Looking for the perfect month to plan a Keys vacation? Key West in November is one of the best combinations of place and time: tropical island scenery, cooler breezes, an off-season vibe with plenty of activities to keep you busy. What could be better?
There are plenty of reasons to plan a trip for November in Key West. Here are just a few of them.
What's So Great About Key West in November? Let's Count the Ways...
No lie, November is one of my favorite times on the island. The weather is cooler than in the middle of summer and not as chilly as in the middle of winter. The crowds thin out after Fantasy Fest, and there are tons of Key West activities in November that will keep any visitor happy.
Here’s a look at why November in Key West is nothing short of amazing.
Key West Weather in November
The first thing to know is that the temperature in Key West, Florida, in November is perfection. Weather Spark rates the month as one of the best times to visit, with the hot, muggy days of summer behind you and the cold blasts of winter cold fronts yet to make their way this far south.
The Key West temperature in November averages between daytime highs of 80 and nighttime lows of 72. It doesn’t get any more comfortable than that. And the average water temperature in Key West in November is about 79 degrees — it’s beginning to cool off as the days get shorter, but still plenty warm enough for swimming and snorkeling.
What kind of weather in Key West in November would you expect? November is the beginning of the dry season in the Keys, so there’s less chance of rain than in the middle of the summer. The wind starts to pick up a bit, but it’s calmer than the middle of winter. And hurricane season is finally winding down, so the chances of a storm become less and less the later you come. However, the official end of hurricane season isn’t until November 30th, so there’s still a slight chance of something spinning up.
Things to Do in Key West in November
Key West activities in November look like any other month on our sun-baked little island. The fishing in Key West in November is spectacular, with the cooling water temperatures making it a good time to go after sailfish, black fin tuna, and wahoo offshore. The flats fishing is great this time of year, too, but the bonefish start to head farther south as it gets cooler. Tarpon and permit are still plentiful, though.
If fishing’s not your game, the water is still warm enough for snorkeling, sandbar hopping, and diving. So, can you swim in Key West in November? You absolutely can, and it’s divine.
Key West Powerboat Races
There are also a ton of great events in Key West in November, especially if you like powerboats and boat races. The Race World Offshore Key West Championship boat race runs the first week of the month. This is the primo set of boat races Key West offers, with some of the world’s fastest boats flying around the island at lightning speed.
The event is kicked off by the Key West powerboat parade, when these impressive machines are trailered down Duval so you can get an up close and personal look at them.
If you’re visiting during Race Week, take the experience to another level by booking a private VIP race viewing charter. Instead of watching from shore, you’ll enjoy a front-row seat from the water aboard Still Dreamin’, complete with comfortable luxury seating, shade, a full bathroom, and optional catering. It’s one of the best ways to experience the Race World Offshore Key West World Championships while avoiding the crowds and enjoying the races in comfort.
Is Key West Busy in November?
With so much going on, you’re probably worried that the island will be packed. Thankfully, it’s really not. Thanksgiving week and during the actual powerboat races get busy. But, outside of those two things, the island is quieting down since Fantasy Fest has just ended. Most families won’t have vacation time until Christmas, so November is still a quieter shoulder season in Key West.
If you are planning to spend Thanksgiving week in Key West, you’ll want to plan ahead because things start to fill up. There’s a little lull after that, and then the season gets into full swing a little before Christmas. But even if it does get a little busier, the weather is still blissful.
What can you do in November in Key West, Florida? The answer is only limited to your dreams: Come swim in the ocean, walk (or crawl) Duval, watch the Key West powerboat races, or just chill on a beautiful tropical island.
Ready to Spend November in Key West? Let's Go Boating!
If you’re coming down to the island and wondering what to do in Key West in November, be sure to give Captain Zak a call and make a plan to go boating. The Keys are best seen from the water, and the Good Captain knows all the perfect spots to go for snorkeling, dolphin watching, or exploring sandbars.
Call Captain Zak today and book a private charter to see what all the commotion is about.
