Key West in June

Key West, the southernmost point of the continental United States, is best known for its beautiful beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and year-round warm weather.

Its home to the third largest coral reef in the world and is an excellent place for scuba divers and those who love the deep blue sea.

During the month of June, you can experience the magic that makes the island so unique, minus the high crowds and prices.

This month is ideal if you are on a budget, looking to avoid high crowds, and are in love with warm weather conditions. It’s the beginning of hurricane season, but it is unlikely to happen this early in the year, giving visitors a stress-free trip.

We have lived in Florida for many years and visited Key West dozens of times in the summer. With our tips and experience, we want you to make the most of your time and have a successful visit to Key West in June.

3 Activities We Highly Recommend

Is June a Good Time to Visit Key West?

June is a great time to visit Key West; one of the best months of the year, actually. There are fewer crowds, warm temperatures, and ideal water conditions. Additionally, it has some of the most gorgeous skies you have ever seen.

While it is the start of the rainy season, it’s not enough to put a damper on your holiday in the month of June.

Location | Florida Keys

Key West is the southernmost island in the Florida Keys, located approximately 90 miles south of Miami, known for its tropical climate, beaches, historic architecture, and laid-back atmosphere.

The Florida Keys are a chain of islands located in the southernmost part of Florida, USA, extending for about 120 miles from Key Largo in the north to Key West in the south.

There are several ways to get to Key West, but the most convenient route from Miami is to drive down the Overseas Highway, a scenic route that connects the Florida Keys. The Seven Mile Bridge is the most iconic feature of the Overseas Highway, which connects Knight’s Key (near Marathon) to Little Duck Key.

Alternatively, you can fly into Key West International Airport, located on the island’s eastern side and offers daily flights from Miami and other major cities. There are also ferry services that operate between Miami and Key West for those who prefer to travel by water.

Weather

June in Key West tends to have high temperatures and sunny skies. The humidity isn’t as bad this month as in the months to come, but since the Atlantic Ocean surrounds Key West, it is typically the most humid city in Florida in June.

The average high temperature in June is 83-88°F (28.3-31.1°C) in Key West. It is the beginning of the wet season with frequent thunderstorms and an average rainfall of 5.3-5.6 inches. While it is uncommon this early in the season, June is the first month of hurricane season in Florida.

This is one of my favorite months to visit Key West because I love summer and hot weather. Most days, we could spend our mornings on the best with bright and sunny skies and hot weather, perfect for being by the coastline.

While the late afternoon hours did bring cloudy skies occasionally, if it did rain, it was only for about 30-35 minutes, or during the nighttime, which was very relaxing for falling asleep too.

June in Key West | Average High Temperatures:

• Early June: 86°F (30°C)
• Mid-June: 87°F (31°C)
• Late June: 88°F (31°C)

Rainfall

June is still the start of the rainy season, so visitors should expect rain showers most days. Precipitation remains typically constant throughout the month, being an average of 5.3 inches, with an average of 5.6 inches in mid-June.

This month is the start of hurricane season, but severe weather is uncommon. However, tropical storms can happen but they are not as prevalent.

Can it rain the whole day? It is very unlikely that it will rain the entire day in Key West. Don’t worry about rain showers ruining your trip!

Rain showers and thunderstorms are often just passing through during the afternoons or late in the evenings. For reference, the chance of a wet day in Key West in June is anywhere from 45-51%.

Heat/Humidity

Florida summers are best known for being hot, sticky, and humid. However, during June, the humidity levels aren’t near as noticeable and intense as they are in the coming months. The humidity levels in Key West in June are 68-79%, with an average dew point of 74-75%.

The humidity levels peak in the morning at 5 am, around 79%, and drop to 68% come the afternoon.

Daily Weather Progression

June tends to stay consistent throughout the day, with temperatures increasing by 2%, and there is a chance of rainfall happening in the afternoon to late evenings.

Typical daily temperature progression:

• Early Morning (6 AM): 78°F (25.5°C)
• Early Afternoon (1 PM): 88°F (31.1°C)
• Evening (10 PM): 75°F (23.8°C)

Mornings are typically muggy and hot and have skies full of sunshine. Following with hotter temperatures, clouds, and frequent rain showers in the afternoon.

