April in Key West: Sunshine, Sea Temps, and Slightly Fewer Tourists
Ahhh, April in Key West. Spring is in the air, we’ve sprung ahead, and the Florida sun hasn’t yet cranked itself up to “hottest day of the year” mode. You’ve still got that mild temperatures magic, a refreshing breeze off the water, and—bonus!—fewer people fighting you for the last slice of key lime pie. So what’s Key West weather like in April? How’s the UV index? And, for the love of sunhats, how should you pack? Buckle up, friend—we’ve got all the climate data and sunny sarcasm you need.
The Month of April: A Florida Keys Sweet Spot
April is officially off peak season here in the Florida Keys. The spring break crowd is tapering off, the snowbirds have flown north (bless ‘em), and we’re floating somewhere between “busy enough for live music” and “I can actually find parking at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park.”
This means lower prices, more room at the bar, and a compact characterization of the hourly average temperatures that scream “pleasant weather.” (Okay fine, that just means it’s comfy, but still—fancy words make it sound cooler.)
Key West Weather in April: Sunshine Served Daily
According to every weather station and all the statistical data we can find (shoutout to the University of East Anglia and their nerdy weather models), April brings:
- Average high temperature: 82°F
- Minimum temperatures: Around 65°F
- Maximum temperatures: 86°F (bring your sandals, but maybe leave the parka)
- Dew point: Comfy. Not “Florida in August” sticky.
- Humidity: A not-gross 60-70%.
- Average wind vector: Breezy but not hurricane-style.
- Rainy days: Around 3, totaling 2-3 inches of rain for the whole month.
Let’s be real: April’s the dry season MVP. It’s before the Atlantic hurricane season, but after the chill of our coldest month (January). So while it’s not the hottest month (that’s August), it is prime time for enjoying all those outdoor activities without sweat dripping into your piña colada.
Water Temperature = Swimmable Bliss
Wondering if you’ll freeze in the water? Don’t. The average sea temperature in the month of April is a balmy 77.7°F. That’s hot-tub adjacent! On any given day, you’re looking at a range from 75.8°F to 79.6°F. Basically, Mother Nature is telling you to jump in and float around like a blissed-out manatee.
April’s warm temperatures and clear skies make it a great time for water activities like snorkeling, parasailing, or just pretending to be a mermaid. Plus, with around 13 hours of sunshine and longer daylight hours inching toward summer, you’ve got time to do it all—then dry off with a sunset drink.
Speaking of Sunshine: Let’s Talk Skies
April is one of the clearest months here. We’re talking an 82% chance of clear skies, which means the sunsets? Yeah, they’re borderline spiritual experiences. The occasional cloud cameo just makes them better. More clouds = more color. (It’s the watercolor-painting logic of the tropics.)
So if you’re looking for the clearest day of the month, odds are good you’ll find it here. Want those intense colors for your Instagram sunset shots? Schedule your trip around the end of the month and thank me later.
What to Pack? A Few Pro Tips
- Bathing suits. Yes, plural.
- Reef-safe sunscreen (because UV index).
- A light sweater for breezy evenings in the lower Keys.
- Comfy shoes for historic sites and bike rides.
- Your best “I just escaped the coldest day of the year” vacation hat.
Where to Go & What to Do
Need some Key West experiences to pair with that good weather? We’ve got you:
Dry Tortugas National Park
A day trip to this stunning collection of small islands is a must. April’s warm water temps and fewer tourists make it the best time of year to visit. Snorkel the crystal-clear reefs, explore Fort Jefferson, and wave to the sea turtles (they appreciate it, promise). No need for a car—hop on the ferry or take a seaplane and embrace that island-life fantasy.
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
Looking for natural beauty, mild waves, and some solid history? Fort Zach is where it’s at. Stretch out on the beach, explore the fort, and catch one of those sunny days turning into a fiery sunset. Just wear your beach shoes—the sand has commitment issues and prefers being gravel.
Conch Republic Independence Celebration
Happening near the end of the month, this quirky, iconic Key West festival is the best kind of nonsense. Think costumes, a mock sea battle, parades, and more. If April has a peak time, this is it.
Bonus Weather Nerd Stuff
In case you’re into model reconstructions, here’s your fun fact fix:
- Windiest month: November (14 mph average)
- Least windy: July (9 mph average)
- Wettest month: September (5+ inches of rain)
- Driest month: February (1.5 inches—blink and you’ll miss it)
- Longest day: June 21. But April days? Still long and lovely.
Oh, and we get 104 fully sunny days a year, with 155 partly sunny ones. That’s 259 days of good weather, which is basically the universe telling you to come visit.
Final Thoughts (and a Toast to April)
April in Key West is that perfect sweet spot where the average highs aren’t melting your flip-flops, the water temperature is whispering your name, and the tropical storms haven’t RSVP’d to the party yet.
So whether you’re craving outdoor adventures, epic sunsets, beachside cocktails, or just a few dry days to wander Duval Street in search of the perfect conch fritter, April is a great time to come soak up the sunshine.
