Key West, Florida Weather in October

October weather

October stays warm and sticky in Key West, with afternoons near 28°C and nights barely cooler. Rain falls on many days, and cloudy spells can break up beach time. Showers don't usually mean a washout, so you can still explore Old Town between them.

The Hemingway Home and Museum and Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory make good stops when rain sets in. Save long stretches at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park or on the water for clearer spells. October is still within hurricane season, so tropical weather can disrupt boat trips.

Events and crowds

Fantasy Fest brings costumes, parties and parades to Key West in late October. Duval Street is a main focus, and the festivities can make that area crowded and noisy. Check the event dates before choosing your stay, since they shift from year to year.

If you hate crowds, visit outside Fantasy Fest. October is generally quieter and less expensive than the busy winter months, though festival week can push up room prices and fill central streets. It's a shoulder-season compromise: fewer visitors than in January or February, but more rain.

Make the most of your visit

Travelling with kids? The aquarium at Mallory Square is a handy indoor stop when showers interrupt a walk around the waterfront. For a local bite, try Key lime pie at a shop on Duval Street, then duck inside if the afternoon turns wet.

During Fantasy Fest, use the quieter lanes around Bahama Village to get away from Duval Street's parade crowds. If you're riding the Conch Tour Train, expect rain to make its open-air route less comfortable; choose a dry spell instead. October's short daylight and unsettled skies can also make sunset plans less dependable than in the drier winter months.