Evenings tend to cool off when the sun goes down. Humidity levels drop, and wind gusts are more common. However, keep in mind. Even though it cools down in the evenings, humidity levels will be high the following morning.

Resources for July | Save Money

While the crowds mostly dissipate in Key West in July, it’s still necessary to plan ahead and book your accommodation AND rental cars well in advance if you want to save money:

All of these links open in a new tab. They are incredibly useful for your Florida trip.

Water Temperature

June has ideal water temperatures in Florida, especially in Miami. The average ocean temperature is 84°F (28.8°C), with the minimum being 81°F (27.2°C) and the highest being 86°F (30°C).

Thanks to its southern geographical location, Key West has ideal swimming conditions for those who love the water and activities such as swimming, kayaking, SUP boarding, jet-skiing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and boating.

Keep in mind: June is the start of the Atlantic hurricane season. While hurricanes aren’t as frequent this early in the season, there is still potential.

Typically, there are topical storms that occur within a 100-mile radius of Key West, hence, the cause of severe thunderstorms in June.

What to Pack | What to Wear

Key West’s style is very casual. Comfortable clothing is most favored, and you will likely see island styles in every direction. Shorts and flip-flops are excepted almost everywhere, and it’s perfectly acceptable to throw a cover-up over your bathing suit and walk into stores.

During June in Key West, hot and humid temperatures make t-shirts, shorts, and sundresses your go-to items to wear. Keep a lightweight poncho or rainjacket handy, light weight is important so you can cram it into a daypack.

While the evenings cool down, it’s still pretty warm outside, so shorts are acceptable. A light jacket may be needed if you are likely to get cold easily.

Essential clothing items to bring:

• Sandals or Flip-flops
• Shorts
• Tanks & Cut-offs
• T-shirts & V-necks
• Lightweight raincoat or Poncho
• Sundresses
• Bathing Suit/Swim Trunks
• Bathing Suit Cover Ups

Additional items to pack for Key West in June:

• Sunscreen (It will be more expensive on the island due to high demand)
• Umbrella or poncho for rainfall.
• Hat or visor for extra protection at the beach.
• Sunglasses (invest in a good pair)
• Bug Spray (mosquitos come out in the evenings)
• Water Bottle – ALWAYS stay hydrated!
• Small backpack or fanny pack for the beach and day trips.
• Snorkeling gear (there are excellent snorkeling opportunities in Key West)
• Water shoes if you are planning on wading in the water.

Restaurant tip: When staying in Key West in June, we always keep a sweatshirt or light jacket handy for dining out in indoor restaurants. If you often get cold easily, you often need this when dining indoors, as the A/C is typically on high power due to hot temperatures outdoors.

Headache: We suggest bringing medicine for headaches during your trip to Key West in June. The heat in Florida, especially in Key West, is powerful. If you aren’t used to being in a warm climate, this could potentially put a damper on your vacation as it is likely to cause frequent headaches throughout the day.

Rates | Where to Stay

The rates in Key West in June are going to start declining after the high season in Spring. Due to increased rainfall, there are fewer visitors, resulting in cheaper prices. Visitors will find some of the most affordable accommodation options for Key West in June, with the exception of Pride Week, where rates increase for the celebration.

Key West Hotel Deals via booking.com (Tip: save the link and check rates frequently)

Depending on your preference and budget, you can find hostels starting at around $70 a night. Staying in an Airbnb averages around $270 a night (depending on the size), hotels average $177-$380 per night, and full home vacation rentals start at an average of $470 per night and go up from there.

Crowds

If you are looking to avoid the high crowds, June is a great time to visit Key West. High season runs from January-May, so most of the tourists have already come and gone, resulting in lower crowds.

The month of June is considered ‘hump month’ in Key West by locals. The island catches a break from tourists, and families are able to gather together in peace all over the island.

Keep in mind June is host to the Key West Pride Festival, and crowds will increase during this week-long celebration. Besides this event, Key West is a great place to visit in June if you want to avoid high crowds.

