When To Go · Destination Guide
Key Largo
America's first undersea park meets easy reef days and legendary wrecks
When To Go · Destination Guide
America's first undersea park meets easy reef days and legendary wrecks
When to go
Key Largo sits in a tropical-maritime climate with a dry season (roughly December to April) and a wet season (June to October).
Best overall window
Dry season with lower humidity and more reliable sunshine. Water often feels like 22°C to 26°C.
Outside that window
Wet season heat, afternoon thunderstorms, and hurricane-season risk. Keep plans flexible and watch forecasts.
Start with the overall answer, then switch only when scuba, freedive, snorkel, or topside timing changes the trip in a meaningful way.
The overall row stays visible so you can compare it against the currently selected scope.
| Scope | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | Overall - Jan: Best | Overall - Feb: Best | Overall - Mar: Best | Overall - Apr: Best | Overall - May: Good | Overall - Jun: Tradeoffs | Overall - Jul: Tradeoffs | Overall - Aug: Tradeoffs | Overall - Sep: Tradeoffs | Overall - Oct: Tradeoffs | Overall - Nov: Good | Overall - Dec: Best |
These do not replace the overall planner. Use them only if a specific animal or event is driving your trip dates.
REEF Florida Keys Lionfish Derby and Arts Festival
Best for Scuba, Freedive, Topside
Apr
Late April often brings a community lionfish removal competition that culminates at the REEF campus in Key Largo with a public festival, conservation booths, and awards.
Spiny lobster mini-season
Best for Scuba, Snorkel
Jul
Florida's spiny lobster sport season is the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July each year.
Regular spiny lobster season
Best for Scuba, Snorkel
Aug to Mar
The regular Florida spiny lobster season runs from early August through March.
Sea turtle nesting and hatchlings
Best for Topside, Snorkel
May to Oct
Sea turtle nesting season in South Florida generally spans late spring through early fall.
Hot-water coral stress and bleaching risk
Best for Scuba, Snorkel, Freedive
Jul to Sep
Mid-summer sea temperatures can rise into the upper end of the 21°C to 30°C range, increasing coral stress.
Built from climate references, access rules, and destination operators. Wildlife timing and route flexibility can shift year to year.