View Caribbean & Bahamas on the mapAn old town of pastel-colored wooden houses coexists with the cheerful bustle of Duval Street, which is lively from daytime on. It is also a literary island where writers such as Hemingway lived, and a laid-back, tropical spirit of independence, unlike mainland America, pervades the whole town.

Key West

Key West · United States · 24.56, -81.81

An island city at the southernmost end of the Florida Keys, known as the southernmost point in the continental United States. It is popular as a short port of call on Caribbean cruises.

Port highlights

An island city of about 26,000

Population

Close to a tropical savanna climate, with warm winters. Summers are hot and humid. June to November is the rainy and hurricane season, with roughest conditions around September.

Climate

English (Spanish is also widely understood)

Language

US dollar (USD)

Currency

December to April (dry season; lower humidity makes it comfortable)

Best time to visit

Local food

Key lime pie, conch fritters, stone crab, and fresh grouper sandwiches

Sights

Southernmost Point markerHemingway Home and MuseumStrolling along Duval StreetSunset Celebration at Mallory SquareDay trip to Dry Tortugas National Park

Monthly average high / low temperatures

24°

17°Jan

25°

18°Feb

26°

19°Mar

28°

22°Apr

30°

23°May

31°

25°Jun

32°

25°Jul

32°

26°Aug

31°

25°Sep

30°

24°Oct

27°

21°Nov

25°

19°Dec

Unit: °C · NOAA climate normals · Period: 1991–2020 · Station: KEY W WFO · about 1.9 km from port · Last checked: Oct 4, 2026 · A guide for choosing your travel month.

Local prices for travelers

Much more expensive than Tokyo

Compared with Tokyo, Japan (median of items)200 (Tokyo = 100)

Compared with Tokyo, everything is much more expensive.

$2.59

Water 591 ml

$6.00

Coffee

$11.48

Inexpensive meal

$8.00

Local beer

$6.22

Big Mac

Prices in Key West. · Amounts in the recorded local currency. No currency conversion applied. · Last checked: Oct 2026 (partly estimated) · Sources: Shop and menu prices · The Economist, Big Mac Index (CC BY 4.0)