Rain in Key West does not have to ruin the day. Tropical showers often come and go quickly, and Old Town is filled with museums, galleries, shops, historic homes and restaurants where you can wait out the weather.
Whether the forecast calls for a passing shower or several wet hours, here are some of the best ways to enjoy Key West when the sunshine takes a break.
Does It Rain All Day in Key West?
Sometimes—but many Key West showers are brief and localized. A rainy morning can become a beautiful afternoon, while a sunny day can suddenly produce a tropical downpour.
Check the forecast and radar before changing your plans. If it is only a passing shower, find something nearby and give it time. If thunderstorms or heavier rain are expected, build the day around indoor attractions located close together.
Explore Key West’s Museums
Photo Credit: Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A rainy day is the perfect time to discover the stories behind the island.
At the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, you can see authentic gold, silver and artifacts recovered from historic shipwrecks, including the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha.
Near Mallory Square, the Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House combines local art, architecture and island history inside one of Key West’s most distinctive buildings.
The nearby Truman Little White House explores President Harry S. Truman’s time in Key West, while the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum introduces visitors to the author’s island years and famous six-toed cats. Because parts of the Hemingway property are outdoors, it is better suited to light or intermittent rain.
Visit the Aquarium or Butterfly Conservatory
Families can head to the Key West Aquarium near Mallory Square to learn about sharks, sea turtles, tropical fish and the marine environment of the Florida Keys. Portions of the aquarium are open-air, so it works best when the rain is light.
For a more tropical escape, visit the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory near the southern end of Duval Street. Its enclosed conservatory is filled with butterflies, tropical plants, colorful birds and koi ponds.
Browse Galleries and Shops
Key West’s creative side does not disappear when the clouds roll in.
Old Town has galleries featuring painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry and work inspired by Key West, Cuba and the Caribbean. Many are concentrated around Greene, Duval, Caroline, Whitehead and Eaton streets.
Use our Key West art gallery guide and interactive map to find several close together, or follow part of our walkable Key West art itinerary.
Photo Credit: John Margolies, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Duval Street and the Historic Seaport also offer plenty of boutiques, souvenir shops and locally owned businesses. During scattered showers, choose one compact area instead of trying to walk the entire length of Duval Street.
Make It a Long Key West Lunch
Sometimes the best rainy-day plan is no plan at all.
Find a comfortable restaurant and slow down over seafood, Cuban food, island cocktails or a slice of Key lime pie. Our Key West restaurant guide can help you find choices around Old Town, Duval Street and the Historic Seaport.
Check whether the restaurant has indoor seating, since many Key West establishments rely heavily on patios and open-air dining.
Three Easy Rainy-Day Plans
If You Have an Hour
Duck into a nearby gallery, shop, café or smaller museum. There is no need to cross the island if the shower may be over before you arrive.
If You Have a Few Hours
Choose one major museum, followed by lunch and nearby shopping. The Mallory Square area works especially well because several attractions are located close together.
If Most of the Day Is Wet
Visit a museum in the morning, enjoy a relaxed lunch and spend the afternoon at a second attraction or browsing galleries. Check local theater, performance and event schedules for an indoor evening option.
A Rainy-Day Plan for Key West Express Passengers
Key West Express arrives at 100 Grinnell Street near the Historic Seaport, placing passengers close to many rainy-day options.
If steady rain is expected, take a taxi or rideshare to the Mallory Square area. Visit the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, Custom House or Truman Little White House, then have lunch and browse nearby shops or galleries.
When the weather improves, return toward the ferry through the Key West Historic Seaport.
Always confirm your required return-boarding time and leave extra time to reach the terminal. Rain can slow walking and local transportation, and the ferry cannot wait for late passengers.
What to Do During a Thunderstorm
A passing rain shower may be part of the tropical experience, but lightning should always be taken seriously.
Move inside a substantial building and stay away from beaches, docks, boats, open water and exposed outdoor areas. Postpone swimming, snorkeling, paddling and boating until conditions are safe.
If an excursion is delayed or canceled, follow the operator’s instructions and monitor official weather alerts.
A Rainy Key West Day Can Still Be a Great Day
Key West is more than beaches and sunshine. Its history, art, food and unmistakable personality can be enjoyed in almost any weather.
The museum you enter to escape a shower, the gallery you discover by accident or the lunch that lasts longer than planned may become one of your favorite memories from the trip.
Travel aboard Key West Express from Fort Myers Beach and arrive near the Historic Seaport, just a short walk or ride from many of Key West’s best rainy-day attractions.
Review current fares and travel information, explore the Key West Express ferry experience, or book your trip to Key West.
