West’s dry-season groove, and it makes March feel reliable in the best way. Sunshine does the heavy lifting, with around 24 sunny days lighting up pastel houses, palms, and sidewalks that seem made for wandering. That kind of weather also makes it easier to enjoy public beaches when you want a calm swim between sightseeing stops. Pack sunglasses, a light layer, and maybe a small umbrella if you like insurance with your conch fritters and gallery stops nearby during your March island days.

Water And Humidity

By March, the water starts making a strong case for a swim. You can expect sea temperatures around 70.6 to 75.9°F, which feels downright inviting if you’re escaping a colder coast. Families can also pair those pleasant conditions with time at family beaches and parks around Key West for an easy outdoor day. The air helps too. March sits near the end of the dry season, so humidity stays moderate and much lower than summer’s sticky peak. Days usually land between 69 and 79°F, and nights stay comfortable for waterfront walks. Sea breezes move through steadily, softening humidity swings and keeping the island from feeling heavy. Rain doesn’t visit often, with only about 1.8 inches on average, and brief showers often clear fast. That means brighter skies, gentler air, and water that looks even better when the sun flashes across it like polished glass nearby.

Key West Weather in April

As April settles over Key West, the island feels warm, bright, and easy to sink into. You can expect daytime temperatures from 72 to 81°F, with an average high near 79°F, so afternoons feel sunny without turning heavy. Nights stay soft in the low to mid 70s, and the sea hovers around 76 to 80°F, tempting you into an early swim.

You’ll usually get about 25 sunny days, plus a light breeze that keeps the tropical air comfortable. April nudges toward the wet season, but humidity still stays fairly low. Rainfall averages about two inches, and showers usually pop up late in the day, then move along fast. That means you can plan beach time, bike rides, and sunset walks without much weather drama. If you’re mapping out a spring visit, a stress-free travel guide can make getting to Key West just as easy as the weather feels.

Key West Weather in May

May turns up the heat in Key West and gives the island a more tropical pulse. You’ll notice daily high temperatures climbing from 82°F to 87°F, with afternoons averaging about 85°F. Nights stay warm too, usually between 74°F and 80°F, so you can stroll Duval Street without reaching for a layer.

You also start to feel the wet season edging in. May averages about 3.12 inches of rain, and short late afternoon showers pop up more often, then fade fast. The sea feels inviting at roughly 78.4°F to 82.9°F, perfect for snorkeling, swimming, or lingering offshore. If you want a sharper sense of comfort, AccuWeather’s May forecasts include RealFeel® readings, so you can gauge how sticky, breezy, or beach-ready the day really feels to you. Before heading into the water, it’s smart to check local beach water quality updates, since routine monitoring tracks enterococci levels that can indicate possible fecal pollution.

Key West Weather in June

June settles over Key West with hotter afternoons, thicker humidity, and that unmistakable wet season energy. You’ll usually get highs from 78 to 88°F, while the sea hovers near 82 to 85°F and feels wonderfully swimmable. Expect about 25 sunny days, plus quick afternoon thunderstorms that rumble in, rinse the streets, and move on. Sea breezes help, so Key West rarely feels as fierce as the numbers suggest.

What to expect	June snapshot
Air	78–88°F, humid
Water	81.9–84.7°F, warm

Rain averages 4.4 inches, so pack a light rain layer and sandals that can handle puddles. June also starts the higher hurricane risk period, so you’ll want to check tropical forecasts. Morning light on turquoise water still tempts you outside before the stickiness fully arrives.

Key West Weather in July

Often, July feels like Key West has turned the thermostat up one more notch. You can expect sticky heat with highs near 89°F and nights that hover around 79°F, so even late walks feel warm. Humidity hangs in the air, and afternoon thunderstorms often rumble through as part of the wet season. They can drop brief, heavy rain, then clear out fast enough for more sun.

The sea turns wonderfully bathlike in July, usually 84°F to 87°F, which makes swimming and snorkeling easy to say yes to. July’s calm, warm water can create great snorkeling conditions for exploring Key West’s reefs. You still get about 25 or 26 sunny days in Key West, but you should keep an eye on forecasts. July sits inside hurricane season, so tropical systems are a real possibility for travelers planning boat trips.

Key West Weather in August

August leans all the way into Key West’s tropical side, with daytime temperatures usually climbing to about 89°F and nights staying warm in the upper 70s to low 80s. You’ll feel the humidity early, and by afternoon you can expect quick showers or thunderstorms that drum on roofs, rattle palms, and pass fast. August averages about 4.6 inches of rain, so pack sandals, a light rain layer, and patience for shifting skies. The ocean feels almost bath-like at roughly 86°F to 88°F, which makes swimming, snorkeling, and sunset paddles especially inviting in Key West. It’s also peak hurricane season, so you’ll want to check forecasts and keep your plans flexible. Remember that evacuation routes matter during hurricane season, and it helps to know them before a storm is imminent. Think bright mornings, steamy afternoons, and water so warm it barely feels real there.

