Late spring · Weather & things to do
Key West in May
Key West edges warmer than April, with highs of 81°F (27°C), lows of 79°F (26°C) and about 3.8 in (96 mm) of rain.
It scores 84/100 for comfort, 7th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 81°F (27°C)
- Avg low
- 79°F (26°C)
- Rain
- 3.8 in (96 mm)
- Humidity
- 76%
- Cloud cover
- 43%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 12 min
- Comfort score
- 84/100 · Great
What May feels like
Days are warm, averaging 81°F (27°C).
Even at night it stays warm, around 79°F (26°C).
With 76% average humidity, it feels muggy.
Some rain is likely, about 3.8 in (96 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around May
May is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (November – April).
- Comfort slips from 93/100 in April to 84/100.
- Our Miami Beach Getaway route recommends Nov – Apr, so May falls outside its suggested window.
- May sits inside the Dec – May window our Florida Keys Adventure route recommends.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clothes81°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- Quick-dry fabrics76% average humidity
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.8 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Key West in May
May is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Mallory Square Sunset Celebration
Nightly sunset gathering on the harbor with street performers and food carts.
Why now May scores 84/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Key West Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters
88 steps to the top for views over Old Town, across the street from Hemingway's house.
Why now Highs near 81°F and 3.8 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
El Siboney
Cash-friendly Cuban restaurant serving roast pork and plantains in large portions.
Sloppy Joe's Bar
Hemingway-era Duval Street bar with live music from noon to late.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe
Key lime pie on a stick (chocolate-dipped, frozen) and key lime goods.
Captain Tony's Saloon
The original Sloppy Joe's location (1930s), with a tree growing through the roof and live music.
Nearby in May
- Bahia Honda & the Lower Keys in May~33 mi · highs 81°F, 4.0 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Everglades in May~75 mi · highs 83°F, 4.8 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Key Largo in May~91 mi · highs 82°F, 4.6 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Miami in May~130 mi · highs 82°F, 5.3 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
These averages also cover Old Town & Duval Street.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Key West in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Key West?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 84/100 against a best of 93 in November – April. Expect highs of 81°F (27°C) and 3.8 in (96 mm) of rain. Our Miami Beach Getaway route recommends Nov – Apr, so May is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Key West in May?
Average highs are 81°F (27°C) and average lows 79°F (26°C), making it the 6th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Key West in May?
Some: about 3.8 in (96 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 6th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 41.5 in (1054 mm).
What should I pack for Key West in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (81°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), quick-dry fabrics (76% average humidity), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.8 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Key West
Routes in season in May
- Florida Keys Adventure Dec – May
Planning Key West in May?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.