Things to Do in Key West in February

VerdictExcellent
Ranked#2 of 12
PricesPeak Season

Stay in Key West in February

35 hotels in the Trip.com pool for Key West, from US$80 a night.

Opens Trip.com on Fri 5 Feb to Sun 7 Feb 2027; change the dates there.

February in Key West is dry-season weather at its best, and that is both the draw and the problem. Fewer than 5 rainy days across the whole month, highs near 23°C (74°F), and a northeast trade wind that keeps the humidity manageable. You smell the salt air before you see the water, and the light has a particular clarity this time of year that draws photographers and painters to the island's pastel-painted Conch houses. For anyone escaping February in Chicago, Boston, or Toronto, the contrast is immediate when you land at Key West International Airport at the far end of the Florida Keys.

The catch is that every other cold-weather refugee has the same idea. February sits at the center of Key West's high season, which runs from mid-December through April. Old Island Days, the island's annual heritage celebration, opens its house tours and garden walks across Old Town and Bahama Village this month. Visitors pass through private courtyards lined with mature frangipani and bougainvillea that stay closed the rest of the year. Offshore, water clarity on the reef tract reaches its annual best. All of this compresses onto an island roughly 2 miles by 4 miles, with a limited supply of hotel rooms and restaurant seats.

That said, February rewards planners. Book accommodation and restaurant reservations well before your trip, particularly around the Presidents' Day holiday weekend when availability drops to near zero. The worst version of a February visit starts with a last-minute scramble for a room in Marathon, 50 miles up the Overseas Highway.

Why visit in February

The driest stretch of the year, with fewer than 5 rainy days and the most reliable sunshine of any month on the calendar
Water visibility off the reef tract peaks in February due to minimal freshwater runoff, creating the strongest window for snorkeling and diving in the Keys
Old Island Days launches its house and garden tour series, opening private historic properties in Old Town and Bahama Village that remain closed year-round
Comfortable low-20s°C temperatures without the oppressive summer humidity make walking and cycling tours genuinely pleasant all day
Key West earns a 9/10 LGBTQ+ friendliness score (sourced from TTDI's editorial rubric), and that welcoming atmosphere is especially visible during high season when the community's venues and events run at full capacity

Worth knowing

Peak-season accommodation rates run 40-60% above the annual average, and last-minute availability on the island is scarce at any price point
Crowds along Duval Street and at the Mallory Square sunset celebration reach their densest levels of the year, with the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor filling by mid-morning on weekends
Occasional cold fronts from the mainland can drop overnight lows to around 15°C (59°F) for a day or two, catching visitors in shorts and flip-flops off guard
Street parking in Old Town is extremely limited during high season, and the island's bus routes cover only a fraction of the city

Best for

Think twice if

Weather measured 23° / 22°C 32mm rain · 5 rainy days · 81% humidity rains perceptibly ~0.5h/day · 90% of mornings dry

Crowds high

Pack Cotton or linen shorts and shirts for daytime. A light long-sleeve layer for evenings when the wind picks up or a cold front passes through. Reef-safe sunscreen rated SPF 50+ is non-negotiable at this latitude. Closed-toe shoes for walking tours and water shoes for rocky shoreline entries.

February tends to deliver the most stable, comfortable weather of Key West's year. Days are warm and mostly sunny, with a steady trade wind from the northeast that tempers the humidity. Rain, when it comes, typically arrives as a brief afternoon shower lasting 10 to 15 minutes. Total precipitation averages about 32mm for the month, the lowest of any calendar month. The occasional cold front sweeps south from the mainland. It brings a breezy, overcast day that passes within 24 to 48 hours. Water temperatures hover around 23°C (73°F), comfortable for extended snorkeling though noticeably cooler than the 29-30°C of August.

Seasonal caution

Cold fronts from the mainland occasionally push overnight temperatures into the mid-teens Celsius, lasting 1 to 2 days. The wind chill off the water amplifies the drop, and visitors packed for perpetual tropics will be uncomfortable. One light sweater or windbreaker handles it.

Year-round climate

Averages from the last 5 years.

Monthly climate averages for Key West
Month	Avg high (°C)	Avg low (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
Jan	23	20	33
Feb	23	22	32
Mar	25	23	37
Apr	26	24	36
May	28	26	57
Jun	29	27	181
Jul	30	28	119
Aug	30	28	149
Sep	30	27	189
Oct	28	26	114
Nov	26	24	62
Dec	24	22	78

Holidays and festivals in February

Public holidays

Lincoln's Birthday(Lincoln's Birthday)12 February 2027
Presidents Day(Washington's Birthday)15 February 2027

Best things to do in February

Snorkeling the reef tract

outdoor

The coral reef running parallel to the Keys, roughly 6 miles offshore, is the only living barrier reef in the continental United States. February's minimal rainfall means almost no freshwater runoff clouding the water. Expect brain coral, sea fans, parrotfish, and yellowtail snapper in calm, transparent conditions. The reef structure is shallow enough in places that even surface snorkelers see detailed coral formations.

