What to do in Key West on a rainy day
By Brian Williamson, Key West · Updated October 2, 2026
The short answer
Most Key West showers pass quickly, so first check the radar before cancelling plans. If it's settled in, go indoors: the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, the Fort East Martello and Tennessee Williams museums, the Lighthouse keeper's quarters, a food tour with indoor stops, a class, or an evening show. Boat trips are the operator's call — they'll contact you if the weather cancels yours.
| Option | What it is | Price (adult) | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butterfly & Nature Conservatory | Glass-domed conservatory with butterflies and birds | $17.50 at the door (checked 2026-09-30) | Venue site |
| Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters | Keeper's quarters museum; the climb itself is outdoors | $17 at the door (checked 2026-09-30) | Our listing |
| Fort East Martello Museum | Civil War–era fort with Key West history exhibits | On the booking page | Our listing |
| Tennessee Williams Museum | Exhibits on the playwright's Key West years | On the booking page | Our listing |
| Food and cocktail tours | Guided tastings with indoor stops | On the booking page | Our listings |
| Evening shows | Ticketed stage shows (check age limits) | On the booking page | Our listings |
Check before you cancel
Check the live forecast on our conditions page and the National Weather Service Key West radar. In the rainy months, many showers are short, and waiting an hour can save the plan.
Museums and the Conservatory
The Key West Art & Historical Society runs the Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters, Fort East Martello and the Tennessee Williams Museum — all bookable from our listings. The Butterfly Conservatory sells tickets on its own site, with a lower online price.
Eat and drink your way through it
Food and cocktail tours spend much of their time inside restaurants and bars. Check each tour's description for how much walking is outdoors.
If your boat trip is affected
Captains and operators make the weather call and will contact you. Their cancellation and rescheduling policy is on your booking.
Common questions
Does it rain all day in Key West?
It can, but many showers in Key West are brief. Check the live forecast and the Key West radar before changing plans.
Is the Butterfly Conservatory indoors?
Yes — it's a glass-domed conservatory, so it works in the rain.
Will my boat tour be cancelled if it rains?
Only the operator decides. Light rain often doesn't cancel a trip; lightning and high winds can. The operator will contact you.
Sources
- Key West Art & Historical Society — admission
- Conservatory ticketing — admission
- National Weather Service — Key West radar
Prices, schedules and rules change; confirm with the operator before you book. We may earn a commission when you book through our links.