Key West

Key West is a small island city where you can walk most places, watch the sunset at Mallory Square and take a boat out to Dry Tortugas National Park.

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Key West is a small island city at the southern end of the Overseas Highway, the road that runs down the Florida Keys from the mainland. It is the southernmost city in the continental United States. Most of Old Town fits on a compact grid of streets that you can cover on foot or by bike. Duval Street runs the length of the island with bars, restaurants and shops, and many historic houses on the side streets have wooden porches. In the evening, people gather at Mallory Square to watch the sunset.

Dry Tortugas National Park lies about 70 miles west, and the 19th-century Fort Jefferson sits on one of its islands. Day trips to the park leave from Key West by boat, so set aside a full day. The drier months, roughly December through April, are the most popular for visits, while hurricane season runs from June through November. Holiday weekends bring bigger crowds.

Key West in five

Drive the Overseas Highway or flyMiami to Key West is about 3.5–4 hours by car, with slow traffic on busy weekends. Fly into Key West (EYW) if you are short on time.Miami
Book Dry Tortugas aheadDry Tortugas National Park is reached by ferry or seaplane from Key West. Book early and check the park's fees and rules; it is not one of the 11 parks with the $100 fee.The $100 parks fee
Sleep in Old TownOld Town puts Duval Street, Mallory Square and the waterfront on foot. Rooms there cost more, so compare New Town if you plan to rent a bike.
Avoid hurricane season if you canThe Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. Book flexible rates and consider travel insurance if you travel from August to October.Travel insurance
Pair with the Florida Keys and the EvergladesKey West is the end of a chain of islands; the Florida Keys guide covers the stops on the way, and the Everglades sit on the mainland.Florida Keys

Things to do in Key West

See all attractions in Key West

Beach · Key WestClarence S.Higgs Memorial BeachSunset is a good time to visit for the evening light.

a red and black butterfly sitting on a green leaf

Garden · Key WestThe Key West Butterfly and Nature ConservatoryArrive in the morning for a calmer visit and more active butterflies.

Landmark · Key WestKey West CemeteryStart at the northwest corner near Passover Lane and Angela Street for the free walking map.

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

Need to know

Airport: Key West International (EYW); Miami (MIA) is the main alternative
Getting there: Overseas Highway from Miami, about 3.5–4 h; fly to EYW
Getting around: Walk, bike or scooter in Old Town; city buses
Best base: Old Town for first visits
Time needed: 2–3 days; add 1 for Dry Tortugas

Weather by month

Rainy days
Days with storms

Best
Mixed

JanuaryPartly cloudy8 rainy daysHigh23°Low20°Mild, busy
FebruaryPartly cloudy6 rainy daysHigh23°Low22°Mild, busy
MarchClear5 rainy daysHigh24°Low22°Warm, spring break
AprilClear7 rainy daysHigh25°Low24°Warm, dry
MayPartly cloudy11 rainy daysHigh27°Low26°Hot, humid
JuneRain15 rainy daysHigh29°Low27°Hot, wet
JulyRain15 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh29°Low28°Hot, storm season
AugustRain18 rainy daysHigh30°Low28°Hot, storm risk
SeptemberRain19 rainy daysHigh29°Low28°Hurricane risk
OctoberRain16 rainy daysHigh28°Low26°Fantasy Fest
NovemberPartly cloudy8 rainy daysHigh25°Low24°Mild, dry
DecemberPartly cloudy7 rainy daysHigh24°Low22°Mild, holidays

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

Right now in Key West

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

Feels like: 30°
Humidity: 76%
Wind: 17 km/h
Chance of rain: 70%

Key West

05:37 PM

Monday, November 2

GMT-5

Today27°24°70%Monday: Rain. High 27°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 70%.
Tue28°24°36%Tuesday: Rain. High 28°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 36%.
Wed27°24°19%Wednesday: Rain. High 27°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 19%.
Thu27°26°11%Thursday: Drizzle. High 27°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 11%.
Fri26°26°2%Friday: Clear. High 26°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 2%.
Sat26°25°1%Saturday: Clear. High 26°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 1%.
Sun26°25°11%Sunday: Clear. High 26°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 11%.

Updated 05:18 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

Dry Tortugas National Parkby ferry or seaplaneFort Jefferson and snorkeling. Book early.
Florida Keysabout 1 hour or more by carStops along the Overseas Highway for snorkeling and sunsets.Read the guide
Miamiabout 3.5–4 hours by carThe usual start or end of a Key West trip.Read the guide

Before you go to Key West

Car from MiamiAbout 3.5–4 hours on the highwayCompare cars

Old Town staysBook holiday weekends earlyCheck availability

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

Travel insurance for the USAMedical cover for visitors to the USRead the guide

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Rules for Key West, checked

Check the State Department page for ESTA or visa rules for your passport before you book flights.Source
Most anglers need a Florida saltwater fishing license; check the FWC rules for your dates and gear.Source
Florida law bans open alcohol containers in vehicles, so carry drinks sealed or in the trunk when you drive around the Keys.

Plan around Key West

All of the USA

Parks, cities and trip planning for visitors

Read the guide Florida Keys

The islands and stops along the Overseas Highway

Read the guide Miami

The usual gateway by road or air

Read the guide Everglades National Park

Wetland park on the Florida mainland

Read the guide $100 national parks fee

Which parks charge non-US residents

Read the guide ESTA explained

Who needs it, the fee and how to apply

Read the guide

Key West FAQ

How many days do you need in Key West?

Two to three days covers Old Town, Mallory Square at sunset and a water trip. Add one day for Dry Tortugas.

Is Key West worth visiting?

Yes, if you want a walkable island town with a lively Duval Street and Caribbean-style sunsets. It is not a quiet wilderness stop, and prices rise on holidays and event weekends.

What is the best time to visit Key West?

December to April for the mildest weather, with November also pleasant. Summer is hot and humid, and hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.

Can you drive to Key West?

Yes, by the Overseas Highway, about 3.5–4 hours from Miami. Traffic can be slow on weekends and holidays.

Does Dry Tortugas charge the $100 national park fee?

No. Dry Tortugas is not one of the 11 national parks on the NPS list that charge non-US residents the extra $100. Check the park's page for the regular entrance fee and boat tickets.