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Key West, USA · Temperate oceanic

Key West in May: go or not?

Excellent time. Key West in May scores 8.6/10.

📅 Updated August 2026 🛰️ ERA5 · 10 years 📍 24.56°N · 81.78°W
⚡ This month's verdict
Go for it
Key West · May
8.6
26–27°
Temperature
35%
Rain
11h
Sun
🌊 Seaside☀️ Bright🍴 Gastronomy
Photo : Pavel Reyes Valdes via Unsplash
The month in detail

What to expect in May

Spring marks the start of the good season in Key West. Temperatures rise (27.0°F) and tourists have not yet arrived en masse. Expect rain on 35.0% of days — a light raincoat in the bag is recommended. A good balance between weather and crowds, even if March (8.9/10) remains theoretically better.

May ranks 3 out of 12 months in Key West. Compared to April: +2°F daytime, 12 pts more rainy days.

This month's conditions

What it's like in May

UV index
9 · very high
protection essential
Feels like
very humid
22°
Sea
29°C
warm, ideal
Daylight
13.2h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 31
Compare

Is May the right month?

The best month in Key West is March (8.9/10), 0.3 pt higher than May.

See March →See all 12 months →
Context

Our verdict

Key West, the southern tip of the Florida Keys: 25,000 inhabitants 93 miles from Cuba (the southernmost "continental USA", Mile 0 marker on US-1). Bohemian island, Caribbean atmosphere, Hemingway heritage.

Read Gilles' full review →

Book

Plan your trip

Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.

🏨
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Key West
Expedia →
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Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
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Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →

🎟️ Activities & tours · Key West

GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation

See all →
Affiliate link · GetYourGuide
Practical info

What you need to know before you go

Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a beach trip.

Country · USA

🗣️LanguageEnglish
💶CurrencyUS Dollar ($)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘExpensive · 4/5

🌡️ Climate

🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthJuly · 86°F
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 73°F
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘSeptember · 65%

🏖️ Beach trip

📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée
Explore

Other destinations in May

If May doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.

Similar climate
HavanaCubaIsla HolboxMexicoNassauBahamasBahamasBahamasPlaya del CarmenMexico
Nearby
MiamiUnited States209 kmTrinidadCuba358 kmOrlandoUSA444 kmCayman IslandsCayman Islands586 km
Other top picks
AlgarvePortugal8.6AlicanteSpain8.6San Miguel de AllendeMexico8.6PeruPeru8.5CadizSpain8.7
← AprilJune →
🗺️ See all 754 destinations on the map
Location

Where is Key West ?

Global position + regional geographic context.

🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
USA
Temperate oceanic climate with a 8.9 → 5.1 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
24.56°N · 81.78°W
Questions

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Key West?
March is the best month with 77°F highs, 73°F lows, 10.0h of sunshine and 14.0% rainy days. The months of March & April offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Key West get in March?
Key West averages 10.0 sunshine hours per day in March. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 8.5/10.
What is the rainiest month in Key West?
September is the most unfavourable month with September has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Key West in March?
In March, overnight lows reach 73°F, while afternoon highs average 77°F.
Is Key West good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Key West scores 7.7/10 on average — Acceptable conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains March with a score of 8.5/10.
When should you avoid Key West?
September is the most difficult month to visit Key West, with September has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Key West in May?
In May, the sea averages 85°F in Key West: warm, ideal. Ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling.
Do you need sun protection in Key West in May?
The average UV index reaches 9 in May in Key West (very high), with about 13.2h of daylight. Protection essential.