The beautiful thing about a vacation to Key West is that it’s a great destination year-round. Its subtropical location is 150 miles from the mainland of Florida and at the end of the Florida Keys provides a Caribbean climate all year long. That means temperatures in the mid-70s and lots of sunshine. It’s an island that loves to have a good time and there’s always a party on Duval Street. Still, depending on what kind of traveler you are, there are some extra special months to visit Key West. Here’s a few of them.
December/January- Christmas & New Year’s
Where do you live? If your answer is the northeast or the midwest, you can bet that the temperatures during the holidays are more pleasant in Key West. If you’re looking to shake up your holiday tradition, a visit to the Keys is a great way to do this. Bring the family to town for Christmas and enjoy the Lighted Boat Parade, see the Christmas lights on the Conch Tour Train, and marvel at palm trees wrapped in sparkling lights.
Key West is one of the most unique places in the world to ring in the New Year. It’s included in all kinds of New Year’s coverage, and CNN is usually in town to capture the stiletto drop at 801 Bourbon with drag queen Sushi dangling in it. Other drops include the conch at Sloppy Joe’s Bar and the wench at Schooner Wharf. Aside from all that, there are great parties on Duval Street all night long. The week between Christmas and New Year’s is definitely a great time to visit Key West each and every year.
March- Spring Break
For the college coed or the family looking for a spring getaway, Key West is a premiere destination. There’s a major party at Smathers Beach and along Duval Street all month, but it’s also a great time to get offshore and enjoy savings on boat charters. Every year, Fury Water Adventures offers its best deals during Spring Break, including half price on select trips.
June- Best Weather
The month of June is the sweet spot for Key West weather. Enough time has passed since the cold fronts of winter for the water temperatures to be inviting, and it’s not yet the sweltering dog days of summer. This is also a time for record-breaking clarity and activity at the reef, aka ideal snorkeling conditions. With Key West home to the third largest reef in the world, experiencing it in the month of June is a must for any true water baby or amateur marine biologist.
September-Best Deals
We mentioned the dog days of summer just a minute ago. We were talking about September. This is officially the height of low season, typically due to high temperatures, the transition of kids going back to school, and seasons changing. It’s also the best time to score great deals on hotels. Enjoy the VIP experience at a fraction of the cost at some of the nicest resorts on the island in September. You can beat the heat by getting on the water!
October-Fantasy Fest
Fantasy Fest. That legendary annual party that brings throngs of travelers to the island every year. It’s one of those things that everyone should experience just once in a lifetime. Expect a wild week at the end of October with costume parties, body paint, and beads, all culminating in the Fantasy Fest Parade. If you’ve got an exhibitionist streak and you love to party, Fantasy Fest is like a fantasy come true!