I've been thinking about flying into Miami and spending two or three nights there and then driving to Key West. What is everyones favorite time of the year for Key West? I've never really been to Florida as a tourist, but Key West seems very interesting and the drive through the keys looks intriguing as well, but I could be wrong? Thanks all!
Jon-Eric, New Orleans, La.

Hey JE, just a note: KW is HOT in the summer, like N.O. If you don't mind heat it's a good time to get off-season rates.

The summer heat and humidity in Key West are like your hometown of New Orleans, so I'd avoid it during those months. In my opinion, the weather is best from late October (though it's still hurricane season) to early May.

We like Oct-Dec and May and June.

I have bee there a couple of times in March, once in early May and once in October, and have good luck with the weather most of those times. May is good if you want some heat, but not the heat and humidity of the summer months. We had good luck with October also, but as someone else mentioned you are taking a chance because it is still hurricane season. The drive through the keys is really great as is South Beach in Miami. Have a great time!

ps. I do not find Key West summers as stifling as the summers many other parts of the Country.

That should read "in many"

Dear Jon Eric, We stayed in Key West Feb. 5-11 2003. It was 75-80 and sunny everyday. We stayed at the Wyndam Casa Marina Resort. It was one of the best hotels we have ever stayed at!And do not forget to go to Blue Heaven, the food, and atmosphere are great.

Thanks everyone! I'll definitely put Key West on my list, but NOT for summer I'm thinking late October or maybe early November. I prefer B&B's or small historic inns if anyone has favorites let me know.

The time that I was there in May, a person at the desk of our hotel told us that Fantasyfest, which is in late October, is one of the best times to visit. It books far in advance and most places have a certain amount of nights that you must stay. But rates are much higher then. So if you go in October, you might want to think about then.

We were there during Fantasy Fest this past Oct. By accident, not good planning. It was a little much. Too many people, too much partying. Too many crazies. On the other hand if you like that kind of thing, it's a perfect time to go. Oh yes, they really jack up their accomodation prices during FF.

Jon - Fantasy Fest is Key West's answer to Mardi Gras, so you may want to consider avoiding that week! We've been there for the final day (and parade) several times, but have always been glad that we weren't there the whole time. In 2003, it begins October 17th.

Thanks Susan & Don and you're right, I wouldnt want to be there for this Fantasy Fest, if its anything like our Mardi Gras. I was actually thinking very late October like the 25th or early Nov. Thanks

I've been to Key West many times during the year (as I now live in Miami) but I agree with some of the other posters, that it is indeed HOT during the summer (but in essence the whole state is.. .so it's sort of relative). Another thing is that the summer is our "rainy" season, which means you can expect a short but often intense rainshower almost every afternoon at about 4. It doesn't usually interfere with much, but something to be aware of.

If you do manage to go - although there are a lot of big commercialized hotels, I would suggest going the B&B route. Some of them are ADORABLE - but by and large the rooms are quite small; mostly because that's just how large the rooms were originally built. There are a lot on Duvall, but if you're in reasonably good shape, you might consider staying off it, if nothing else but as an excuse to walk through what at times seems like a different country.

As far as the other posters - I completely agree - Blue Heaven is a must. Don't forget key lime pie, and Mallory Square at sunset. It's touristy - but you have to do it at least once.

There are a number of B&B which are "clothing optional", "pet-friendly", or "gay-lesbian owned/friendly." Know what you're looking for, and you're apt to find some variation of it in Key West..

The drive from Miami to Key West isn't bad, but be aware, I've been stuck on it for HOURS and HOURS when the two lane road to the keys has been blocked by an accident. It's best to stay away during holidays for that reason.

Key West is definitely one of my favoritie cities, (of course New Orleans will always have my heart).

Jon Eric-Early November would probably be better than late October. I am not sure if Halloween gets crazy or not. Another thought is the first 2 weeks of December. You should get some great hotel rates in either November (before Thanksgiving and December before Christmas.)

What I understand about Fantasy Fest and late Oct is it really has nothing to do with Holloween down there. They people who put it on always schedule it for the last full week of Oct. Sometimes it land on Holloween and sometimes not. There is a Parrot Head Festivel that seems to start right afterwards or during the first part of Nov.

the last saturday in october is always the big finale to fantasy fest, this year it will be the 25th. it starts to get crazy on the wednesday night and is pretty wild up to the saturday night. plus daylight savings time ends on that saturday so there is an extra hour. the sunday thur wednesday following is really quiet, the parrot heads begin arriving usually on the wednesday. we always go from wednesday, this year the 22nd to the next wednesday. party hard for 4 days, then relax from sunday to wednesday. plus, cheaper and easier to travel from wednesday to wednesday.

Good point, Travis, I think I'll use that weekend for Miami then drive to KW Monday or Tuesday. Thanks again everyone!

re: were to stay, check out the Curry Mansion. historic-yes, location-excellent.