Why the Perfect Month to Visit the Florida Keys is February?

February offers an ideal combination of warm weather, minimal rainfall, and manageable crowds for Florida Keys visitors. With average highs around 76°F, the driest conditions of any month, and ocean temperatures warm enough for swimming, February sits in the sweet spot between January’s peak crowds and March’s spring break surge. For travelers who want great weather without fighting for restaurant reservations or paying peak-season premiums, late February delivers.

Quick Answer: February brings the Florida Keys’ driest weather, comfortable 75-76°F temperatures, and fewer crowds than March, making it one of the best months to visit.

What Is the Weather Like in the Florida Keys in February?

February delivers some of the most comfortable weather you’ll find anywhere in the continental United States during winter. Daytime temperatures hover between 75-80°F, while evenings cool to a pleasant 65-70°F. The humidity stays low compared to summer months, and you can expect around 77% of daylight hours to be sunny.

The ocean temperature averages 73-75°F, which is warm enough for swimming, snorkeling, and diving without a wetsuit (though some visitors prefer a light rashguard). February is actually the driest month of the year in the Keys, with rainfall averaging just over an inch for the entire month. When rain does fall, it’s typically brief afternoon showers that clear quickly.

For context, while Chicago averages 27°F in February and New York sits at 35°F, you’ll be comfortable in shorts and sandals throughout the Keys.

February vs. Other Months

February gives you winter’s perfect weather without summer’s humidity or hurricane concerns, and you avoid the spring break crowds that flood the Keys in March.

What Events Are Happening in the Florida Keys in February 2026?

February packs a solid lineup of festivals and events throughout the Keys. Here’s what’s on the calendar:

1. Key West Food & Wine Festival (Jan 28 – Feb 1): Wraps up in early February with tastings, chef events, and island-inspired cuisine throughout Key West.
2. Florida Keys Seafood Festival (Feb 14-15): The 20th annual celebration at Key West’s Truman Waterfront Park features fresh-caught lobster, stone crab, and local fish, plus live music from bands like Maggie Baugh and The Shane Duncan Band. Adults pay $10 admission (kids under 12 free).
3. Willie Nelson & Family Concert (Feb 14): The country legend performs at Coffee Butler Amphitheater in Key West on Valentine’s Day.
4. Morada Way Art Walk (Feb 19): The monthly Third Thursday event in Islamorada’s Arts & Cultural District features galleries, live music, and food vendors from 6-9pm.
5. Key West Art & Craft Festival 60th Anniversary (Feb 21-22): A juried show at Truman Waterfront Park featuring over 100 fine artists.
6. Gigantic Nautical Market (Feb 21-22): An outdoor market, boat show, and food truck rally at Founders Park in Islamorada.
7. Presidential Families Weekend (Presidents Day): Descendants of U.S. presidents share personal stories at the historic Truman Little White House.

If you’re staying in Marathon, you’re positioned perfectly to reach Key West events (about 50 miles south) or Upper Keys happenings (about 50 miles north) for day trips.

Is February a Good Time for Fishing in the Florida Keys?

February offers some of the best fishing conditions of the year in the Middle Keys. The calm winter seas make it easy to access both backcountry flats and offshore waters, and several species are particularly active this time of year.

What you can target in February:

• Sailfish: February falls within prime sailfish season. Charter boats running out of Marathon regularly hook into these acrobatic billfish.
• Yellowtail Snapper: The cooler water temperatures make yellowtail active around the reefs. Sombrero Reef and nearby patch reefs produce consistently.
• Tarpon: The early tarpon migration begins in late February. The bridges around Marathon (Seven Mile Bridge, Bahia Honda Bridge) are legendary tarpon spots.
• Grouper: Grouper season reopens in May, but you can still catch and release throughout February.
• Stone Crab: Season runs through mid-May, so February is prime time for fresh stone crab claws at local restaurants.

Many of our guests at properties like Saltwater Social, Mermaid Manor, and Vista Del Mar bring their own boats or rent locally to fish the flats and reefs. Having a private dock means you can head out at first light and be on fish before most charter boats leave the marina.

Can You Swim and Snorkel in the Florida Keys in February?

Yes, though water temperatures in the low-to-mid 70s feel cooler than summer. Most visitors find 73-75°F water comfortable for swimming, especially during sunny afternoons when air temperatures climb. If you run cold, a thin wetsuit or rashguard makes snorkeling and diving more enjoyable.