Beach crowds: Always remember, it is Florida, so beaches will always be somewhat crowded. In Key West, June is family time, and with the tourists gone, you will still find many families spending their mornings or watching the sunset on the beaches.

Places to Visit / Things to Do in June

This tropical paradise offers a variety of exciting and unique experiences which are especially great in June. Here are 7 great things to do in Key West that will make your trip unforgettable during this month.

Explore Key West Cemetery

The Key West Cemetery is known for its quirky and humorous epitaphs, ornate headstones, and interesting history. While a cemetery may not be your first choice of sightseeing spot, we always love to check out different cemeteries in new places that we visit.

You can take a self-guided tour like we did or join a guided tour to learn more about the cemetery’s past residents and their stories. Some of the most notable graves include Ernest Hemmingway, the first female cigar maker on the island, and victims of USS Maine.

Visit Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the loneliest and strangest national parks in the country. It’s a unique and remote destination that offers incredible natural beauty, rich history, and a sense of seclusion and solitude.

We loved taking a day trip to the park and had the best snorkeling experience here during our trip to Key West. We planned our trip for later in the afternoon and were able to enjoy a great sunset as well on the way back.

Visit The Shipwreck Treasure Museum

Pirates and shipwrecks are something that has fascinated us for our entire lives. So, if you’re interested in maritime history and treasure hunting, the Shipwreck Treasure Museum in Key West, Florida, is a must-visit attraction. The museum features interactive exhibits that tell the story of shipwrecks and treasure hunting in the Florida Keys. We saw authentic artifacts from historic shipwrecks and learned about the challenges and risks of salvaging ocean treasure.

Sunset Sail on Schooner America 2.0

Sailing on a tall ship in the turquoise waters of Key West is a magical experience. The Schooner America 2.0, a replica of the 19th-century racing yacht, offers an enchanting two-hour sunset sail. You’ll enjoy stunning views of the sun dipping below the horizon, accompanied by the gentle sound of the ocean breeze and the creaking of the wooden ship.

Special tip: To make your experience even more memorable, book a private sail for you and your loved ones. These private charters offer a personalized experience, allowing you to enjoy the sunset and the incredible views of Key West in a more intimate setting.

Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Cruise

The turquoise waters around Key West are home to a variety of marine life, including the playful Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. A dolphin watching and snorkeling cruise provides an unforgettable opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Afterward, you’ll be able to snorkel in the crystal-clear waters and explore the colorful coral reefs teeming with fish.

Special tip: Book your cruise early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the waters are calmer and the dolphins are more active. Don’t forget to bring an underwater camera to capture the amazing underwater world and memories of your encounter with the dolphins.

Explore the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

Literature lovers and history buffs alike will appreciate a visit to the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. This Spanish colonial-style house is where the famous author lived for over a decade, writing some of his most renowned works.

The museum showcases Hemingway’s life and career, featuring his personal belongings, rare photographs, and even the descendants of his famous six-toed cats.

Special tip: To enhance your experience, join a guided tour led by knowledgeable staff who share fascinating stories about Hemingway’s life in Key West. The tours run regularly throughout the day and are included in the admission price.

Many visitors, like me, only wanted to take a quick look first, but then fell into a world of their own imagination and reminisce of a by-gone era. I was really captured by the beauty of this historical property

Stroll Along Duval Street

Duval Street is the heart of Key West, lined with vibrant shops, art galleries, bars, and restaurants. A leisurely stroll down this iconic street offers a glimpse into the island’s unique culture and history. From the lively bars to the laid-back cafes, there’s always something happening on Duval Street.

Special tip: Plan your walk for late afternoon and into the evening, when the street comes alive with live music and entertainment. Be sure to stop by the famous Sloppy Joe’s Bar, once a favorite hangout of Hemingway, for a taste of the local atmosphere.

Visit the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a serene oasis filled with hundreds of colorful butterflies, tropical birds, and lush plants. Walking through the climate-controlled, glass-enclosed habitat provides a tranquil and educational experience, perfect for visitors of all ages.

Special tip: Be on the lookout for the “pupa room,” where you can witness the incredible transformation of butterflies emerging from their chrysalises. Additionally, the gift shop offers a range