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Questioning what to pack for the Florida Keys? My final Florida Keys packing record will present you every thing you might want to convey!
I like visiting the Florida Keys, and I believe they’re top-of-the-line trip spots in the USA. Whether or not you’re in search of a warm-weather winter escape or a number of the greatest festivals on the planet, you’re going to like the Keys!
You may completely pack mild to your journey right here — it is a place the place you will get by in cut-offs and tank tops, and a carry-on bag has loads of room for all you want.
This information has sections on Climate within the Florida Keys, Important Gadgets to Pack, What to Put on in Key West (and the Florida Keys), and the complete Florida Keys packing record — plus just a few belongings you don’t must pack!
Let’s dive on in.
This put up was revealed in February 2024.
![An outdoor restaurant in the Florida Keys, people sitting out o the deck.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/DSCF3481-1024x678.jpg)
Climate within the Florida Keys: What to Count on
The Florida Keys are scorching, proper? Nestled between Florida Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, the Florida Keys have a tropical local weather and are among the many warmest locations within the continental US. Key West tends to be warmest.
You may have a superb time right here year-round, however the time of 12 months does make a distinction:
Within the winter (December, January, February), common temperatures in Key West have a low of 64-67 F (18-19 C) and a excessive of 74-76 F (24 C).
Within the spring (March, April, Might), common temperatures in Key West have a low of 68-76 F (20-24 C) and a excessive of 78-85 F (26-29 C).
In the summertime (June, July, August, September), common temperatures in Key West have a low of 79-80 F (26-27 C) and a excessive of 88-89 f (31-32 C).
Within the fall (October, November), common temperatures in Key West have a low of 72-76 F (22-24 C) and a excessive of 80-85 F (27-29 F).
Key West tends to have low rainfall from November via Might, and better rainfall from June via October. You need to know that hurricane season falls between June and November, with tropical storms and hurricanes peaking in September and October.
I like to recommend avoiding the Keys throughout September and October, and if you find yourself in a extreme storm, take heed to native authorities and do as they are saying.
Rain storms in Florida are usually transient and intense. I like to recommend bringing an umbrella on the very least; you might also respect having a rain jacket. They belong on any Florida packing record!
Learn Extra: Best Time to Visit Key West and the Florida Keys
![Four snorkelers in the neon teal water at Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/DSCF6265-1024x680.jpg)
Important Gadgets to Pack for the Florida Keys
Reef-Secure Sunscreen
Reef safe sunscreen is crucial for the Florida Keys. First off, sunscreen is important — you’re possible going to be outside all day, fairly often within the water, and the solar could be robust down right here even while you don’t anticipate it.
However past that, the Keys are surrounded by coral reefs, that are endangered — and one of many causes is that typical sunscreen is poisonous to reefs.
rule of thumb is to depart your typical sunscreen at dwelling, purchase reef safe sunscreen for this journey, and use it on a regular basis — not simply while you’re on a snorkeling tour at Pennekamp State Park, however on a regular basis.
Water Sneakers
I wasn’t an enormous wearer of water shoes as a child, however as an grownup, I put on them on a regular basis. Water footwear are particularly good for the Florida Keys as a result of the mangrove-surrounded seashores typically have tree roots on the sand, extending into the water. They make swimming a lot extra comfy!
Water footwear are additionally good safety for those who brush up towards something sharp within the water, they usually provide help to hold your grip whereas stand-up paddle boarding.
Rash Guard
A rash guard is one other important merchandise to pack for the Florida Keys. Rash guards appear like tight long-sleeved shirts, they usually’re manufactured from swimsuit materials.
If you’re snorkeling in any respect, PLEASE, I urge you, put on a rash guard!! While you snorkel, you’re dealing with downward within the water, and your again is dealing with the solar and burning via the water.
So many first-time snorkelers find yourself with a vivid pink again that aches for the remainder of their Florida Keys journey. Make certain this isn’t you!
![A bright yellow dry bag perched on the edge of a boat, overlooking clear turquoise water.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Dry-Bag-1024x683.jpg)
Dry Bag
When you’re spending time within the Florida Keys, chances are high excessive that you just’ll be on a minimum of one boat journey — and, extra possible, a number of totally different water actions. For that cause, a dry bag is an important merchandise to your journey.
A dry bag is a water-proof bag. You place your belongings in it — your purse, your good digital camera, your leather-based sandals — and this retains them from getting moist, even when the boat capsizes. Even stable-seeming boats can get water in every single place!
I exploit dry luggage after I kayak, after I take smaller ferries, and after I’m on snorkeling and swimming journeys (as a result of moist folks DO NOT CARE about getting water in every single place).
Dry bags come in several different sizes. I like to recommend getting one sufficiently big to your necessities.
You may additionally need to convey a waterproof phone bag — although lately, lots of the newest telephones are waterproof. (I’m nonetheless too afraid to take mine into the water, although!)
Solar Safety
Sure, by now we’ve talked rather a lot about defending your self from the solar within the Florida Keys. You’ve received your reef-safe sunscreen and your rash guard. What else must you convey?
Wide-brimmed hat. That is way more efficient at overlaying your face than a typical baseball cap.
