The best time to visit the Florida Keys

Composed of hundreds of islands (or keys) that unfold over nearly 200 square miles, the Florida Keys are ripe for exploration. But what’s the best time to make your journey toward the southernmost points of the continental USA?

Compared to other warm-weather getaways, the Florida Keys boast consistently warm temperatures, with highs rarely dropping below 70°F (21°C). While the Keys’ pleasant climate and vibrant residents are constants, other seasonal factors – from quirky cultural attractions to the likelihood of weather-related events – will help you nail down your plans.

So let’s find the perfect time for your next trip to the Florida Keys.

People on foot and on scooters walk by an intersection and a building that houses a bar with a wraparound balcony. Palms and other trees line the side streets. — In the peak season, things get noticeably busy in Key West, Key Largo and other popular destinations, as the snowbirds descend. Shutterstock

Visit November through February to feel the energy and heat

As much of the rest of the country combats plunging temperatures, the Florida Keys remain delightfully sunny. In fact, there’s a name for those flock south to seek out the sun of South Florida: snowbirds.

During these snowbird-filled months, things get noticeably busier in some of the bigger towns and popular places to visit like Key Largo, Islamorada, Tavernier, Marathon and Key West. You should expect a bit more traffic, longer restaurant waits and a bar scene that’s...well, just as crazy as it is any other time of year. With a welcoming climate and a unique tropics-meets-winter holiday charm, it’s no wonder so many opt to hit the Florida Keys this time of year.

The cultural season is in full swing in winter, kicked off by the Key West Film Festival in November. Other seasonal highlights include the the Florida Keys Celtic Festival in January, and the Florida Keys Seafood Festival and Old Island Days Art Festival in February.

A sport-fishing boat takes to the blue waters of the open sea on an overcast day featuring thick gray clouds — April is a fine month for fishing in the waters off the Keys. Shutterstock

Enjoy festivals and parties before the heat arrives from March through May

If you want to squeeze in a Florida Keys adventure before the thermostat reads a very humid 90°F (32°C) or higher, this is the time to do it. March through May is optimal for activities like fishing (mahi mahi, tarpon, wahoo, blue marlin and yellowtail are especially plentiful in April), checking out spring festivals and enjoying a balance of locals and tourists.

The snowbirds begin heading back north during this time – but between raucous St Patrick’s Day celebrations (especially lively in Key Colony Beach and, of course, Key West), the Conch Republic Independence Celebration and an influx of spring breakers, there are plenty of folks arriving, too.

Men tend a grill where Florida spiny lobsters are cooking, as patrons at the Key West Lobster Festival mill in the background — While the Keys can get muggy in the summer, the season brings festivals like the Key West Lobster Festival. Chuck Wagner/Shutterstock

Get a bargain travel deal from June through October

The Keys’ dreamy waterside resorts and cottages command usually command a premium. But if you’re looking for a bargain, summer and early fall are when to make it happen. Such value does come with a few asterisks, though.

It’s typically hot and super-humid during the summer months. Also, June 1 through November 30 is the Atlantic hurricane season. September and October typically the most active window, and you’ll want to keep an extra-close eye on the weather this time of year. Still, these caveats don’t cancel out the deals you’ll score on a fabulous stay.

Culture doesn’t take a summer break in the Keys. Annual highlights include the Hemingway Days Festival, honoring one of Key West’s most famous residents ever, and the delicious Key Lime Festival, both of which take place each July; and August’s Key West Lobsterfest.