Discover the Best Time to Visit Key West for Ideal Weather

If you’re hoping to escape cold weather this winter, one of the best places in the United States to go to is Key West. Key West is an island city in the state of Florida, which is famous for its pristine beaches, coral reefs perfect for snorkeling and exploring, and vibrant nightlife. Although it gets near-perfect weather year-round, the best time to visit Key West is from December to May. 

There are many fun things to do in Key West during these months because the weather is going to be so scrumptious and almost no chance of rain. You need to explore the beautiful coral reefs, order some tropical drinks at pastel-colored cafes, and lay on the white, sandy beaches. You will have a stress-free time full of relaxation.

If you want to visit Key West or have already booked your trip, we’ll give you the lowdown on everything Key West — the average temperatures, temperature records, and rainfall during the best time of the year. We’ll also explore some fun activities to do and delicious things to eat while you are in Key West.

Average Temperature in Key West

Key West is one of the few cities in the US that has near-perfect temperatures for the entire year. Of course, the summers can be extremely humid, which is why winter and spring are better to visit. Rain is prominent during its wet season, which is from May to October. But from November to May, the sun shines brightly and it isn’t too hot. If you visit Key West during its best time, you will be quite lucky. When it comes to average temperatures, it ranges from a high of 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius) to a low of 69 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius).

In terms of daylight hours, it varies throughout the year, but sunrise can usually be around 7:00 a.m. and sunset is at around 7:30 p.m., which gives you about 12 hours of daylight. That’s plenty of time to lay on the beach and explore Key West’s sights!

The Hottest Temperature on Record

Key West has great weather and many people flock during winters to enjoy a rain-free and cold-free place. Visitors bask in the sun and enjoy what they call paradise. Of course, when it comes to records, the hottest temperature ever recorded was 97 degrees Fahrenheit (36 degrees Celsius) on July 19, 1880, and August 29, 1956.

The Coldest Temperature on Record

Although not known to be a cold city, there are outliers now and then in Key West. The coldest temperature in Key West ever recorded was 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius) on January 12, 1886, and January 13, 1981. For those living in Iceland, that’s a regular Tuesday in July!

Rainfall in Key West

The wet season in Key West is from May to October. But rainfall is not common and in fact, it is the driest city in the state of Florida. It gets about 40 inches of rain per year.

UV Index During the Best Time in Key West

Key West has near-perfect weather year-round. When it comes to the best season from November to May, the sun shines brightly. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can be damaging when the UV Index is moderately high to severely high. For Key West, there is a UV Index of 6. This means that those who are vulnerable to the sun need to have protection against it because it can damage the skin and eyes quickly.

To protect yourself, make sure you wear sunscreen and continue putting it on every couple of hours. You should also wear loose clothing and a hat to avoid overheating.

Natural Disasters in Key West

Because Key West is an island located south of mainland Florida, the city is not immune to natural disasters. Key West is extremely exposed to hurricanes, tropical storms, and flooding. Besides that, Key West will very rarely get earthquakes (or feel them from other places nearby).

The most common natural disasters to hit Key West are hurricanes. The wet season in Key West is when hurricanes are quite common. The worst hurricane to hit the Florida Keys was Hurricane Wilma in October of 2005. The hurricane left $19 billion in damage and there were 30 deaths from the hurricane’s wrath.

Visiting Key West

There are plenty of things to do in Key West. Spending a few days here may not be enough, either. There are activities for every type of person, from those who like history and culture to the outdoorsy types. Let’s start with some indoor activities. You can visit Harry S. Truman Little White House where he spent many winters during his presidency. You can also go to the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, where the writer spent much of his time writing his best-selling and award-winning novels.

For fun outdoor activities, you can go snorkeling or diving near the coral reefs and discover amazing marine wildlife. You can also go fishing in nearby docks and try to catch some delicious fish for dinner. Finally, hit the beautiful beaches of Key West. You’ll have a small island’s worth of beaches to go to. You can frolic in the sea, relax on the beach, and bask in the sun!

Things to Eat and Drink in Key West

Key West is the ultimate place for relaxation and the best thing to do is jump from one restaurant to the next to the next trying the delicious dishes of Key West. First off, try a scrumptious Cuban Mix sandwich and pair it with a refreshing Key Lime colada. 

Key West is an island and as such, you should dive in for some seafood. Go to a market to get yourself a blackened fish sandwich. For dessert, a key lime pie will hit the spot before you relax at the beach for the rest of the afternoon. You can’t leave Key West before you try some conch fritters, which is fried sea snail and named after the Conch Republic (when Key West residents voted to secede from the US in the early 1980s). 

Lastly, in order to toast to the late Jimmy Buffet, you can visit a Margaritaville Bar and Restaurant and have a drink of your choice with a sunset view of the ocean. It will be a perfect way to end the day.

Fun Facts About Key West

• Because Key West is an island, 42 bridges connect the city to the mainland of the state.
• Key West has been home to many writers including Ernest Hemingway, Judy Blume, Tennessee Williams, and Robert Frost.
• The Florida Straits, located in Key West, is the third largest coral reef system in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Great Mayan Reef in Central America.
• About 25,000 people are living in the city.
• Spanish settlers originally named the city Cayo Hueso, which means Bone Island.

Conclusion

Key West is world-famous for its relaxing atmosphere, its key lime pies, and its coral reefs you can explore. Every day you spend in Key West will be filled with fun activities and intertwined with stress-free relaxation. You can learn about one of America’s most prolific writers, Ernest Hemingway, and also learn about one of America’s best presidents, Harry S. Truman.

As you explore Key West and relish in its near-perfect weather, with a cocktail in hand, just think about how amazing that view of the ocean is. You may never want to leave as you ponder to yourself, “What a life!”