Month guide · Key West · United States
Key West in May
What May is really like in Key West: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: U.S. Department of Transportation, Public domain
Quick answer
May is one of the best months to visit Key West. Expect average highs of 30°C (86°F), lows of 25°C (77°F), about 6 rainy days and roughly 13.3 hours of daylight. Hot and still mostly dry, with warm water and good diving visibility.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 30°C (86°F) / 25°C (77°F)
- Rainy days
- About 6
- Daylight
- About 13.3 hours
- Sea temperature
- 28°C (82°F)
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in May
May is the 5th-warmest month in Key West: days average 30°C (86°F) against a yearly average high of 28°C (82°F), and nights fall to about 25°C (77°F). Rain falls on roughly 6 of its 31 days. Compared with April (28°C (82°F)), May is warmer; by June highs stay near 31°C (88°F).
- Sunrise (15 May)
- About 06:43
- Sunset (15 May)
- About 20:03
- Daylight
- About 13.3 hours
- Sea
- 28°C (82°F)
Winter (December–February). Dry, sunny and comfortable, the main season for visitors; occasional cool, windy spells can cancel boat trips.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, May rates 3 for crowds (the peak is January at 5) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in January). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in May
- Key West Songwriters Festival (usually May)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in May
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Garden · Stock Island
Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden
Visit in spring or autumn migration for the best birdwatching around the ponds.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Nature
- Outdoors
- Off the beaten path
- Kids
Experience · Historic Seaport
Sunset sail
Schooners and catamarans leave Key West Bight about two hours before sunset for a cruise along the island's western shore, often with drinks included.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Expensive
- Couples
- Views
- After dark
Historic site · Old Town and Duval Street
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Go first thing in the morning before the tour groups and the heat; tours start frequently and are included in admission.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- History
- Kids
- Architecture
Street · Old Town and Duval Street
Duval Street
The island's main street runs from the Gulf to the Atlantic, with long-running bars such as Sloppy Joe's and Captain Tony's, galleries, cigar shops and restaurants.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Iconic
- After dark
- Shopping
- Food
The sea averages 28°C (82°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Key West.
What to pack
For highs near 30°C, lows near 25°C and 6 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; comfortable walking shoes.
Is May 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 December–April. Compare every month.
Key West in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is May a good time to visit Key West?
It is one of the best months to visit Key West. Hot and still mostly dry, with warm water and good diving visibility.
+How warm is Key West in May?
Average highs are around 30°C (86°F) and lows around 25°C (77°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Key West in May?
Expect rain on about 6 days of the month.