Summer in Key West: What to Expect
With its sun-soaked beaches, turquoise waters, tropical vacation villas, and Caribbean vibes — Key West is the perfect summer vacation destination.
Of course, it’s not all just sandy beaches and pina coladas; Key West is full of art, history, culture, live music, fun festivals, great food, and so much more. There’s something for everyone to enjoy when visiting Key West!
Ready to plan an unforgettable Key West summer vacation? Here’s your guide to visiting Key West in the summer.
Key West Weather in the Summer
Being the tropical paradise that it is, it comes as no surprise that Key West weather can be hot in the summer. Average temperatures linger in the 80s, with some occasional highs in the 90s and high levels of humidity, but the good news is — there’s no shortage of pools, beaches, and water activities to cool down with.
Summer is also part of the rainy season and hurricane season in the Florida Keys, which typically runs from June through November. Afternoon showers can be common, especially as you get into the later part of the summer, nearing the fall (mid-August through mid-September).
Worried the tropical storms might dampen your plans when visiting Key West in the summer? Don’t be! As the locals will tell you, showers tend to move through quickly, leaving plenty of time to still soak up the sun, and direct hits during hurricane season are rare.
Summer in Key West: Things to Do
There’s lots to see and do when visiting Key West, Florida, no matter what season you visit, but during the summer, it’s an especially great time to enjoy the water and some of the island’s indoor attractions to beat the heat. Here are our top 5 favorite summer things to do in Key West!
1. Enjoy Key West Beaches and Watersports
Of course, there’s no better way to spend a summer day in the Florida Keys than with your toes in the sand and a cold drink in your hand. Key West is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, where you can swim, snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, or just relax and soak up some sun.
Popular beaches in Key West include:
- Smathers Beach: The largest public beach on the island, Smathers Beach features plenty of amenities and watersports rentals like kayaks, paddle boards, kiteboards, jet-skis, and more.
- Fort Zachary Taylor State Park Beach: Surrounded by rocky outcroppings and shallow waters teeming with tropical fish, Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is a great spot to snorkel from the shore.
- Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach, also known as Higgs Beach, is a smaller beach that’s a favorite among families for its calm, crystal-clear water, perfect for little ones to play in. The beach features picnic tables, a playground, and more.
2. Go Snorkeling
While the beaches in Key West can offer some fun shore snorkeling opportunities, nothing beats heading just a few miles offshore to see some truly amazing marine life.
The waters off the Florida Keys are home to the only living coral reef system in the continental US, where you may spot many different species of tropical fish, crabs, sea turtles, sting rays, sea urchins, starfish, dolphins, and so much more.
There are numerous local snorkeling tours to choose from, or if you’re staying with Vacation Homes of Key West, our concierge service can help you plan the perfect snorkeling trip.
3. Stroll Duval Street
The bustling downtown area of Key West, Duval Street, is the perfect spot for a summer stroll.
Spanning just over a mile, this famous strip in Key West runs from the island’s Gulf side to the Atlantic side and features an array of unique attractions, shops, restaurants, art galleries, bars, historic landmarks, and much more.
You’ll find plenty of places to duck into if you need to escape the heat or rain, or if you just want to kick your feet up with a cocktail at the world-famous Sloppy Joe’s or a slice of Key lime pie, which you’ll find on nearly every corner.
4. Catch the Summer Sunset
The Florida Keys are known for their beautiful sunsets, and during the summer, they can be at their most colorful and spectacular.
You can watch the sunset from just about anywhere in Key West, but here are our top spots for finding the best summer sunset views:
- Mallory Square: The #1 place to be when the sun goes down in Key West, Mallory Square hosts a nightly sunset celebration with street performers, music, food, local artists, and much more.
- Sunset Cruises: Sail away into the sunset on a relaxing catamaran tour with live music and champagne — it’s the perfect way to end the day!
- Sunset Key: If you want to catch the most spectacular sunsets right from your own balcony or backyard, consider staying on Sunset Key, a private island just off Key West.
5. Visit the Museums
When you need a break from the summer heat, Key West’s museums are a great way to spend a few hours exploring indoors (or semi-indoors in some cases).
Key West boasts over a dozen museums, including some that are world-renowned, such as the Ernest Hemingway Home, the Truman Little White House, and the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, among others.
Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for an indoor activity for when those high temperatures hit, Key West museums are always a good time.
Summer Events in Key West
While Key West is known for its vibrant events year-round, summer is the unofficial festival season, with some of the biggest events happening during the summer months.
Here are some of the hottest summer happenings in Key West:
- June: Celebrate Pride Week with parades, parties, and special events during Key West Pride.
- July: Enjoy Key Lime-flavored everything at the Key Lime Festival, meet some mermaids at the Key West Mermaid Festival, and hang out with some Hemingway look-alikes during Hemingway Days.
- August: Crack open some lobster and indulge in other island delights at Key West Lobsterfest.
What to Pack for Summer in Key West
Ready for some summer fun in Key West? Here are a few essentials to pack:
- Swimsuits/beachwear
- Flip-flops and/or water shoes for rocky beaches
- Light, breathable clothing for staying cool while walking around the city/visiting attractions
- A pair of comfortable walking sneakers or sandals
- A few dressier pieces, such as sun-dresses, light polo shirts, or linen pants for upscale dining
- Sun protection – sunglasses, hats, and reef-safe sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent
- A light rain jacket, poncho, or umbrella to keep in your bag for afternoon showers
- Waterproof phone case with a floatie (especially if you plan on doing watersports)
- A small beach tote or backpack to carry your daily essentials
Don’t worry if you forget anything; there are plenty of shops in Key West that have everything you might need for the beach, the bars, and everything in between!
Summer is Calling in Key West, Florida!
Ready to plan your perfect summer vacation in the Florida Keys? From mornings by the pool to evenings at the pub, and taking in all the colorful sunsets and Key Lime Pie you can, Key West makes for one epic summer destination.
From tropical villas and oceanfront condos to spacious vacation homes big enough for the whole family, there are plenty of accommodations to choose from for your trip to Key West. And the best part — you’ll be close to all the best Key West attractions, plus easy access to the Overseas Highway if you want to visit nearby islands like Stock Island, Big Pine Key, and the rest of the Lower Keys, or take a day trip to the Upper or Middle Keys.
Make the most of your summer stay by booking a private vacation home with VHKW. You’ll enjoy amenities like ocean views, private pools, hot tubs, BBQ grills, and so much more.