Water visibility peaks in the driest month, when runoff is at its annual minimum and seas tend to be calm

Booking tipMorning departures typically have calmer seas and better visibility than afternoon trips. Book 3 to 5 days ahead for weekend slots.

Old Island Days house and garden tours

culture

The heritage series launches in February with Friday afternoon walking tours through private historic homes and tropical gardens in Old Town. These Conch-style properties, built primarily between the 1880s and 1920s, are not normally open to the public. The gardens feature mature specimens of frangipani, bougainvillea, and Royal Poinciana in peak dry-season form.

The tour series opens in February, and early-season dates tend to draw smaller groups than the later March tours

Booking tipTours depart from the Old Island Restoration Foundation. Confirm the schedule and reserve by midweek, as Friday slots fill quickly.

Cycling the historic district

outdoor

Key West's flat terrain makes it ideal for exploring by bicycle. February's comfortable temperatures let you ride through the residential streets south of Truman Avenue, past gingerbread-trimmed Conch houses, and along the waterfront without the drenching sweat of a July ride. The island is small enough to circle in under an hour.

Temperatures run about 7°C cooler than July and August, making midday cycling comfortable rather than punishing

Booking tipRental bikes are available by the hour or day from shops along Duval Street and Truman Avenue. No advance booking needed on weekdays.

Sunset sailing from the Historic Seaport

outdoor

Catamaran and schooner cruises depart from the Historic Seaport at Key West Bight, heading west into the Gulf of Mexico. February's dry pattern produces clean horizons, and the light fades through yellows and pinks without the interruption of summer storm clouds. The wind is steady enough for sailing but rarely rough.

February's dry skies give the best odds of a clear, uninterrupted sunset of any month in the year

Booking tipWeekend sunset sails fill early in February. Book at least 4 to 5 days ahead for Friday or Saturday departures.

Deep-sea fishing for sailfish

outdoor

February falls in the peak of the winter pelagic season in the Straits of Florida. Sailfish migrate through the deep water south of Key West, and wahoo concentrate along the reef edge. Charter boats run half-day and full-day trips from the Historic Seaport, heading south toward the Gulf Stream current.

Winter is peak sailfish migration season in the lower Keys, with February offering the strongest overlap of fish movement and calm sea conditions

Booking tipFull-day charters book up during high season. Reserve 1 to 2 weeks ahead, especially for weekend trips.

Kayaking the mangrove channels

outdoor

Sheltered mangrove creeks along the north side of the island offer calm paddling through tunnels of red mangrove roots. You might spot juvenile nurse sharks, rays, and wading birds in the warm shallows. The quiet is striking, considering you are minutes from Duval Street.

Cooler temperatures mean noticeably fewer mosquitoes than summer, and lower humidity makes 2 to 3 hours of paddling comfortable

Booking tipGuided tours are available, but self-guided rentals work well if you are comfortable navigating tidal channels. Morning outings catch calmer water.

Walking the African American heritage trail

culture

This self-guided walking route passes through Bahama Village and along the waterfront, connecting sites tied to Key West's African American and Afro-Bahamian history. One stop is the African Cemetery at Higgs Beach, where 294 Africans rescued from slave ships in 1860 are buried. The full route takes 2 to 3 hours at a thoughtful pace.

February is Black History Month, and mild temperatures allow the full multi-mile route without heat exhaustion risk

What to eat in February

In season: fruit

Kumquats
Florida kumquat season peaks in January and February. You might spot these small, tart citrus fruits at farm stands and worked into cocktails or marmalades at restaurants across the island. The skin is sweet and the flesh is sour. Eat them whole.

On menus now

Stone crab claws
Florida's commercial stone crab season runs October 15 through May 15, and February sits in the middle of peak harvest. The claws come in fresh from traps in the lower Keys, served chilled with mustard sauce. The meat has a dense, sweet character distinct from other crab species, with a firm texture that snaps cleanly.
Hogfish
Winter months are prime hogfish season in the lower Keys. This reef fish has a mild, faintly sweet flavor and a flaky texture somewhere between grouper and snapper. Restaurants across Old Town tend to feature it pan-seared or grilled as a seasonal special through March.
Florida spiny lobster
The commercial spiny lobster season runs August through March, making February one of the final months for fresh local tails. The texture is firmer and chewier than a Maine lobster, with a milder taste that pairs well with Key lime butter on the grill.

