April is so much fun. Spring is in the air, we’ve sprung ahead, and the heat of the summer Florida sun hasn’t set in yet. As with any month, there is so much to do in Key West and April is no exception. But, the first question we always get is… what’s Key West weather in April? How do I pack? Will I get rained out? Let’s jump right in.
April is off peak season. The snowbirds have headed North and the island is a bit quieter. The high season usually runs from December through March and you’ll see a lot more visitors on the island. But, still, if that’s the time that works best for you to visit, come on down.
The average temperature range for April is 65 to 86 degrees. The average high temperature is 82 degrees and the lows at night rarely dip below 60 degrees. The fun part about this time of year, the days are starting to get longer. There’s pleasant weather and very few cold fronts to contend with during April.
In contrast, the hottest month is August with average high temperatures of around 89 degrees. The coldest month is January with average temperatures topping out around 74 degrees. In the summer months, the humidity can top 100% .. yep sticky and hot. But April offers a nice range of 60 to 70% humidity. This, of course, is the comfort level as measured by the dew point. But, understanding the heat of Florida, the month of April is not a humid month.
Daylight hours start off at 12 hours and 20ish minutes and end with over 13 hours of daylight. This means you have a lot of time to explore Key West without feeling rushed to the sunset celebration. If heading out onto the water is one of those activities, you will find the water temperature to be in a comfortable range of 76 to 78 degrees. We all know the longest day is June 21… but even if you are visiting during the shorter winter months, you will find lots of stuff to do.
What about rainy days? The average inches of rain for April is around 2. Rarely more than 3 inches. Overall, you can expect maybe 3 days of rain for the month. It’s a great time to enjoy Key West before the tropical storms of the summer appear and the Atlantic Hurricane season starts.
What months offer the most and least amount of clouds? June is the cloudiest month and March is the least. Why is this important? If you are wanting clouds to show off the amazing sunset colors, or want no clouds to interfere with your water views.. those are the months to plan to visit Key West and the Florida Keys.
Sunny days? Well, on average Key West sees 104 sunny days a year and 155 partly sunny days. So, it’s always a good time to visit. My advice? Always check the weather forecast, but know rainy days usually don’t last all day and of course, there is always something to do in Key West.
Interesting weather facts
- Windiest Month – November – average speed 14 mph
- Least windest month – July – average speed 9 mph
- Driest Month – February with an average rainfall of 1.5 inches
- Wettest Month – September with over 5 inches of rain
A quick travel tip… if flying into Key West International airport, skip the car rental line. Head to your hotel and don’t worry about a car. Key West is so walkable, and parking a car to way too expensive. If you want to explore the beautiful places up the keys – check out this tour.
Now that you have a better idea of the weather… what’s happening in Key West for April? Let’s see!
One of the great events held in April is the Conch Republic Independence Celebration. It’s multiple days of fun, festivities and so much more held toward the end of the month. – Check out the events here. If April had a peak time, this would probably be it.
Key West Theater. Roaring Hot Jazz – April 1
Key West’s “Roaring Hot Jazz” band presents “Legends of Swing” on Saturday, April 1st. The night begins with a tribute to Django Reinhardt–the father of Gypsy Jazz– before moving into a 1940’s Benny Goodman-style quintet with hits from the swing era. This dynamic evening will culminate in a special tribute to New Orleans and Sidney Bechet – the grandfather of improvisational jazz – with an eight-piece traditional jazz brass band. This will be an epic night of music history not to be missed. Doors open at 7; show starts at 8 p.m. Key West Theater, 512 Eaton Street.
Keys to Country at Hawk’s Cay Resort – March 31 – April 1, 2023
Hawk’s Cay Resort on Duck Key presents the “Keys to Country” concert and resort package starring Tyler Farr & Friends appearing live over two days. Headliner Tyler Farr has three No. 1 songs — “Redneck Crazy,” “Whiskey in My Water,” and “A Guy Walks Into a Bar.” Other artists in the lineup include Marti Frederiksen, Kylie Sackley, Shane Stevens, Karyn Rochelle, Ronnie Bowman and Clint Daniels. The two-day event is limited to resort guests who book the Keys to Country package.
31st Annual Florida Keys Island Fest – April 1 – 2, 2023
Island Fest returns to Islamorada with a juried art show, live music, vendors, food and drinks, sand castle building contest, classic cars and more. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring the Taste of Islamorada competition. Event is outdoors at Founders Park, mile marker 87 bayside. Parking is available for a $5 donation.
Key West Fishing Tournament – until July 31, 2023
More than 40 species of fish are targeted during the multi-month tournament, with divisions for men, women, junior anglers (ages 10 to 15) and Pee Wees (under 10 years old). The Key West Fishing Tournament strongly encourages the release of game fish. All participating anglers receive certificates noting their catches and qualify for a variety of prizes.
