Key West in October 2026
Warm water, Fantasy Fest, stone crab season and the tail end of hurricane season.
By Brian Williamson, Key West · Updated October 1, 2026
October in Key West is two different months. The first two weeks are quieter, warm and still in hurricane season; from October 16 the island turns into Fantasy Fest for ten days. Pick your dates knowing which one you want.
October at a glance
- Average high
- 86°F
- Average low
- 77°F
- Average rain
- 5.7 in
- Sunset
- 7:14 PM → 6:47 PM
- Hurricane season
- Yes (Jun 1 – Nov 30)
Weather: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, Key West International Airport. Sunset times calculated for Key West. Hurricane season: National Hurricane Center. Today's live forecast, tides & sunset
If you want quiet
Come before October 16 or after the 25th. The water is still warm (85°F at NOAA's Key West gauge on September 30, 2026), sunset sails and snorkel trips run as usual, and you'll avoid the festival crowds on Duval.
If you're coming for Fantasy Fest
Book where you're staying and anything you can't miss early, and plan to walk or ride a bike in Old Town during the festival. Some evening events are 18+ or 21+; families usually do better with daytime events and water trips away from Duval.
Weather and water trips
October is still hurricane season (through November 30) and one of the rainier months. Many showers pass quickly. Check the forecast the evening before a boat day; your operator makes the weather call and will contact you if a trip is cancelled.
Eat what's in season
Stone crab season opens October 15, and Florida spiny lobster season is open all month — the first fresh claws show up on local menus in the second half of the month.
Events in October
Goombay Festival (Bahama Village)
Fri Oct 16, 2026 · noon–midnight
Bahama Village street festival on Petronia Street — music, food and island culture, on the first day of Fantasy Fest.
Official siteZombie Bike Ride
Sun Oct 18, 2026
Costumed group bike ride, part of Fantasy Fest week.
Official siteFantasy Fest
Oct 16–25, 2026
Ten days of costume parties and parades; 2026 theme "Musical Icons and Iconic Musicals". Parade Sat Oct 24, 7pm on Duval. Some evening events are 18+ or 21+.
Official site
Dates checked against organizer sites; confirm with them before you plan around an event.
In season: Stone crab season opens Oct 15 (through May 1); spiny lobster season runs Aug 6 – Mar 31. FWC
Common questions
What's the weather like in Key West in October?
On average, highs of about 86°F, lows of about 77°F and about 5.7 inches of rain for the month (NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, Key West International Airport).
What time is sunset in Key West in October?
About 7:14 PM at the start of the month and 6:47 PM at the end (Key West time, calculated).
When is Fantasy Fest 2026?
October 16–25, 2026. The theme is "Musical Icons and Iconic Musicals", and the parade is Saturday, October 24 at 7pm on Duval Street (fantasyfest.com).
Is Fantasy Fest family-friendly?
Parts of it. There's no festival-wide age rule, but some evening events are 18+ or 21+. Check each event's listing on the official schedule, and plan family time around daytime events and water trips.
When does stone crab season open?
October 15. It runs through May 1 (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission).
Is October hurricane season in Key West?
Yes. The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 – November 30. Most October days are normal, but watch the National Hurricane Center outlook before and during your trip.