When to visit Key West without the crowds
Key West (Florida, United States) is calmest in August, September and October: fewer people and better prices. It gets busiest in January, March, May and December. Below is every month with crowds, temperatures and festivals. Careful with August, September and October: the calm has a reason (see the seasonal heads-ups).
Best months
May–Jun & Nov
When everyone heads home
Mid-April.
Tip
The Dry Tortugas ferry sells out weeks ahead; in May there is room and the sea is calm.
Month by month
| Month | Crowds | Avg. high | Festivals & holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4/5 · busy | 23 °C (73 °F) | New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day |
| February | 3/5 · moderate | 24 °C (74 °F) | Presidents Day |
| March | 4/5 · busy | 24 °C (76 °F) | |
| April | 3/5 · moderate | 26 °C (78 °F) | |
| May | 4/5 · busy | 27 °C (81 °F) | Memorial Day |
| June | 3/5 · moderate | 28 °C (83 °F) | Juneteenth National Independence Day |
| July | 3/5 · moderate | 29 °C (85 °F) | Independence Day |
| August | 2/5 · calm ⚠ | 29 °C (85 °F) | |
| September | 2/5 · calm ⚠ | 29 °C (84 °F) | Labour Day |
| October | 1/5 · calm ⚠ | 28 °C (82 °F) | Fantasy Fest (late October) |
| November | 3/5 · moderate | 26 °C (78 °F) | Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day |
| December | 4/5 · busy | 24 °C (75 °F) | Christmas Day |
⚠ = seasonal heads-up.
Before you go: seasonal heads-ups
- Peak hurricane season (Aug–Oct): watch the forecast and consider travel insurance.
Crowds are a relative index for each place: 1 is its calmest month and 5 its busiest. Temperatures: Copernicus ERA5, 2016–2025 average. Includes official tourism statistics (National Park Service, Dry Tortugas National Park, 2023-2025). How it works
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Key West without the crowds?
The calmest month is usually October (crowds 1/5). In October the average high is 28 °C (82 °F). All the calm months: August, September and October.
When is Key West most crowded?
The busiest season is January, March, May and December. Mid-April.
What is the weather like in Key West?
Average highs range from 23 °C (73 °F) in January to 29 °C (85 °F) in August, from Copernicus ERA5 (2016–2025).
What should I know before going to Key West?
Peak hurricane season (Aug–Oct): watch the forecast and consider travel insurance.
What festivals are there in Key West?
The main ones: Fantasy Fest (late October) (October).