February actually offers some advantages for snorkeling:

• Better visibility: The summer algae blooms have long since cleared, and winter’s calm conditions mean less sediment in the water.
• Calmer seas: February typically sees gentler swells than spring or fall, making boat trips to offshore reefs more comfortable.
• Fewer boats: You won’t be jostling with dozens of other snorkel boats at popular spots like Sombrero Reef.

Popular snorkeling spots within easy reach of Marathon include Sombrero Reef (about 4 miles offshore), Coffins Patch, and the shallower patch reefs closer to shore. Several of our properties, including Aqua Verde and Ocean Muse, provide kayaks so guests can paddle to nearby snorkeling spots without booking a charter.

How Crowded Is Florida Keys in February?

February falls within peak season (December through April), so the Keys are busier than summer or fall. That said, February’s crowds are more manageable than March, when spring breakers descend on the islands. Late February, after Presidents Day weekend, often hits a sweet spot where winter tourists have started heading home but spring break hasn’t yet begun.

What to expect:

• Restaurant reservations: Popular spots like Keys Fisheries in Marathon get busy, especially on weekends. For dinner at sought-after restaurants, consider making reservations or arriving before 6pm.
• Lodging: Book accommodations well in advance. Most vacation rentals in the Keys book 3-6 months ahead for February dates.
• Activities: Snorkel trips, fishing charters, and popular tours book up. Reserving a week or two before your trip is smart, though last-minute availability sometimes opens up.
• Traffic: The Overseas Highway moves slower during peak season, particularly around Key Largo and through Marathon. Plan extra travel time if you’re driving between the Upper and Lower Keys.

The tradeoff for moderate crowds is outstanding weather and a lively atmosphere. The Keys feel alive in February without the packed-to-the-gills intensity of spring break.

Where Should You Stay in the Florida Keys in February?

The Middle Keys, particularly Marathon, offer a strategic location for exploring the entire island chain. You’re about 50 miles from Key West and 50 miles from Key Largo, giving you easy access to events and attractions throughout the Keys without committing to one end or the other.

Marathon also tends to be quieter than Key West while still offering excellent restaurants, water sports, and nightlife options.

What to Look for in a February Rental

For a winter escape, consider these features:

• Heated pool: While air temperatures are comfortable, a heated pool extends your swim time, especially in the evening.
• Private dock: If you’re fishing or boating, dock access means you’re on the water in minutes instead of driving to a marina.
• Outdoor living space: February evenings are perfect for grilling, sitting by a fire pit, or watching the sunset with a drink. Look for properties with covered outdoor kitchens or tiki bars.

Several of our Marathon properties check all these boxes:

• Luna Light offers stunning waterfront views with a pool and private dock.
• Seaside Escape features a pool, hot tub, outdoor kitchen, and dock space.
• Mermaid’s Paradise works well for families, with a game room, pool, and 75-foot dock.
• Deep Blue delivers ocean views and luxury finishes for couples or smaller groups.
• Azul Paradise offers a heated pool and dock access on a quieter stretch of waterfront.

Browse all our Marathon vacation rentals to find the right fit for your February trip.

What Should You Pack for the Florida Keys in February?

February packing is straightforward, but a few items are easy to forget:

Clothing:

• Shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses for daytime
• Light jacket or sweater for evenings (temperatures can dip into the mid-60s)
• One pair of long pants for air-conditioned restaurants
• Comfortable walking shoes and flip-flops

Sun and water gear:

• Sunscreen (you’ll burn faster than you expect)
• Polarized sunglasses
• Rashguard or light wetsuit if you run cold while snorkeling
• Reef-safe sunscreen if you’re diving or snorkeling near coral

Miscellaneous:

• Bug spray (no-see-ums come out at dusk near mangroves)
• Rain jacket (rare but useful for brief showers)
• Reusable water bottle

You won’t need heavy layers, boots, or cold-weather gear. Leave the parka at home.

FAQs About Visiting the Florida Keys in February

Plan Your February Florida Keys Trip

February brings together everything that makes the Florida Keys special: warm sunshine, calm seas, fresh seafood, and enough activity to fill your days without the chaos of spring break. Whether you’re fishing the flats, exploring underwater reefs, or simply watching the sunset from your private dock, February delivers. Ready to book your winter escape? Browse our Marathon vacation rentals or contact our team at (786) 348-1396 for help finding the perfect property for your February trip.