When should you visit the Florida Keys?

Composed of hundreds of islands (or keys) that dangle like a string of pearls off the tip of Florida, the Florida Keys are ripe for exploration. But what’s the best time to make your journey toward these southernmost points of the continental USA?

Compared to other warm-weather getaways, the Florida Keys boast consistently warm temperatures, with highs rarely dropping below 70°F (21°C). While the Keys’ pleasant climate and vibrant residents are constants, other seasonal factors – from quirky cultural attractions to the likelihood of weather-related events – will help you nail down your plans.

So let’s find the perfect time for your next trip to the Florida Keys.

At a glance

• November through February are peak months in the Florida Keys, with fabulous weather – and crowds and prices to match.

• March, April and May in the Florida Keys are packed with fun festivals and annual events.

• June through November is hurricane season, whose peak falls in September and October. While you should pay close attention to the forecast during these months, you can also look forward to bargains.

Visit November through February to feel the energy and heat

Weather in the Florida Keys in winter: In the Keys’ tropical climate, daily highs hover around 78°F (25.5°C) in winter, getting down to the high 60s°F (20°C) at night. Rainfall is limited to a couple of days per month, and almost every day is drenched in sunshine.

As much of the rest of the country combats plunging temperatures, the Florida Keys remain delightfully sunny. In fact, there’s a name for those who flock south to seek out the sun of South Florida every winter: snowbirds.

During these months, things get noticeably busier in some of the bigger towns and popular places to visit like Key Largo, Islamorada, Tavernier, Marathon and Key West. You should expect a bit more traffic, longer restaurant waits and a bar scene that’s...well, just as crazy as it is any other time of year. With a welcoming climate and a unique tropics-meets-winter holiday charm, it’s no wonder so many opt to hit the Florida Keys this time of year.

The cultural season is in full swing in winter, kicked off by the Key West Film Festival in November. Other seasonal highlights include the Florida Keys Celtic Festival in January, and the Florida Keys Seafood Festival and Old Island Days Art Festival in February.

Planning tip: The Keys’ popularity in the winter months can mean surprisingly heavy traffic on the 113-mile Overseas Hwy, which connects the mainland with Key West. Leave extra driving time, especially if you set out on 3-day weekends.

Enjoy festivals and parties before the heat arrives from March through May

Weather in the Florida Keys in spring: Things begin to warm up as hurricane season approaches, with average highs in the low 80s°F (around 27°C). Sunny, generally rain-free days beckon for outdoor festivals and fun on the water.

If you want to squeeze in a Florida Keys adventure before the thermostat reads a very humid 90°F (32°C) or higher, late spring is the time to do it. March through May is optimal for activities like fishing (mahi mahi, tarpon, wahoo, blue marlin and yellowtail are especially plentiful in April), checking out spring festivals and enjoying a balance of locals and tourists.

The snowbirds begin heading back north during this time – but between raucous St Patrick’s Day celebrations (especially lively in Key Colony Beach and, of course, Key West), April’s Conch Republic Independence Celebration and an influx of spring breakers, there are plenty of folks arriving in the Keys, too.

Planning tip: The peak of the Florida Keys’ peak season falls in March – especially in Key West – when spring breakers overlap with snowbirds. The scene is sure fun, but you should expect crowds – and prices – to be at their maximum in March.

Get a bargain travel deal from June through October

Weather in the Florida Keys in summer: All of South Florida gets very hot and humid in the summer and early fall months, with average temperatures in the upper 80s°F to the low 90s°F (31–34°C). Arrive prepared to sweat. Note that June 1 through November 30 marks the annual Atlantic hurricane season.

The Keys’ dreamy waterside resorts and cottages usually command a premium. However, if you’re looking for a bargain, summer and early fall are the best times to make it happen. Such value does come with a few asterisks, though.

September and October are typically the most active months of hurricane season, and you’ll want to keep an extra-close eye on the weather this time of year. Still, these caveats don’t cancel out the deals you’ll score on a fabulous stay.

Culture doesn’t take a summer break in the Keys. Annual highlights include the Hemingway Days Festival, honoring one of Key West’s most famous residents ever, and the delicious Key Lime Festival, both of which take place each July; and August’s Key West Lobsterfest.

Planning tip: With world-class sportfishing, snorkeling and scuba diving, plus kayaking and just plain-old swimming, water activities are a highlight of any trip to the Keys. And a daylong excursion on the sea is the perfect way to beat the summer heat. The small islands around Islamorada offer prime kayaking, while Dry Tortugas National Park has some of the most abundant waters in the entire USA.

Things to know about traveling to the Florida Keys in hurricane season

It’s no secret that Florida is a magnet for hurricanes. Hurricane season officially begins on June 1, with the season peaking in August, September and early October, when the ocean water is warmest. Heavy rain, powerful winds and ocean surges during hurricanes can cause property damage, personal injury and even death, so it’s imperative to follow official directives during any storm emergency.

That said, hurricane season can be hit or miss for any community along the Eastern Seaboard and Gulf of Mexico – the Florida Keys most definitely included. Many years can pass without a hurricane-related event, or several could batter a specific area in a single season alone. In between storms (if there are any), you can expect sunny, balmy days in the Keys. Given that the peak-hurricane-season months are also the slowest for tourism here, you can look forward to great off-season deals, as well as unique events such as Key West’s Fantasy Fest.

If you are planning a trip to the Keys in August, September or October, keep a close eye on the weather, opt for travel insurance and prepare to stay flexible with your plans, should contingencies be necessary.