Scuba diving in Key West
Diving in Key West comes down to water temperature and calm seas. The most comfortable months are April to July and November, with highs around 86°F (30°C) and the sea at about 81°F (27°C).
Photo: Julian Lupyan, CC0
Top scuba diving in Key West
Key Largo Discover Scuba Diving Experience (No Experience Needed)From $299View 
2 Dive Scuba Diving Reef Excursion to Key Largo Marine SanctuaryFrom $99View 
Key Largo 2-Tank Boat Dive for Certified DiversFrom $114View
Tours from Viator. Good Outing may earn a commission when you book, at no cost to you.
How to pick a good dive
- Non-certified divers can try a 'discover scuba' dive with an instructor; certified divers should bring their card and logbook.
- Ask about the water temperature and the wetsuit thickness provided for that month.
- Leave 18 to 24 hours between your last dive and a flight.
- Check group size per guide; four to six divers per guide is a good sign.
Key West month by month
Averages for Key West Int'l, Florida, 1991–2020; sea temperatures offshore, 1991–2020.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 76 (24) | 77 (25) | 80 (26) | 83 (28) | 86 (30) | 89 (32) | 90 (32) | 91 (33) | 89 (32) | 86 (30) | 81 (27) | 78 (25) |
| Low °F (°C) | 65 (19) | 67 (20) | 69 (21) | 73 (23) | 76 (25) | 79 (26) | 81 (27) | 80 (27) | 79 (26) | 77 (25) | 72 (22) | 68 (20) |
| Rainy days | 7 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 15 | 16 | 12 | 6 | 6 |
| Sea °F (°C) | 71 (22) | 71 (22) | 73 (23) | 77 (25) | 80 (27) | 84 (29) | 85 (30) | 86 (30) | 85 (30) | 83 (28) | 77 (25) | 74 (23) |
| Sunset (15th) | 6:00 pm | 6:21 pm | 7:36 pm | 7:49 pm | 8:03 pm | 8:17 pm | 8:19 pm | 8:02 pm | 7:32 pm | 7:01 pm | 5:40 pm | 5:41 pm |
Questions
When is the best time for scuba diving in Key West?
April to July and November. Expect highs around 86°F (30°C) and the sea at about 81°F (27°C). The least comfortable months are January and February, when the sea drops to about 71°F.
How warm is the water in Key West?
The sea averages 71°F (22°C) in February and 86°F (30°C) in August. Below about 75°F most people want a wetsuit for a long swim or dive.
Where can I book scuba diving in Key West?
The tours above book on Viator. Compare group size, duration, what is included and the cancellation terms before you pick one.