And if you’re looking for a weekly fix of holiday inspiration, we’ve got you covered. Come for the pleasant weather, stay for the sunsets, and remember: Key West International Airport is ready when you are.
If you want to explore the beautiful places up the keys – check out this tour.
History of Diving Museum: Art Exhibit – Fintastic Fish of Florida – Until April 16, 2025
The History of Diving Museum’s latest featured exhibit, “Dive Into Art: Fintastic Fish of Florida” is on display through April 16. The exhibit features artistic creations from students across the Keys, as well as from the Art Guild of the Purple Isles. These works focus on the diverse fish of the Florida coast, along with sustainable fishing, aquaculture, and conservation.
Key West Art & Historical Society: Collecting Key West – The Works of Mario Sanchez – until May 18, 2025
Mario Sanchez (1908-2005), a Key West native, is among this country’s finest and most-recognized folk artists. In hundreds of intricately painted wood carvings created in a lifelong labor of love, Sanchez has provided a better history of Key West in the first part of the 20th century than any annals or academic texts. His bas-relief carvings, or intaglios, are a visual feast filled with the music, smells and passion of Gato’s Village, the Cuban-American community of Key West where Sanchez spent much of his life. In the carvings, each person, chicken, dog and fish has its own singular expression, attitude and identity. The exhibit is on display at the Custom House Museum daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 281 Front St.
Truman Waterfront Farmers Market – Every Thursday – until September 25, 2025
Shop with a view every Thursday from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Truman Waterfront Farmers Market located on the harbor by the USCG Ingham Museum. Find great food options including ready-to-eat items, fresh Florida produce and other grocery items, along with gifts, home decor, art and more. Located at the corner of Southard Street and Weech Way.
Studios of Key West: A Fifty Year Retrospective with Works by David Wegman – April 3- 4, 2025
Long-time resident and self-described pirate David Wegman epitomizes Key West’s bohemian spirit. His artwork vividly portrays his seafaring life, bringing to life the vibrant places he has explored and the colorful characters he has encountered along the way. 533 Eaton St.
Spanish Fly Shark Tournament – April 3- 5, 2025
The 2nd annual Spanish Fly Shark Tournament comes to Key West Yacht Club, 2315 N. Roosevelt Blvd. with another exciting event dedicated to gathering data on the bull shark population in the Keys. The tournament action is to be filmed for broadcast by Outdoor America. All captains or boat owners must have an HMS permit with a shark endorsement.
Studios of Key West: First Thursday Open House – April 3
Studios of Key West invites all to visit during First Thursday Open House, where art, conversation and community come alive after hours. Wander through the galleries showcasing the newest exhibitions, sip drinks under the stars at the Hugh’s Rooftop terrace, and explore the creativity in the third-floor artist studios. Take in the vibrant energy, connect with fellow art lovers, and discover hidden gems at Books & Books. Mingle, marvel, or make memories!
Key West Woman’s Club: Historic Days Celebrations – April 4 – 6, 2025
Celebrate Keys West’s rich history and honor the remarkable women who shape the island for over 110 years. Participate in historic commemorations, music events, receptions, theater productions and parties including a High Tea of Years Gone By.
Key West Theater: Awaken, the Music of YES – April 6
Since 2018, Awaken has provided its fans with the most authentic live YES show in the world by performing YES music the way the fans remember it. By combining elements from the original studio recordings along with the inspirational power of past live YES performances, AWAKEN provides a truly authentic and dramatic musical experience. Doors open at 7 p.m.; show at 8 p.m. 512 Eaton St.
Key West Theater: Tab Benoit – April 10 -11, 2025
Delta blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Tab Benoit comes to Key West Theater for a two-night run April 10 and 11 along with Sierra Green and the Giants. Doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m.
Key West Outdoor Movies – April 11
Key West Outdoor Movies presents a family-friendly film (to be named) in honor of Earth Day at the parade grounds at Fort East Martello, 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd. The grounds open at 5 p.m. with free admission. Food and drink will be available for sale by vendors onsite, and there will be free popcorn and activities for all. Bring low chairs or a blanket. The movie starts at dusk.
Truman Waterfront Park: Mote Marine’s Ocean Fest – April 12
Underwater and outdoor enthusiasts, ecotravelers and families are encouraged to celebrate the marine environment at Mote’s Ocean Fest: A Community Celebration. Proceeds and donations from the festival support Mote Marine Laboratory’s coral reef restoration and research programs. From 10 a.m.–3 p.m. in Truman Waterfront Park, 0 Southard St., enjoy a fun day of crafts, games, music, food, local brews (for ages 21+) and shopping, and explore conservation and environmental exhibits. Meet Mote scientists along with other conservation and environmental organizations from around Florida, and learn about the work they are doing and how you can help.
