November brings the end of hurricane season and some of the most beautiful weather Key West sees all year. Because this shoulder season has far fewer crowds and more predictable weather, you can enjoy all that Key West has to offer without the rainy season ruining your plans!
Is Key West worth visiting in November? With the weather on your side, you can explore great events and iconic attractions that make the fall season spectacular in the Florida Keys. Whether you’re traveling with your significant other or the entire family, there are plenty of ways to make your Key West vacation special when visiting in November.
A tour we think you'll love
1) Explore Key West Like A Local
Key West offers so much more than just dolphin watching tours! Our tours at Key West Paddle let you explore the Florida Keys like a local, because our guides are locals. From wandering the mangroves at night in a glowing glass bottomed kayak to partying on the sandbars like a local, we’ve got tour options to help make your trip a memorable one!
Check out the different excursions available:
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Night Kayak Guided Tour – Our expert guides will lead you in LED-lit glass-bottomed kayaks through the mangrove tunnels where you’ll watch as the nocturnal life glides beneath you. These tours are family-friendly and accommodate children 4 years and older, so bring the entire family for a magical evening on the water!
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Key West Sandbar Trip – Cruise along with our expert crew on one of our private charters as they show you the narrow mangrove tunnels of Mud Keys before stopping at the Snipe Point sandbar where locals love to play in the ankle-deep water. You’ll hang out here for the majority of the trip before heading back to Key West.
Ready to plan your unforgettable November getaway to Key West? Book your adventure with us today and dive into the magic of the Florida Keys like never before!
2) Soak Up The Sun With These Outdoor Activities
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth visiting Key West in November, the answer is absolutely yes! Not only is the weather beautiful, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s, but there are fewer crowds to contend with than during the peak season.
While there are plenty of things to do in the great outdoors while you’re in Key West in November, we’ve narrowed it down to our favorite activities under the sun:
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Visit the Key West Artisan Market at Higgs Beach – From fresh culinary flavors to handcrafted artistry, the local artisans of Key West provide their very best for you to explore. This delightful open-air market experience is available on select Sundays from November to April.
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Explore Key West Harbor – Wander the historic seaport of Key West this November and take in the stunning waterfront views. There are plenty of fine dining experiences, boutique shopping, museums, and so much more!
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Lounge on a sandy beach – Several white sand beaches are just waiting for your chair when you visit Key West this fall. Iconic beaches like Fort Zachary Taylor, Smathers Beach, and South Beach are just a few of the popular destinations to enjoy when the crowds thin and the island feels more relaxed!
Is it warm enough to swim in Key West in November? Yes! Water temperatures stay in the 70s, so activities like swimming and snorkeling are great this time of year. If you’re prone to getting chilly in the water, you might want to wear a wetsuit!
3) Experience Some Of The Most Popular Destinations In Key West
If you’re planning to visit Key West this holiday season, there are a few unforgettable experiences and destinations you won’t want to skip! Many of the iconic attractions in Key West are found in Old Town, and the hop-on-hop-off trolley tour will lead you to many of them.
Here are just a few of the things you won’t want to miss while you’re exploring the slower season in Key West this fall:
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Explore the Key West Aquarium – Encounter a rare rainy day, or want to learn more about the wildlife in Key West? Get up close and personal with your favorite sea creatures without snorkeling!
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Commemorate your trip at the Southernmost Buoy – This giant, vibrant buoy marks the southernmost point in the United States and is an iconic photo op for visitors from all over the globe!
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Sails and Rails Museum – The rich maritime history of Key West comes to life with carefully curated collections of pirate memorabilia and so much more in this whimsical museum experience.
Is November a good time to visit Key West? Of course! Because there are fewer crowds this time of year, many of the attractions and travel costs may be more affordable. Not to mention the weather is still summer-like here in the midst of fall!
4) Attend Key West Festivals And Events This Fall
Every year there are a few fun events and festivals that locals and visitors enjoy in the Florida Keys. If you’re visiting Key West this fall, there are a few events you’ll want to mark on your calendar before making your final plans.
Here are just a few of our favorite celebrations you won’t want to miss while you’re in town:
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Key West Film Festival – Film enthusiasts come from all over the world to watch student and artist-created films in a multitude of genres. There’s also a launch party before the 4-day festival kicks off and an award ceremony to honor the year’s winning artists.
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The Key West Powerboat Races – Powerboat fans and racers from around the globe come to watch as these nautical vessels fly across the crystal clear waters at speeds of 100mph plus!
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Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square – You can join the celebration every day during your visit to Key West. Every evening on Sunset Pier in Old Town, a lively celebration complete with live music, entertainers, and delicious food welcomes the night as the sun sets beyond the horizon.
What is Key West like in November? The weather is much like a mild summer here in the Florida Keys during the shoulder season. In November, Key West offers a delightful blend of warm, sunny days, gentle breezes, and a relaxed vibe that makes it the perfect escape before the holiday rush.
5) Celebrate Like A True Southernmost City Local
Key West is known as a vibrant party town that brings people from all over the globe. After a day of exploring the island or lounging on the sugary sand of one of our popular beaches, head to Duval Street to discover why the nightlife is so special here.
Not only are there various accommodations up and down Duval, making it a great place to stay and play, but you’ll find entertainment and excitement around every corner at the many lively bars and restaurants along the way.
Check out some of our favorite locations in Key West to let down your hair:
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Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville – For a themed, island experience, come to this iconic restaurant and bar for delicious cuisine and live music.
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Sloppy Joe’s – A Key West icon since 1937, this local favorite has live musicians every day and hosts energetic Hemingway Day celebrations.
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Hog’s Breath Saloon – This world-famous spot features a lively bar, a restaurant full of delicious island-inspired cuisine, and a shop to commemorate your visit.
Pro Tip: If you want to make the most of your trip to Duval Street, hop on the Old Town Trolley to check out all the most popular destinations before you head out for the night.
Making The Most Of The Autumn Season In Key West
Now that you have an idea of all the fun and exciting things you can do in Key West this fall, let us help you plan a memorable outing. Whether you want to see picturesque views from a local favorite sandbar or create core memories of glowing sea turtles and aquatic creatures on one of our night kayaking tours, we have a memorable experience waiting for you.
Our expert staff can’t wait to curate an experience you’ll remember for years to come. You don’t have to have any experience kayaking to enjoy our evening tours, and you won’t have to worry about knowing how to swim when you travel to Key West’s most popular sandbars.
Ready to experience the magic of Key West in November? Book your unforgettable adventure with us today and make memories that will last a lifetime!
