Key West in May
In May, Key West averages 27°C (81°F) during the day and 25°C (78°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 18 days of the month see precipitation (93 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
May offers comfortable temperatures in Key West, with some rain to plan around.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Key West
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Key West (6th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (7th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C above the annual average (26°C). May runs 1°C warmer than April (26°C) and warms a further 2°C into June (29°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Key West
Times shown for Key West local time (America/New_York), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Key West — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Key West's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Key West in May
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 May's tier (Shoulder) and Key West's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May 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.
Sun & mosquito risk — May 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 — May
Across the year Key West's sea swings from 24.2°C (January) to 31.4°C (August) — May sits at 28.8°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 May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Key West in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Key West in May?
In May, Key West averages a high of 27°C (81°F) and a low of 25°C (78°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Key West in May?
May is quite rainy in Key West, with about 18 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Key West?
May is warm but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Key West in May?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Key West for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.