When is the best time to visit the Florida Keys?

Northern Florida sits in a temperate climate zone with four seasons, including sub-zero temperatures and a chance of snow in winter. Central and southern areas like Miami and the Florida Keys have a tropical maritime climate and only two seasons: wet and dry).

The wet season is from June to November. Florida summers are generally very hot and humid with daily highs often reaching the mid-30s. It’s particularly hot and muggy down south from mid-August to mid-October, and there's also a risk of hurricanes.

The dry season is from December to May. It's dry and sunny throughout most of the state with average highs of 24°C in the south and a cooler 18°C in the north.

December to March is typically the best time to visit for good weather. The temperature is pleasant and the humidity is bearable. The coldest month is January, but with highs of 24°C and lows of 10°C, it's still pretty warm.

December through February is the busiest time in the Keys. The subtropical weather is very alluring for folks in colder states of the USA who are looking for a winter vacation. Things quieten down at the end of February, but it’s back in full swing in March when throngs of college students arrive for spring break.

Despite the bigger crowds and higher prices, there’s a great vibe in the Keys during the high season with plenty of food, music and art festivals to enjoy, including:

• The Key Largo Boat Parade (December)

• Key Largo and Islamorada Food and Wine Festival (January)

• Key West Food and Wine Festival (January)

• Original Marathon Seafood Festival (March)

• St. Patricks Day Parade (March)

• Seven Mile Bridge Run in (March/April)

• Conch Republic Independence Day (April)

July and August are the hottest months with average highs of 32°C, while September is the wettest. The peak of storm season from mid-August to mid-October coincides with the quietest period in the Keys.

If you don’t mind rocking the sweaty look and ducking in for cover during thunderstorms, you can still visit in the wet season. You might even bag cheaper prices at restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions. Ensure you check daily forecasts, follow the local weather advice and pack a rain poncho… you’ll need it!

April to late May is the sweet spot to avoid throngs of tourists and stormy weather. Winter sun seekers head home, spring breakers return to college and the hurricane season is yet to arrive.

Temperatures hover between a comfortable 22°C to 28°C in April and creep up to 30°C in May. The waters are also prime for swimming, snorkelling and diving.