Key West Florida Weather

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Last Updated on Wednesday, 12 September 2012 13:13

Written by Patti Lavell

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Regardless of where you are in the United States right this very minute, chances are that the weather is better here in the fantastic Florida Keys. That's true even on a summer day. The hottest temperature on record in Key West is 97° F (36° C), and that was way back in 1880. At the peak of summer the average high is a comfortable 89° F (32° C). Thankfully, we have avoided super-highways and urban sprawl, which radiate the sun's heat. Without them, our islands and our people stay cooler than those poor souls on the mainland. Another reason for our cooler temps is that our islands are surrounded by glorious cooling ocean waters.

During the summer, the water temps might be in the mid-80s (30° C) but the ocean waters will thrill and refresh you nonetheless as you float, snorkel or dive. You won’t need a wetsuit for snorkeling and depending upon how deep you’re diving and what temperatures your body is used to, the most you’d need is the thinnest of “shortie” wetsuits.

In the winter, severe cold fronts have been known to blanket mainland Florida with frost but rest assured, the Keys will remain frost free all winter long. In fact, the lowest recorded temp for Key West is a balmy 41 F (5° C) set in 1981. The humidity all but disappears during the winter months and you’ll find that you just can’t seem to spend enough time outside. The soothing breezes through the palms lure you outside and to the water’s edge. During the winter months, you will certainly need a wetsuit for diving but unless you’re a local, you won’t need one for snorkeling.

Diving and snorkeling around the Keys is magnificent all year long but obviously, the waters are warmest during the summer months. Because there’s typically less wind during those months, the waters are almost always very clear providing excellent underwater visibility. The bottom line is that you simply can’t have a bad diving or snorkeling day in the Florida Keys.

Rainfall is almost nonexistent during the winter time but come May, the first thundershowers make their appearance. Don’t let these brief showers ruin your plans for the day; chances are it won’t rain more than a few minutes before the sun is back again. It’s not uncommon to be driving in wonderful sunshine one minute and then find yourself in a downpour the next. Worry not. It won’t last.

Hurricane season begins June 1^st and ends November 30^th. Historically, the Keys experience the most storms between mid-August and mid-October. Don’t let that statistic bother you because the average daily weather during this time is the envy of the rest of the country.

For those nighttime bar hoppers, you’ll fall in love with our evening temps. During the summer time, the thermometer drops a few degrees after sunset creating a perfectly balmy tropical night. During the winter months, the evening temps are heavenly and you may find that you need a lightweight long-sleeved shirt as you wander between watering holes. Rarely will you need anything other than a light jacket and after you’ve sampled a few island concoctions, you won’t need more than your shirt sleeves.

Average Water Temps for Key West

Average High Air Temps for Key West

Average Low Air Temps for Key West

All-Time Record High for Key West 97° F (36° C) July, 19, 1880 
All-Time Record Low for Key West 41° F (5° C) Jan. 13, 1981

Average Rainfall

Average Sunset Times