Welcome to the heart of hurricane season. But it’s still a great time to visit Key West. Just plan accordingly…. be flexible. You may have to reschedule or cancel. But, if the weather cooperates, September is a great time to visit Key West. School is back in session and the crowds are still thin. I say it’s the lull before the holiday season. So, what are the best things to do in Key West in September? Let’s find out.
Weather
What can we expect with Key West weather? Hopefully, no hurricanes. But there is always a chance of tropical storms … and yikes, even a hurricane. That said, the average temperature is 86 degrees, and only drops to an average low of 80 degrees at night. Still on the warmer side as the humidity is still high. Days can be sticky and nights not much cooler.
Looking for clear blue sunny days? September is overcast or mostly cloudy over 20 days a month and expect, on average over 3 inches of rain.
Heading out to enjoy the waters around Key West? The water will still be warm with an average water temperature around 87 degrees.
Overall Month of September Vibe
The month of September is the best time to explore Key West. Hotel rooms, fingers crossed, have dropped a bit in price and the heat of the summer months is starting to move on. This time of year in the Conch Republic is filled with lots of activities. Top things to do?
Check out the amazing waters around Key West. Go snorkeling around the coral reef, dolphin watch, or even head out for a romantic sunset cruise.
Water Activities you must check out in Key West
The daylight hours during September are still long enough to enjoy a day filled with fun and then head out at night and explore Duval Street and all the live music it offers.
Wander around Old Town. Take a walking tour, or just wander the side streets and enjoy the blooming tropical flowers. A popular event in September is Brewfest. Always around Labor Day weekend, its a fun event for any beer lover.
Top things in Key West not to miss
Activities in September
Key West Brewfest
Fans of beers and ales can sample about 150 of them while also discovering the flavors of the continental United States’ southernmost island. Activities ‘on tap’ include brew-focused dinners, pool parties and brunches, the lavish BrewFest Tasting Festival held Saturday on Key West’s South Beach and other enticements.
Mel Fisher Days Commemorates 400 Years of the Nuestra Senora de Atocha
Enjoy film screenings, live and silent auctions, a speakers symposium, banquet dinner and more. Meet the Fisher family and their favorite treasured authors of books exploring the shipwrecks treasures for which Mel Fisher is famous for. Complete events schedule online. Events are both free and ticketed, open to the public. All net profits go to Keys charities.
Womenfest Key West
The popular festival for lesbians and their friends is designed to allow singles, couples and groups of women to experience the atmosphere of openness and acceptance that has made Key West an internationally acclaimed lesbian and gay vacation destination.
Women’s Fest 2022: Girly Burly Burlesque Show
Staged in the Listening Room at the Key West Theater, the intimate evening of bump and grind beauties stars Tatah DuJour, Mona Amour, and the Key West Burlesque dancers, and is co-hosted by local comedian, Gwen Filosa. Special guest performances by Sheba Queen of the Night and drag king sensation, Kevin Dixon make this a “one night only” performance not to be missed. Doors open 7:30 p.m., show starts 8 p.m. Tickets start at $35 pp.
KWAHS Happy Hour with the Historian
From 5-6 p.m., raise a toast to Key West history with Key West Art & Historical Society Curator and Historian Cori Convertito, Ph.D., who is to present the evening’s topic, “Writers in Paradise: Key West’s Literary Community.” Explore the long tradition of artists, poets, authors, and playwrights being lured to Key West. Event held at at Comedy Key West, 218 Whitehead St. Limited to 75 attendees; $12 for KWAHS members, $15 for non-members.
Native Plant Sale at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden
The plant nursery will be offering native trees, shrubs, vegetables and vines for sale from 9 a.m. to noon. Master Gardener volunteers will be on site to help answer any plant questions. There are 165 species of plants available with an inventory totaling more than 2,000 plants that attract birds and butterflies in 1-gallon to 10-gallon pots. Key West Botanical Garden members receive a discount. The Garden, located at 5210 College Road on Stock Island, is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation and all proceeds directly benefit the Garden’s conservation program.
Smithsonian Magazine’s Free Museum Day
The Key West Museum of Art & History and the Tennessee Williams Museum are to open their doors free of charge to all Museum Day ticketholders, as part of Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day. The annual event allows museums, zoos and cultural centers from all 50 states to emulate the spirit of the Smithsonian Institution’s Washington, D.C.-based facilities, which offer free admission every day.
Comedy Key West Presents: Comedian Landry
Hosted by Tom Dustin (Comedy Central, Winner of the Great Canadian Laugh-Off), Comedy Key West presents Comedian Landry who will be performing with Key West local comedians. Landry is the winner of the Boston Comedy Festival and the World Series of Comedy. With a smile that lights up a room and a personality to match, there is no telling what great things this young performer will achieve. Show starts 8:30 p.m. Comedy Key West is located at 218 Whitehead St.
Key West Bicentennial Exhibit at The Custom House Museum
Key West Art & Historical Society welcomes the public to view the ‘Key West 200’ exhibit at the Custom House Museum, 281 Front St. The exhibit is to highlight Key West’s people, culture and community beginning with the settlers and government officials who arrived on this remote island in early 1822, featuring rarely displayed artifacts. Divided by decade, the exhibit emphasizes many of the significant moments and people that have influenced so much of what we celebrate today.
Florida Keys History & Discovery Center presents: The Study of Water Exhibition
The Florida Keys are an island oasis nestled in a sea of water. The Study of Water reveals four differing artistic expressions and intimate connections with water. Throughout the exhibition, each artist provides individual interpretations and personal associations with water. The works collectively reveal how water provides nourishment, sanctuary, and healing. Featured artists include South Florida and Florida Keys artists: Castro Humberto, Jul Jankowski, Derrick Crossland, and Lisa Lee Herman. Exhibit is open during business hours Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm as part of museum admission through October 2, 2022. A gallery opening reception is to be held Aug. 24 from 5-7 pm. Admission is free and cash bar available.
Kids Free Florida Keys
Through Oct. 16, families can explore Florida Keys attractions, tours, watersports and other offerings with a value-added program that provides free admission or opportunities for children ages 12 and under. Download coupons for visits to nature-themed and historic attractions, restaurants and activities ranging from snorkel tours to aquarium explorations. The site features links to participating businesses and information about their offerings. Each child must be accompanied by at least one paying adult. Presented by the Key West Attractions Association.
Swim for Alligator Lighthouse
Individuals, two- and four-person relay teams have up to seven hours to complete the eight-mile roundtrip course. The course features an in-water start and a beach finish, ending shoreside during this tropical open-water swimming event.