In markets

Key West pink shrimp
The commercial pink shrimp harvest from waters near the Dry Tortugas peaks during the cooler months, and February landings tend to be reliably fresh. Smaller than Gulf whites, these shrimp carry a delicate sweetness better suited to peel-and-eat preparations than heavy sauces.

Regular events in February

Old Island Days Art ShowFree

Annual juried outdoor art exhibition along Whitehead Street near the Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea, featuring Keys-based and regional artists working in painting, photography, ceramics, and sculpture. Typically draws 40 to 60 exhibitors.

Late February, Saturday and Sunday

Key West Garden Club Flower Show

Part of the Old Island Days series, this judged flower and tropical plant exhibition takes place at the West Martello Tower, a Civil War-era fortification converted into a garden center. Orchids, bromeliads, and native tropical species are the main categories.

Late February or early March

Presidents' Day WeekendFree

The federal holiday weekend brings a noticeable surge in domestic visitors, particularly families. Expect fuller beaches, longer restaurant waits, and tighter accommodation availability from Saturday through Monday.

Third Monday of February and preceding weekend

Best places this February

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
park
Established in 1845, this Civil War-era fort sits on the island's southwestern tip and has what locals consider the best beach in Key West. February's crowds are high but not summer-level, and early arrival still gets you a spot. The snorkeling along the rocky western edge of the beach is surprisingly productive, with schools of sergeant majors and parrotfish close to shore.
Truman Annex
Ernest Hemingway House
museum
The Spanish Colonial house on Whitehead Street where Hemingway lived and wrote through much of the 1930s. February's high season means entry lines build after 10am, but the polydactyl cats wandering the property pay no attention to the crowd. The garden is especially lush in dry-season light, with mature tropical plantings that photograph well under the clear February sky.
Old Town
Harry S. Truman Little White House
historic site
Truman spent 175 days across 11 visits at this winter White House in the Truman Annex neighborhood. Guided tours cover Cold War decisions made from this building, including policy discussions during the Berlin Blockade. The house still holds its 1949 furnishings.
Truman Annex
Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum
museum
Displays treasure recovered from the Nuestra Señora de Atocha, a Spanish galleon lost in a 1622 hurricane. Gold bars, emeralds, and silver coins fill the main gallery, and a visible conservation lab shows ongoing recovery work. A solid contingency plan on the rare rainy February afternoon.
Old Town
Key West Aquarium
attraction
One of the oldest aquariums in Florida, opened in 1934 as a Works Progress Administration project. The open-air design means February's mild temperatures make the touch tanks and shark feeding demonstrations comfortable to linger at. Guided tours run every 30 minutes and tend to be less crowded on weekday mornings.
Old Town
Bahama Village
neighborhood
The historically Bahamian neighborhood west of Duval Street carries a quieter, more residential feel than the tourist corridor. The streets around Petronia Street hold the strongest architectural character, with shotgun-style houses and locally run restaurants. February's mild afternoons make wandering the neighborhood comfortable without a set destination.
Bahama Village
West Martello Tower and Key West Garden Club
garden
A Civil War-era brick fortification on the Casa Marina waterfront, converted into a tropical garden maintained by the Key West Garden Club. The Flower Show typically takes place here in late February. Even outside that event, the collection of orchids and native plants benefits from peak dry-season growing conditions and the warm, sheltered microclimate inside the fort walls.
Casa Marina

Your packing checklist

Tick items off as you pack. Your progress saves in this browser.

0 of 8 packed

Reef-safe sunscreen, SPF 50+Key West sits at latitude 24.5°N. The UV index is moderate to high even in February, and Florida Keys regulations require reef-safe formulas for anyone entering the water. Shop
Light long-sleeve layerCold fronts occasionally push evening temperatures into the mid-teens Celsius, and the wind off the water adds a chill. One thin sweater or linen shirt handles it without taking luggage space. Shop
Polarized sunglassesFebruary's clear skies and low cloud cover produce strong glare off the water, especially on boat trips. Polarized lenses also help you spot fish and coral while snorkeling from the surface. Shop
Rash guard or swim shirtFor snorkeling sessions longer than 30 minutes, a rash guard prevents back sunburn. The cooler winter water temperatures also make a thin layer welcome during the first few minutes in the water. Shop
Water shoesThe shoreline at the best snorkeling spots on the island requires walking over coral rubble and rocky bottom to enter. Bare feet will not work comfortably. Shop
Packable rain jacketFebruary showers are brief and infrequent, but they arrive without much warning. A lightweight jacket that packs into a day bag keeps you dry for the 10 to 15 minutes it takes a typical shower to pass. Shop
Insect repellent with DEET or picaridinMosquito activity is lower in February than summer, but mangrove areas and gardens at dusk still produce enough biting insects to warrant protection. Shop
Reusable water bottleThe sun and salt air dehydrate faster than the mild temperatures suggest. Tap water in Key West is safe but travels 130 miles from the mainland via the Florida Keys Aqueduct, which can give it a faint chlorine taste. Shop

