Season guide · Key West · United States
Key West in spring
March–May: weather, crowds, prices and the best things to do this time of year.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Bubba73, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Quick answer
Hot sun, calm water and the best diving conditions, with spring-break crowds in March and quieter weeks in May. Expect highs up to 30°C (86°F) and lows around 20°C (68°F), with about 15 rainy days across March–May. March–May are among the best months of the year to visit.
Key facts
- Months
- March–May
- Temperatures
- 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F)
- Rainy days in the season
- About 15
- Sea
- 24°C (75°F) to 28°C (82°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in spring
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March | 26°C (79°F) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 | 12 h | 5/5 |
| April | 28°C (82°F) | 22°C (72°F) | 4 | 12.7 h | 4/5 |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 25°C (77°F) | 6 | 13.3 h | 3/5 |
Compared with the rest of the year: average highs of 28°C (82°F) against a yearly 28°C (82°F), and 15 of the year's roughly 92 rainy days fall in these 3 months. Crowds rate 4/5 and hotel prices 4/5 on average.
What's on in spring
Recurring events; dates move from year to year, so confirm with the organiser.
- April: Conch Republic Independence Celebration (usually late April)
- May: Key West Songwriters Festival (usually May)
Make the most of the weather
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
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Garden · Old Town and Duval Street
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
Wear bright colours; butterflies are more likely to land on you.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Nature
- Rainy day
- Couples
Aquarium · Old Town and Duval Street
Key West Aquarium
An open-air aquarium on Mallory Square, first opened in the 1930s, focusing on fish, turtles and sharks of the Keys, with touch tanks and guided feeding tours.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Nature
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
Day trips in spring
- Bahia Honda State Park (About 50 minutes by car) — A state park in the Lower Keys with sandy beaches unusual for the Keys, clear shallow water and a section of the old Overseas Railroad bridge to walk on for views of both sea and gulf.
- Big Pine Key and the National Key Deer Refuge (About 45 minutes by car) — Big Pine Key is home to the endangered Key deer, a dog-sized subspecies of white-tailed deer, seen along quiet roads and at the Blue Hole, a former quarry where alligators and turtles live.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes
Other times of year
Questions travellers ask
+Is spring a good time to visit Key West?
Yes: March–May are among the best months. Hot sun, calm water and the best diving conditions, with spring-break crowds in March and quieter weeks in May.
+What is the weather like in Key West in spring?
Highs of up to 30°C (86°F) and lows around 20°C (68°F), with about 15 rainy days over the season.