Key West in January
In January, Key West averages 23°C (73°F) during the day and 20°C (69°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 16 days of the month see precipitation (52 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
January offers comfortable temperatures in Key West, with some rain to plan around.
How January compares to the rest of the year in Key West
January is one of the coolest months in Key West (12th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (8th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 4°C below the annual average (26°C). January runs 1°C cooler than December (24°C) and warms a further 1°C into February (24°C).
January sunrise & sunset in Key West
Times shown for Key West local time (America/New_York), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Key West — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Key West's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Key West in January
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on January's tier (Shoulder) and Key West's popularity.
January in United States — events that affect travel
Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.
Major travel surge plus widespread Dec 24-26 and Jan 1 business closures.
Plan: Book flights and hotels well ahead; expect many restaurants/shops closed Dec 25 and Jan 1.
Crowds & pricing — January in Key West
Key West is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — January in Key West
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Sea temperature in Key West — January
Across the year Key West's sea swings from 24.2°C (January) to 31.4°C (August) — January sits at 24.2°C.
Key West in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23°C / 73°F | 20°C / 69°F | 52 mm | 16 | — |
| February | 24°C / 74°F | 22°C / 71°F | 30 mm | 13 | — |
| March | 24°C / 76°F | 23°C / 73°F | 34 mm | 14 | — |
| April | 26°C / 78°F | 24°C / 76°F | 40 mm | 15 | — |
| May | 27°C / 81°F | 25°C / 78°F | 93 mm | 18 | — |
| June | 29°C / 83°F | 27°C / 80°F | 116 mm | 24 | — |
| July | 30°C / 85°F | 28°C / 82°F | 91 mm | 23 | — |
| August | 30°C / 85°F | 28°C / 82°F | 109 mm | 25 | — |
| September | 29°C / 84°F | 27°C / 81°F | 159 mm | 26 | — |
| October | 28°C / 82°F | 26°C / 79°F | 132 mm | 25 | — |
| November | 26°C / 78°F | 24°C / 75°F | 76 mm | 19 | — |
| December | 24°C / 76°F | 22°C / 72°F | 56 mm | 14 | — |
Other cities with similar January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Key West in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Key West in January?
In January, Key West averages a high of 23°C (73°F) and a low of 20°C (69°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Key West in January?
January is quite rainy in Key West, with about 16 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Key West?
January is mild and pleasant but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Key West in January?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full January packing list for Key West for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.