Sheriff’s Animal Farm Open House – April 13
The family-friendly Monroe County Sheriff’s Animal Farm, open the second and fourth Sundays of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. celebrates Easter on the Farm on Sunday, April 13. Kids can visit with the Easter Bunny, enjoy an egg hunt and there is to be live local music. Animals include a capybara, possum, sloths, goats, birds and many others. Free admission, but donations of cash or fresh produce are always welcomed. Stock Island Detention Center, 5501 College Rd.
Key West Theater: The Magic of Motown – April 13
A journey through Motown’s best including music of The Temptations, The Jackson 5, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson and more. Doors open 6 p.m., show 7 p.m. 512 Eaton St.
Studios of Key West: John McCutcheon in Concert – April 15- 16, 2025
Praised as “folk music’s Rustic Renaissance Man,” John McCutcheon bring his multi-instrumentalist, songwriting and performing talents to the Studio’s Helmerich Theater April 15 at 7 p.m. and April 16 at 8 p.m.
Connections Project: A Mosaic of the Keys Pop-Up at Royal Furniture Showroom – April 16 – 17, 2025
The Florida Keys Council of the Arts Connections Project spotlights visual and performing artists throughout Monroe County at a series of pop-up events. View this year’s artful mosaic of almost 100 unique canvases created by Keys artists along with performances by talented musicians at 5:30 p.m. at Royal Furniture Showroom, 3326 N. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West, on April 16, 17 and 21.
Walk on White Third Thursday Art Walk – April 17
Explore an array of arts-focused offerings at more than 20 locations showcasing the works of painters, photographers, sculptors, ceramic and mixed media artists, and artisan jewelry makers at this monthly third Thursday event from 6 to 9 p.m. Take in views of beautiful island architecture, exhibit openings, creative demonstrations, musical, literary and performance offerings and complimentary libations. White Street between Southard and United Streets.
Conch Republic Independence Celebration – April 18 – 27, 2025
The Conch Republic was born on April 23, 1982 in response to a U.S. Border Patrol Blockade of the Florida Keys. Since the U.S. insisted on treating the Keys like a foreign country, Mayor Dennis Wardlow seceded from the Union. Today we stand proudly as a community of who have a “Sovereign State Of Mind” and as the “People who seceded where others have failed.” Celebration activities include parties, commemorative water tours including harbor sails, the staging of the “Great Sea Battle of the Conch Republic,” bed races on Duval Street, film screenings and much more.
Earth Day 5k Run/Walk – April 19
The Key West Southernmost Runners’ 26th annual Earth Day 5k Run/Walk takes place Saturday at Truman Waterfront Park at the end of Southard St. The start and finish line is near the U.S .Coast Guard Cutter Ingham Maritime Museum. Proceeds from the race benefit the Conch Republic Marine Army, a local non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to cleaning and restoring the shallow mangrove habitats of the Florida Keys.
Cow Key Bridge Hop– April 20
Dress as a cow and hop like a bunny across the Cow Key Channel Bridge at High Noon on April 20. It’s not far, this is a Zero-K run. The Golden Cow award ceremony and after party follows at Key West Sail & Power Squadron, 5205 College Rd. with live music, adult beverages and more. Proceeds benefit the Sheriff’s Animal Farm.
Connections Project: A Mosaic of the Keys Pop-Up at Royal Furniture Showroom – April 21
The Florida Keys Council of the Arts Connections Project spotlights visual and performing artists throughout Monroe County at a series of pop-up events. View this year’s artful mosaic of almost 100 unique canvases created by Keys artists along with performances by talented musicians at 5:30 p.m. at Royal Furniture Showroom, 3326 N. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West.
Fringe Theater: Key West Characters – More True Stories – April 23 – 24, 2025
More True Stories of Key West. The show brings back some of everyone’s favorites and introduces you to new true Key West Characters. Shows start at 7 p.m. at Williams Hall, 729 Fleming St.
Key West Literary Seminar: Elizabeth Bishop’s Postcards – A Conversation with the Curators – April 25
Join Arlo Haskell, Executive Director of Key West Literary Seminar; Ronald Patkus, Head of Special Collections and College Historian at Vassar College; and curators Jonathan Ellis of the University of Sheffield and Susan Rosenbaum of the University of Georgia, for a conversation in the Bishop Garden about the exhibition, composed of 55 postcards drawn from Vassar’s collection of more than 500. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 624 White St.
Tropic Cinema: Movies Under the Stars – Spaceballs – April 26
Don’t miss the monthly free Movies Under the Stars screening – this month, the movie is Spaceballs. The film will be presented free for all, outdoors on Eaton Street. Bring chairs or blankets for seating. Concessions are to be available in the theater lobby. The film begins a half hour after sunset. 416 Eaton St.
Sheriff’s Animal Farm Open House – April 27
Visit the family-friendly Monroe County Sheriff’s Animal Farm, open the second and fourth Sundays of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. Animals include a capybara, possum, sloths, goats, birds and many more. Visits are free of charge, but donations of cash or fresh produce are always welcomed. Stock Island Detention Center, 5501 College Rd.