Insider tips

The Mallory Square sunset celebration is noticeably less crowded on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings than on weekends. Same performers, same sunset, roughly half the foot traffic. In February, sunset falls around 6:15pm, so arrive by 5:30 to claim a spot near the waterfront railing.
The best snorkeling at Fort Zachary Taylor is not at the main sandy beach. Head to the rocky area at the far western end of the park, where reef structure starts in waist-deep water. Ten minutes there shows more fish than an hour at the center of the beach.
Visit the Southernmost Point buoy before 8am if you want a photo without a queue. The concrete marker at Whitehead and South Streets, installed in 1983, draws steady lines all day during February high season, but early mornings are genuinely empty.
Restaurants along Petronia Street in Bahama Village serve food geared toward locals rather than tourists. The Bahamian influence shows up in dishes you will not find along the Duval corridor, and portions tend to be more generous.

Avoid these mistakes

Arriving without a reservation and expecting to find a room. Key West has limited accommodation on a small island, and February is the tightest month. Travelers who wait until the last week often end up staying in Marathon or Big Pine Key, a 50-mile drive each way along the Overseas Highway.
Spending an entire trip on Duval Street and calling it Key West. The main tourist strip covers about 4 blocks. The quieter residential streets south of Truman Avenue, the waterfront along the Historic Seaport at Key West Bight, and the side streets of Bahama Village carry far more of the island's personality.
Underestimating the February sun at this latitude. Air temperatures in the low 20s°C feel mild, which leads visitors to skip sunscreen. Key West is closer to the Tropic of Cancer than to Miami. Sunburn is the most common minor injury among winter visitors, especially on boat trips where the breeze masks the intensity.

Practical tips for February

Book accommodation well in advance for February. Presidents' Day weekend is the tightest window of the month. Most attractions in Old Town keep extended winter-season hours, typically 9am to 5pm or 6pm. Dress code is casual everywhere on the island, including upscale restaurants along Duval Street. A bicycle or scooter is the most practical way to move around, since Old Town street parking during high season is extremely limited. If driving from Miami, budget 3.5 to 4 hours for the 160-mile Overseas Highway, and note that the Seven Mile Bridge section has no passing lanes. The Lower Keys Shuttle provides limited bus service, but the island is compact enough that most trips between attractions take 10 to 15 minutes on foot.

FAQ

Is February a good time to visit Key West?

February is likely one of the two strongest months for visiting Key West, alongside March. The weather is warm and dry, water clarity for snorkeling peaks, and the island's cultural calendar picks up with Old Island Days events. The only significant trade-off is high-season pricing and crowd density. If you can plan ahead and absorb the seasonal rate premium, February delivers the island at its most comfortable.

What is the weather like in Key West in February?

Expect warm, mostly sunny days in the low-to-mid 20s°C (mid 70s°F) with very little rainfall. Humidity is noticeable but tempered by the trade winds. Rain is infrequent and brief. The occasional cold front can bring a cooler, breezy day, but these pass within a day or two. February tends to be the most weather-reliable month of the year in Key West.

Is Key West crowded in February?

Yes. February sits in the heart of Key West's high season, which runs mid-December through April. The island's compact size concentrates visitors in a small area, and popular spots like Mallory Square, Duval Street, and the Southernmost Point buoy see steady foot traffic throughout the day. Presidents' Day weekend is the busiest stretch. Weekday mornings offer the most breathing room.

Can you swim in Key West in February?

Water temperatures in February are comfortable for most swimmers, noticeably cooler than the summer peak but warm enough for extended time in the ocean. The beaches along the island's south shore are swimmable year-round. A rash guard or swim shirt helps if you are sensitive to cooler water or plan to snorkel for more than half an hour.

Do I need a car in Key West?

No. Most attractions, restaurants, and beaches sit within a 15-minute walk of each other in Old Town. Bicycles are the preferred local mode of transport. Parking during high season is scarce and often restricted, so a car typically becomes more of a burden than a convenience. If you drive down the Overseas Highway, park at your accommodation and leave it there for the duration of your stay.