Key West Art & Historical Society: Bahama Village – Relics of a Fading Community – Until May 21, 2023
Bahama Village, in the westernmost portion of the city, was a neighborhood comprised of Black Bahamians and Black Cubans, Chinese, and other groups of color. In this exhibition, their history and stories are woven together through various events that shaped the Black and Indigenous cultures of Key West. “Bahama Village: Relics of a Fading Community” contains never-before-on-view objects that tell the inspiring history, culture and contributions of the island’s Black residents. The exhibition is an excellent activity to honor the island’s Black residents during Black History Month. 281 Front Street, Key West. The exhibition has been extended through May 21.
Monday & Tuesday Evening GLOW Hours at Hugh’s Rooftop – Until October 24, 2023
The Studios of Key West’s Hugh’s Rooftop offers the best views in town and an ideal spot to catch the sunset and a drink on Monday and Tuesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. The bar is open, admission is free. Capacity is limited, so come early. 533 Eaton Street.
Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation Easter Egg Roll – April 1
The sixth annual Easter Egg Roll at the Harry S. Truman Little White House is free to the public. Along with the traditional Easter Egg Roll, guests will enjoy arts and craft activities, refreshments, and photos with the Easter Bunny. Each child will be given a commemorative wooden Easter egg. 9 to 11 a.m. 201 Front Street.
Hemingway’s Cocktails in the Stream: A Journey Through “Papa” Hemingway’s Life in Key West & Cuba – April 1
Join Hemingway Rum Co. Distillery and award-winning author and cocktail historian Philip Greene for a night of Hemingway history, storytelling and cocktails. Phil is to present details of Hemingway’s storied life and times in Key West and Cuba, accompanied by hand-crafted Papa’s Pilar cocktails including the Hemingway Daiquiri, the Cayo Hueso la Floridita, the Josie Russell and the Rum Collins. The event takes place in the Hemingway Library at the Rum Distillery, 201 Simonton Street, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets $54, available online. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Key West Art & Historical Society.
Seven Mile Bridge Run – April 1
The 42nd Annual Seven Mile Bridge Run takes place Saturday. Motorists need to be aware that the bridge will close in both directions from 6 a.m. to 9 a..m. Saturday morning. This year the race starts early at 6:45 a.m. Law enforcement will open the bridge to traffic promptly at 9 a.m. The race is a bucket list adventure for the field of 1,500 runners who participate.
Shakedown on the Green – Key West Island Market – April 1
All are welcome the first Saturday of every month for the new Shakedown on the Green Key West Island Market, located on the Sunset Green Lawn at 3820 N. Roosevelt. This is a family-friendly, Key West Island Market featuring local goods, artists, food trucks and more. Free admission and free parking. $5 mimosas available.
Red Barn Theatre: Short Attention Span Theatre – April 4 – 9, 2023
One of Red Barn Theatre’s favorites each year, “Short Attention Span Theatre” is a funny and fast-paced evening filled with pertinent and hilarious short plays, helmed by a group of directors guiding a big handful of favorite Key West actors. You never know what you’ll see next at “Short Attention Span Theatre!” Order tickets online or at the box office. Showtime 8 p.m. 319 Duval Street.
The Waterfront Playhouse – Three Tall Women – April 5 – 22, 2023
Winner of the 1994 Pulitzer Prize. “A perfect illustration of why theater is an indispensable art.” – NY Times
The Studios of Key West: First Thursday Open House – April 6
The public is welcome for the April First Thursday Open House event, when The Studios keeps it lights on late and doors open to celebrate the newest work in all of its galleries. Stop in to say hello, relax with a glass of wine on the rooftop terrace, tour the third floor artist studios and see the just-installed April gallery exhibitions by artists Bria Ansara, Leif & Loren Ilvedson, David Berg and Horace O’Bryant Students. 6 to 8 p.m. 533 Eaton Street.
The Studios of Key West: Robert Capa & The Hemingway Image – April 6
Brian Carso explores the complicated relationship between preeminent war photographer Robert Capa and Ernest Hemingway, whom he met during the Spanish Civil War. Carso’s illustrated lecture offers compelling insights into the creation of the Hemingway image, both the recognizable pictorial image and the hyper-masculine reputation that informs the popular conception of Hemingway. Tickets $20. 4 to 5:30 p.m. Afterwards, stay for the monthly First Thursday open house to explore the new April exhibitions in the Studio’s galleries. 533 Eaton Street.
Keys Concerts by Candlelight: “Classic Rock vs Classics that Rock” – April 8
The concert, played by string quartet, is a unique musical experience that features classic rock songs by Led Zeppelin, Queen, The Beatles, and David Bowie, and classical music by Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and more. The intimate evening of music is led by Southernmost Chamber Music Society member and violinist, Irie Monte, and is hosted by comedian Steve Crane. Tennessee Williams Theatre Cabaret. 5901 College Rd.
Connections Project: Mural on Display in Big Pine Key – Until 14, 2023
The Florida Keys Council of the Arts’ Connections Project mural road show is underway in the Lower Keys. This year’s mosaic of 300 small paintings by Keys artists celebrates the Keys’ unique history and bicentennial with the theme “Pirates to Pineapples in Paradise – 200 Years in Monroe County.” The mural will be on display at the Artists in Paradise Gallery at 221 Key Deer Blvd. in Big Pine Key through April 14.
