There’s no better way to escape the winter blues than a visit to Key West in January. What may feel like the “off” season in most of the country is actually the perfect time to enjoy a tropical paradise. Here’s why:
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Wintertime in Key West has amazing weather! January temperatures in Key West fall between 75 and 54 degrees Fahrenheit. While this is the coldest month in the Florida Keys, the water is still warm enough for swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports.
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Hurricane season is long gone! Look forward to clear skies with no storm threats.
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With school back in session, you won’t have to worry about crowds.
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Everything is open! While other coastal spots around the country may shutter for the winter season, restaurants and attractions are thriving in the Florida Keys in January.
A tour we think you'll love
Don’t spend another winter staring at bare trees and grey skies. Are you ready to visit Key West for a winter getaway? This list of seven things to do in Key West in January will help you shake the chill:
1) Go Night Kayaking In Key West
Key West is amazing because you can still go jet skiing or hang out at the beach in the colder months without a care in the world. However, there’s one truly unforgettable experience to try when you visit Key West this year.
An after-dark journey in an LED-lit, glass-bottom kayak is one of the top things to do in Key West in January. Key West Paddle offers a one-of-a-kind kayaking experience that guides you into the water to see the island’s marine life after dark. During your experience, glowing lights from your boat will illuminate your path as you paddle through crystal-clear water in the moonlight.
Your helpful guide will point out nocturnal species as you take in the magic and beauty that surround you! Our customers tell us that the experience is like floating inside an aquarium! For nearly 15 years, people who come to Key West for amazing vacations have chosen us because we offer:
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Highly trained professional tour guides. Your safety is always our top priority!
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In-depth information about the creatures around you in the water. Yes, our guides will even jump in the water to point out splendid species!
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Experiences for the whole family that welcome guests as young as age 4.
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Reasonable pricing and easy scheduling.
Don’t miss the chance to kayak in the moonlight in Key West! If you prefer a daytime excursion, we also offer our famous Key West Sandbar Trip that brings you out to sandbars that are the best-kept-secrets of the Florida Keys to relax with friends or family. Book one of the best things to do in Key West in January today with Key West Paddle!
2) Attend An Event At The Key West Literary Seminar
Most people know that Key West is where Ernest Hemingway lived in his famous estate with many cats. In fact, you can visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum to spend time with descendants of the great author’s pets! Key West still has a vibrant writing community full of modern-day authors. Here’s how you can join during a winter trip.
While the Key West Literary Seminar is an institution that hosts workshops and events all year long, the flagship event is the annual January seminar. Established in 1983, this four-day event explores a unique theme each winter.
In addition to attending presentations from well-known authors, attendees can break into small groups to share their work and explore their craft. If you’ve always wanted to dabble in writing, don’t miss the chance to enrich your mind by registering for this exciting event when visiting Key West.
3) Attend The Key West Food & Wine Festival
Named among USA Today’s 10 Best Wine Festivals for 2024, the Key West Food & Wine Festival is a true treat for the senses. Experts in pairing food and libations come to Key West for this multi-day event in January that includes scenic waterfront tastings and chances to mingle with people who are curious about culinary experiences.
Festival organizers have a reputation for changing things up each year! That means you never quite know what to expect. Visit the Key West Food & Wine festival website to inquire about dates and tickets if you’re planning to add this to your January itinerary.
4) Feast On Fresh Seafood While Enjoying Key West Culture At The Florida Keys Seafood Festival
This must attend event taking place at Truman Waterfront Park offers opportunities to feast on Key West pink shrimp, conch corn chowder, conch fritters, and Key Lime pie. If you love outdoor festivals, there’s truly nothing like tasting fresh seafood that is caught and prepared by local fisherman right in front of you!
The Florida Keys Seafood Festival also hosts vendor booths where you can pick up arts and crafts made by local artists in the Florida Keys. While dates for the festival rotate slightly each year, it typically takes place in February. If you’re coming to escape the winter weather for a few weeks, you may be able to slip this into your itinerary.
5) Enjoy Winter Tours Of Homes In Old Town Key West
Have you ever dreamed about being able to walk through charming estates in Key West? If you come during January, you’ll be able to book a spot on a Key West tour of homes offered by the Old Island Restoration Foundation. During select weekends throughout the winter season, guests are invited to walk through a handful of charming Key West homes and estates that represent Key West culture and history.
Many of the featured homes are ornate 19th-century cottages and mansions with architectural touches that include the island’s signature “gingerbread” trim. Many of the homes have manicured gardens featuring ornate tropical flowers and trees.
6) Experience The Magic Of The Key West Aquarium
As the only public aquarium in Key West, the world-class Key West Aquarium is the center of marine education in the Florida Keys. Located in the heart of Mallory Square, the aquarium is home to a long list of wonders that include:
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Touch tanks that are home to sea stars, marine snails, slate-pencil sea urchins, sea cucumbers, hermit crabs, and horseshoe crabs. There are even opportunities to “tuck in” animals for the night during evening visits.
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A 50,000-gallon Atlantic Shores exhibit that houses nurse sharks, tarpon, grouper, and jacks.
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Opportunities to learn about mangrove ecosystems.
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Live feedings that allow onlookers to see their favorite marine animals feast.
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Sea turtle conservation tours that introduce guests to rescued turtles and their stories.
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Invasive species tours that invite guests to learn about pythons, lionfish, and red-eared slider turtles.
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A Virtual Offshore Environmental Experience that takes guests into a virtual submarine dive through the marine habitats of Key West!
Don’t miss an excellent opportunity to learn about Key West’s rich ecosystem and important conservation efforts. Visit the aquarium in Key West in January!
7) Enjoy Warm Weather At The Key West Half Marathon & Runfest
While wintertime marathons in other major cities require runners and observers to bundle up, you won’t need to worry about that when you head south. Typically taking place in the third weekend in January, this race brings runners through historic Old Town, the waterfront, and landmarks that include the Southernmost Point and Duval Street.
The highlight of this event is that the race route transforms into a massive block party featuring live music and abundant refreshments. Bars and restaurants along Duval Street, Atlantic Boulevard, Caroline Street, Simonton Street, and beyond offer specials on raw bars, mimosas, and more, while bands perform live music ranging from jazz and calypso to funk and pop.
Want to join? If you’re a runner, consider signing up to take part in the race! You can find all the registration details here.
Discover The Beauty Of Key West In January
As you can see, Key West doesn’t slow down one bit in January! This is actually one of the best times of the year to come for fun festivals and events. This is your chance to enjoy the warm temperatures of South Florida with a tropical twist you can’t quite recreate on the mainland.
If you want your winter getaway to be 100% unforgettable, book a night kayaking tour that brings you to areas where marine animals swim in the moonlight! Only Key West Paddle can offer you an amazing experience in a glass-bottom kayak with LED lighting that’s guided by a local expert.
We can’t wait to see you in Key West in January! Book your spot on one of our popular tours today!