Key West Weather in September

By September, Key West feels even wetter, softer, and a little more unpredictable in the best tropical-movie way. You can expect highs near 88°F, lows around 77°F, steamy air, and about 6 inches of rain. September still brings roughly 24 sunny days, yet afternoon thunderstorms pop up fast and rumble through like brief drum solos.

Feel	What you notice	Why it matters
Air	Humid, warm, stormy	Pack light layers
Water	85°F and bath-like	Great for swimming

Summer also lines up with seasonal deals, which can make flexible September trips especially appealing. The sea feels wonderfully warm for snorkeling, paddling, and lazy dips. Since September carries the year’s highest hurricane risk, you should check forecasts often and keep flexible plans. If showers hit, duck into a cafe, watch palms whip, and wait it out with coffee and key lime pie.

Key West Weather in October

As October rolls in, Key West starts to feel a little easier on the skin while still keeping its tropical edge. You can expect Temperatures around 77 to 86°F by day, with nights settling into the mid 70s. Rain still visits, since October sits at the wet season’s tail, but about 23 sunny days keep the island bright and beachy. Humidity begins to ease by midmonth, so walks along Duval feel less sticky. The sea stays bath warm at roughly 80.9 to 84.8°F, which makes snorkeling, paddling, and lazy swims especially inviting. October also brings Fantasy Fest, so you’ll hear music, laughter, and a little glorious weirdness downtown. First-time visitors often ask real questions about what October weather feels like day to day, especially with festival crowds and lingering tropical patterns. Hurricane risk drops after September, though you should still check forecasts for any late season tropical systems.

Key West Weather in November

In November, you get one of Key West’s sweetest weather shifts, with highs around 73 to 81°F and cooler nights that feel easy after the long summer stretch. You’ll usually see plenty of sun, about 23 bright days, while rainfall drops to roughly 3.2 inches and the air feels less sticky than it did in October. The ocean still stays warm at about 76 to 80°F, so you can slip into the water without a shiver and enjoy that first hint of the dry season. Since late-season systems can still develop, use November as a reminder to review hurricane preparedness plans and make sure you have multiple ways to receive forecasts and alerts.

November Temperature Range

Once November settles over Key West, the heat eases into a sweet spot that feels made for long walks and late beach afternoons. You’ll notice the november temperature range feels easy to plan around, with daytime highs usually landing between 73°F and 81°F. Mornings start soft instead of sticky. By afternoon, you can roam Duval Street, bike to Fort Zachary Taylor, or linger by the water without feeling wrung out. It’s also a comfortable time to fit in Key West highlights without the heavier summer heat slowing you down.

At night, temperatures dip only into the low to mid 70s, so you can keep dinner outdoors and skip the heavy layer. The air feels less humid than early fall, and the ocean stays inviting at roughly 76.4°F to 80.5°F. In other words, November lets you pack light and stay out later with no fuss.

Rainfall And Sunshine

By November, Key West starts to dry out in a way you can actually feel. You’ll notice the shift fast. Rainfall drops to about 3.2 inches, down sharply from October’s 5.67, so your plans have a better shot at staying on track. Around 23 sunny days brighten the month, and the skies across the Florida Keys look clearer and bluer than they did in early fall. You get fewer pop-up showers, less cloud cover, and more afternoons that invite a long walk past pastel houses or a lazy stop for pie. November also marks the start of the dry season, so sunshine sticks around more reliably and storm risk eases. FWC also provides red tide updates and current status maps that can help travelers track Florida water conditions during the broader fall season. If you like weather that behaves itself, this is your month for travelers chasing easy outdoor days.

Ocean And Humidity

November’s friendlier skies also change how the island feels against your skin. You notice the shift as soon as you step near the water. Humidity eases off, so walks feel lighter and the air stops clinging to you like a damp towel. Sea breezes keep moving, smoothing out temperature swings and giving Key West its easy tropical-maritime feel.

The ocean still invites you in. In November, sea temperatures usually sit between 76.4 and 80.5°F, so swimming stays comfortable long after the sun rises. With rainfall down and stormy afternoons less common, the air feels cleaner and clearer too. Lower hurricane risk helps, and reduced moisture means brighter horizons, calmer beach days, and that pleasant moment when you realize you’re warm, not wilted at all. These milder conditions also make it a pleasant time for a Dry Tortugas trip from Key West.

