Month guide · Key West · United States
Key West in January
What January is really like in Key West: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Marc Averette, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
January is one of the best months to visit Key West. Expect average highs of 24°C (75°F), lows of 18°C (64°F), about 6 rainy days and roughly 10.8 hours of daylight. Dry, sunny and warm; peak season as winter visitors arrive, with occasional cooler, windy days after cold fronts.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 24°C (75°F) / 18°C (64°F)
- Rainy days
- About 6
- Daylight
- About 10.8 hours
- Sea temperature
- 23°C (73°F)
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in January
January is the coolest month in Key West: days average 24°C (75°F) against a yearly average high of 28°C (82°F), and nights fall to about 18°C (64°F). Rain falls on roughly 6 of its 31 days. Compared with December (25°C (77°F)), January is about as warm; by February highs stay near 25°C (77°F).
- Sunrise (15 January)
- About 07:13
- Sunset (15 January)
- About 17:59
- Daylight
- About 10.8 hours
- Sea
- 23°C (73°F)
Autumn (September–November). September is peak hurricane season and very quiet; October brings Fantasy Fest and November the start of the dry season.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, January rates 5 for crowds (the peak is January at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: January is one of the pricier months.
Events in January
- Key West Food and Wine Festival (usually late January)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in January
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Waterfront · Old Town and Duval Street
Mallory Square Sunset Celebration
Arrive about 45 minutes before sunset to find a spot on the water's edge and see the performers set up.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Iconic
- After dark
- Couples
- Kids
- Views
Beach · Truman Annex
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
A brick fort from the mid-19th century at the island's southwestern tip, with a state park beach next to it that has some of the best snorkelling from shore on Key West, picnic tables in pine shade and sunset views.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Kids
- Outdoors
- History
- Nature
Experience · Historic Seaport
Snorkelling and diving on the Florida Reef
Book a morning trip, when seas are usually calmer, and use reef-safe sunscreen.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Expensive
- Kids
- Nature
- Active
- Outdoors
Landmark · Bahama Village
Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters
Built in 1848 inland on Whitehead Street, the lighthouse has 88 steps to a gallery with views across Old Town's tin roofs to the sea.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- Views
- Kids
- History
The sea averages 23°C (73°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Key West.
What to pack
For highs near 24°C, lows near 18°C and 6 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; comfortable walking shoes.
Is January a good time to visit Key West?
One of the best months to visit Key West, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are February–May and December. Compare every month.
Key West in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is January a good time to visit Key West?
It is one of the best months to visit Key West. Dry, sunny and warm; peak season as winter visitors arrive, with occasional cooler, windy days after cold fronts.
+How warm is Key West in January?
Average highs are around 24°C (75°F) and lows around 18°C (64°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Key West in January?
Expect rain on about 6 days of the month.