Fringe Theater: The Other Place – April 12 – 22, 2023
A successful neurologist is on the brink of revolutionizing brain research when life begins to become unhinged. Described as “poignant and haunting.” Tickets $35 and $50. Showtime 7 p.m., 600 White Street.
The Studios of Key West: I Confess – April 13 – 15, 2023
Inspired by “Confessional” by Tennessee Williams, Hurricane Alaina’s “I Confess” brings to light the things that we fear about ourselves, but often have in common with our neighbor. The result is exciting, funny, devastating and cathartic. For the Key West incarnation of her piece, Hurricane Alaina, co-producer of “The Tennessee Williams Project” weaves confessions from locals into her existing script. The philosophy of “I Confess” is that everyone has a secret, and the artists on stage are relying on the audience to hear the messages, in order to release them. Tickets start at $60. 8 p.m. showings Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. 533 Eaton Street.
NAS Key West Southernmost Air Show Spectacular – April 15 – 16, 2023
The U.S. Navy flight demonstration team Blue Angels and other military and civilian aerial performances will fill the skies at this free-admission, family friendly event celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Navy’s presence in Key West. In addition to the Blue Angels, aerial demonstrations by military and civilian performers, and static military and vintage aircraft are planned. Gates open at 10 a.m. both days. Air show starts at 11 a.m. with Blue Angels flying at 2:30 p.m. VIP and preferred seating options are available for purchase. Free parking.
The Studios of Key West: Jake Shimagukuro in Concert – April 18
While versatility for any musician is impressive, what’s remarkable about Shimabukuro’s transcendent skills is how he explores his seemingly limitless vocabulary – whether it’s jazz, rock, blues, bluegrass, folk or even classical – on perhaps the unlikeliest of instruments: the ‘ukulele. The Hawaii-born virtuoso is often called “the Jimi Hendrix of the ‘ukulele.”
Connections Project: Key West Opening Celebration – April 20
The Florida Keys Council of the Arts’ Connections Project mural road show is underway, and this location is its final stop. This year’s mosaic of 300 small paintings by Keys artists celebrates the Keys’ unique history and bicentennial with the theme “Pirates to Pineapples in Paradise – 200 Years in Monroe County.” The mural debuts at the Florida Keys Council of the Arts headquarters at the historic Gato Building in Key West with a free opening reception Thursday, April 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. The mural remains on display at this location through May 5. 1100 Simonton Street.
Market on the Green – April 8
Held the first Saturday of every month from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., visitors and residents are invited to browse and shop amazing local artisans. The monthly market is located at the Sunset Green Event Lawn, at Key West’s 24 North Hotel, 3820 N. Roosevelt Boulevard.
Sunset Pier: Red Not Chili Peppers Concert to Benefit Reef Relief – April 20
Enjoy a free show on Ocean Key Resort’s Sunset Pier with Reggae Lou and the Kind Budz opening for the Red Not Chili Peppers, who pay tribute to the ultimate funk rock quartet – a band that has transcended three decades of chart-topping success as well as developed one of the largest die-hard followings in the world. Donations will be accepted to support Reef Relief and the work they do to support and improve our reefs throughout the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Show starts at 4:20 p.m.
41st Annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration – April 21 – 30, 2023
Fans and friends of the Florida Keys’ Conch Republic can celebrate the irreverent “nation’s” 41st birthday with activities including a tall ship pirate adventure, traditional shrimp boil, sunset boat parade, tour of the USCGC Ingham floating maritime museum, and more. The annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration commemorates the Keys’ symbolic 1982 secession from the United States and reinvention as the eccentric republic.
Tropic Cinema: Move Under the Stars – April 22
Tropic Cinema presents “Back to the Future” for the FREE April Movie Under the Stars cinema classic screening on Eaton Street. Limited seating available, but you’re welcome to bring your own chairs or blankets. Concessions available inside the lobby. Screening starts a half hour after sunset — approximately 8:15 p.m. 416 Eaton Street.
Papio Kinetic Sculpture and Art Bike Parade – April 22
Creative recycling, offbeat artistry and energetic “people power” will entertain spectators during the Papio Kinetic Sculpture and Art Bike Parade on Earth Day in Key West. The family-friendly promenade kicks off at noon outside the Custom House Museum, 281 Front St. Colorful sculptural floats with moving parts, elaborately decorated bicycles and other mobile creations — all crafted with repurposed or recycled elements — proceed along Key West’s famed Duval Street.
The Studios of Key West: Vance Gilbert in Concert – April 25- 26, 2023
Vance Gilbert burst onto the singer/songwriter scene in the early 1990s when buzz started spreading in folk clubs about a former multicultural arts teacher who was knocking ‘em dead at open mics. His star has risen steadily since then, and he’s made an indelible mark on the folk and acoustic music scenes with his free spirited performances, powerful lyrics, and pop-friendly melodies. Tickets start at $40. Tuesday night in Helmerich Theater at 7 p.m.; Wednesday night at the Hugh’s View rooftop at 8 p.m. 533 Eaton Street.