Key West Weather in December

In December, Key West settles into one of its easiest and most inviting weather patterns of the year. You step into warm days that usually reach 70 to 78°F, with many years averaging closer to the upper 70s. Even after sunset, temperatures often stay between 71 and 75°F, so evenings feel soft rather than chilly. Weather in Key West also turns sunnier and drier now. You can expect about 24 sunny days and only around two inches of rain for the month, far less than the summer wet season. Humidity eases up, which makes walks along the harbor feel lighter. The sea usually holds in the low to mid 70s too, so the water feels friendly. December is Key West without the weather drama.

What to Pack for Key West Weather

You’ll want lightweight cotton or linen, easy shorts, and a light layer, because Key West stays warm most days but evenings and blasting AC can still catch you off guard. Pack sun gear and a small rain backup too, since the island gets bright, high-UV sunshine year-round and quick wet-season showers that can rattle the palms and pass fast. Finish with comfortable sandals or walking shoes, plus sunglasses, repellent, and a few smart extras, so you’re ready for beach paths, sunset strolls, and the occasional weather twist.

Lightweight Clothing Essentials

A few smart staples will carry you through Key West with ease, because the island stays warm most of the year with highs around 77 to 90°F and only small seasonal swings. Pack breathable cotton or linen tops, shorts, and dresses or shirts that won’t cling when Duval Street feels like a warm porch. The phrase sun design are registered may sound odd, but your goal is simple: keep fabrics light and comfortable. Toss in two long sleeve layers or a thin windbreaker for winter evenings, when lows can slip into the mid 60s. Quick dry swimwear is essential, and a UV protective rash guard earns its spot since the water stays inviting all year. You’ll feel ready for beaches, pools, and spontaneous boat rides.

Rain And Sun Gear

Once your lightweight basics are set, give the weather a little backup plan. Bring a light rain jacket or compact umbrella for May through mid-October, when afternoon storms can pop up fast. Quick-dry layers help, and a hat with smart sun design keeps glare off your face all year.

Gear	Best time	Why
Rain jacket	Wet season	Handles sudden storms
Reef-safe sunscreen	Year-round	Protects skin in strong sun
Light sweater	Winter evenings	Adds comfort after sunset

Add polarized sunglasses for bright water days, plus waterproof bags and a water-resistant daypack during hurricane season. Sea breezes feel lovely, but the tropical sun doesn’t joke around. Even in rainy months, Key West stays sunny, so you’ll use every bit of this gear before your conch fritter.

Footwear And Accessories

Flip-flop weather rules Key West, so pack breathable quick-dry sandals or water shoes any time of year. With highs hovering from the upper 70s to around 90, you’ll step from docks to beaches to splashy streets, and wet footwear feels normal fast. Add comfortable closed-toe shoes for cobblestones, museum stops, and long walks along busy sidewalks.

You’ll also want sun-protective accessories: a wide-brim hat, UV sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen for all that bright island light. During the wet season, toss in a packable rain jacket or tiny umbrella. If you’re visiting from September through November, bring a small emergency kit and a waterproof phone case. Tropical weather can change its mind quickly, and your gear shouldn’t learn to swim before you do out there.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Accurate Are Key West Monthly Realfeel® Forecasts?

Key West’s monthly RealFeel® forecasts are fairly accurate, and you’ll usually get solid Forecast reliability because the climate stays stable. Still, you should trust them most in winter and check 48–72-hour updates during summer storms.

Does Key West Weather Affect Snorkeling Visibility?

Yes—like pulling back a blue curtain, you’ll see snorkeling visibility improve when dry, calm weather settles in. Water clarity peaks from November through April, while rain, storms, and hurricanes can cloud the water for days.

When Is Hurricane Insurance Recommended for Key West Trips?

You should buy hurricane insurance for Key West trips from June through November, especially September and August–October. Keep coverage through October’s end, including Fantasy Fest. Hurricane preparedness means checking cancellation, evacuation, and effective-date terms carefully.

How Often Do Key West Weather Forecasts Change Daily?

Expect Key West forecasts to change several times daily, especially during wet and hurricane seasons. You’ll see Forecast updates most often for rain, storms, and wind, while temperatures stay steadier because surrounding water moderates them.

Can Key West Weather Trigger Flight or Ferry Delays?

Yes—you can face flight or ferry delays when winds rise, seas roughen, and storms build. Travel disruptions peak from May through October, especially September, while winter’s drier, steadier weather keeps your plans moving on time.

Conclusion

You can time Key West to match your mood. Chase cool winter breezes for long walks and sunset sails, or plunge into summer when the sea feels like warm glass and thunderheads stack like castles offshore. Pack light layers, reef-safe sunscreen, and a rain plan that bends, not breaks. If you watch the forecast and stay flexible, the island rewards you month by month with water, evenings, and the faint clink of masts at dusk.