An aerial view of a road running through the ocean

Florida Keys

A chain of coral islands linked by one main highway, the Overseas Highway, which ends at Key West.

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The Florida Keys are a chain of coral islands off Florida's southern coast, the southernmost part of the continental United States. They start about 15 miles south of Miami and curve southwest to Key West, the westernmost inhabited island and the largest town in the chain. Most visitors drive down on the Overseas Highway, U.S. 1, which is about 127 miles long between Key West and Key Largo and crosses bridges between the islands.

Diving and fishing are the main draws. The Florida Reef lies offshore beyond the Hawk Channel and runs about 170 miles, the third-largest barrier reef system in the world. Plan around the weather: the dry season runs from November through April, with average highs around 75°F (24°C). The hot, wet season from June through October overlaps with the Atlantic hurricane season, and evacuations are routinely ordered when a hurricane watch or warning is issued. U.S. 1 is mostly two lanes, so allow extra time, because traffic can be heavy.

Florida Keys in five

Drive the Overseas Highway slowlyUS-1 runs about 110 miles from Key Largo to Key West over 42 bridges, mostly on two lanes. Miami to Key West takes about 3.5 to 4 hours without stops, and holiday weekends slow it down.
Snorkel in the morningReef trips leave from Key Largo, Islamorada and Marathon, and most boats sail in the morning. Wind and cloud change visibility, so keep a spare day in the schedule.
Book weekends and winter earlyRooms are limited, and the Keys fill on holiday weekends and from December to April. Book months ahead and compare resort fees, which some properties add on top of the rate.
Plan around hurricane seasonThe Atlantic season runs June 1 to November 30, with the highest risk in late summer and fall. Choose flexible bookings and cover that includes trip interruption.Travel insurance for the US
Put Key West lastKey West is the end of the road and the most walkable base. Sleep there at the end of the drive instead of commuting from Marathon.Key West

Things to do in Florida Keys

See all attractions in Florida Keys

Bar · Florida KeysCaribbean ClubBring cash. The bar is cash-only.

Landmark · Florida KeysTurtle HospitalReserve a tour ahead of time, especially during busy periods, as places can fill up.

Museum · Florida KeysHistory of Diving MuseumAllow 2 to 4 hours if you want to explore the exhibits and watch the films.

Free trip plannerPlan a trip to Florida KeysPut the places you like in Florida Keys on a map, give them days, and let one button order each day. Free, with no account.Plan a trip

Need to know

Airport: Miami (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale (FLL); Key West (EYW) is small
Getting there: Drive US-1: about 1.5 hours to Key Largo, 3.5 to 4 to Key West
Getting around: Rental car; bikes and scooters in towns
Best base: Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon or Key West
Time needed: 2 to 4 nights

Weather by month

Rainy days
Days with storms

Best
Good
Mixed

JanuaryPartly cloudy8 rainy daysHigh22°Low20°Dry, mild
FebruaryPartly cloudy5 rainy daysHigh23°Low22°Peak season
MarchClear5 rainy daysHigh24°Low22°Peak, spring break
AprilClear8 rainy daysHigh25°Low24°Warm, dry
MayPartly cloudy11 rainy daysHigh27°Low26°Hot, quieter
JuneRain17 rainy daysHigh29°Low27°Hurricane season
JulyRain16 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh29°Low28°Hot, humid
AugustRain18 rainy daysHigh30°Low28°Hurricane risk
SeptemberRain18 rainy daysHigh29°Low28°Hurricane risk
OctoberRain17 rainy daysHigh28°Low26°Hurricane risk
NovemberPartly cloudy8 rainy daysHigh25°Low24°Dry season starts
DecemberPartly cloudy6 rainy daysHigh24°Low22°Holiday peak

Average daily high and low in Marathon, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Right now in Florida Keys

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 28°
Humidity: 82%
Wind: 19 km/h
Chance of rain: 44%

Florida Keys

06:23 PM

Monday, November 2

GMT-5

Today28°25°44%Monday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 44%.
Tue27°25°27%Tuesday: Rain. High 27°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 27%.
Wed26°24°33%Wednesday: Rain. High 26°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 33%.
Thu26°26°18%Thursday: Drizzle. High 26°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 18%.
Fri26°26°5%Friday: Clear. High 26°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 5%.
Sat26°25°4%Saturday: Clear. High 26°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 4%.
Sun26°25°11%Sunday: Partly cloudy. High 26°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 11%.

Updated 03:52 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD

Amount

Converted to

USD · US Dollar

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

Day trips by train

Before you go to Florida Keys

Rental car from MiamiThe only practical way down the KeysCompare cars

Reef snorkel tripBoats from Key Largo to MarathonCompare tours

eSIM for the USAData on landing, no SIM swapRead the guide

Travel insurance for the USMedical cover for visitorsRead the guide

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Rules for Florida Keys, checked

Visa Waiver Program travelers need an ESTA before flying to the US, so check current entry rules on travel.state.gov first.Source
Many Keys homes are built on stilts, and the ground floor may not be legally habitable, so confirm that a rental meets county building rules.
Evacuations are routinely ordered when a hurricane watch or warning is issued, so follow the National Weather Service at weather.gov and local orders.Source
The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary protects the waters around the Keys, so check its current regulations before you dive, fish or boat.Source

Plan around Florida Keys

All of the USA

Parks, cities, entry rules and money for a US trip

Read the guide Key West

The end of the road, by foot and by bike

Read the guide Everglades National Park

Airboats, wildlife and the nonresident fee

Read the guide Miami

The usual starting point, 1.5 hours from Key Largo

Read the guide Fort Lauderdale

Beaches and a second airport option

Read the guide Travel insurance for the US

Medical cover matters more here than in most countries

Read the guide

Florida Keys FAQ

How long does it take to drive from Miami to Key West?

About 3.5 to 4 hours without stops, since the road is mostly two lanes with a limited speed. Holiday weekends add traffic, so start early and stop in Key Largo or Islamorada rather than driving straight through.

Is the Florida Keys worth visiting?

Yes, for snorkeling, fishing, sunsets and the drive itself. It is not a beach trip in the Caribbean sense, since many keys have small sand beaches. Treat it as a water-and-road trip.

Where should I stay in the Florida Keys?

Key Largo for the shortest drive and reef trips, Islamorada for quiet and fishing, Marathon as a central base, and Key West for walkable nights. Two bases usually beat one long drive.

When is hurricane season in the Florida Keys?

June 1 to November 30, with the greatest risk in late summer and fall. Evacuation orders can close the highway, so book flexible rates and insurance that covers interruption.

Do you need a car in the Florida Keys?

Yes, for the drive and for moving between keys. There are shuttle buses and some tour pickups, but a rental car from Miami is simplest, and in Key West you can walk or bike.