Light long-sleeved shirt. Having an precise shirt with sleeves is simply as useful on the seaside as it’s within the automobile. And so a lot better than simply overlaying your self with a blanket. This long shirt can double as a swimsuit cowl up!
Sarong or pashmina. The last word versatile merchandise to pack for the Florida Keys — it’s a skirt, a swim cover-up, a church cover-up, a cold restaurant cover-up, an impromptu towel, a head wrap, a picnic mat, a seaside mat, something you possibly can think about!
And for those who are likely to burn simply or need additional safety, take a look at this sun protection hoodie. It’s mild, it’s cheap, it has a UPF issue of fifty, and it is available in one million colours. There’s additionally a longer version that goes to mid-thigh.
![Kate doing cobra yoga pose on a paddle board in the water, surrounded by mangroves.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/FullSizeRender_7-1-1024x748.jpg)
A number of Swimsuits
What number of bathing fits must you convey to the Florida Keys? I might advocate two on the minimal, however three is likely to be even higher.
You’ll be within the water most days, and most bathing fits take a very long time to dry, particularly in a damp setting like South Florida. And for those who’re doing a Florida Keys highway journey, you won’t have the time to hold them as much as dry. (Although for those who try this, I like to recommend hanging them behind the entrance seat head rests!)
When you’re in search of one thing particular to your Florida Keys journey, I occur to like Trina Turk bathing suits. They’re colourful, extremely flattering, and a number of other types are available plus sizes.
Gentle Jacket
Certainly, the Florida Keys are heat year-round — and Key West is the most well liked island of all — however don’t overlook that it will get chilly at night time! It additionally will get chilly whereas out on boats. You’d be stunned how chilly it all of the sudden will get in your Key West sundown cruise!
What sort of jacket must you convey? I believe a denim jacket is an effective selection for the summer season months. This Levi’s denim jacket is inexpensive, is available in plus sizes, and is accessible in a number of colours.
Some folks would possibly desire a fun cardigan. Some would possibly desire a sportier hoodie just like the ever-popular Lululemon Scuba Hoodie (or this more affordable version).
When you’re visiting in the course of the winter months, you would possibly use your jacket in the course of the day, too, and also you would possibly desire one thing a bit hotter at night time. (The locals might be bundled up!) I extremely advocate the UNIQLO Ultra Light Down Jacket, which is ideal for Key West winters and SO helpful on all types of journeys.
![My black Teva Terra athletic sandals.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/tevas.jpg)
Snug Sneakers
What sorts of footwear must you pack for the Florida Keys? Cozy footwear. Whereas loads of locals are content material to put on nothing however flip-flops, you don’t need to put on flip-flops for those who don’t like them or bodily can’t put on them.
After I journey to heat climate locations just like the Florida Keys, I convey two pairs of footwear: one pair of comfy sandals and one pair of white sneakers.
Snug sandals. In order for you sports activities sandals, I’ve been sporting Teva Tirra Sandals for greater than a decade. They’re SO comfy, almost weightless, and you’ll even do some mild mountain climbing in them.
I additionally love Abeo flip flops, which even have arch help and are one million occasions nicer than plastic flip-flops. They’re by WalkingCo (previously The Strolling Firm), who’ve all kinds of wonderful sandals with arch support. I’ve been shopping for from them for years.
Snug sneakers. I like white Adidas Gazelles, that are a super-versatile and classy choice at a mid-range value level. These Amazon sneakers are a extremely rated low cost choice.
Seashore Towels
Do you actually need to pack seaside towels for a Florida Keys journey? Sure, as a result of I can’t let you know what number of occasions I’ve taken a seaside trip and both 1) the lodge doesn’t present seaside towels 2) they supply them, however don’t allow you to take them off-property 3) they supply them, however they’re manner too small.
Sure, they take up a number of house, however I’m all the time happier after I pack my own beach towels.
(Normally I advocate for utilizing a microfiber travel towel, which dries shortly and packs down SO small, however not for a seaside vacation spot just like the Florida Keys, as they don’t make a cushty floor to lie on.)
Huge Seashore Bag
With so many enjoyable day journeys across the Florida Keys, whether or not you’re heading out to the very best Florida Keys beaches or taking a ship journey to one of many island state parks, you’ll need to convey a number of stuff. And that goes double for those who’re touring with children.
Enter the massive seaside bag — ludicrously capacious in all the suitable methods. I like this beach bag in particular — it has tons of compartments (together with a moist compartment!), it’s waterproof and sand-proof, it zips up, it’s inexpensive, and it is available in tons of colours.
I like to recommend utilizing this as your private merchandise while you fly to Florida.
![A bright pink plastic water bottle](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Reusable-Water-Bottle-Iceland-Packing-List-What-to-Wear-in-Iceland-1024x768.jpg)
Reusable Water Bottle
In a scorching vacation spot just like the Florida Keys, you might want to keep hydrated — particularly while you’re swimming and also you don’t understand how a lot you’ve been sweating. A reusable water bottle is an important merchandise to pack for the Florida Keys.
I like my Nalgene water bottle, which is sporty, closes tightly, and feels indestructible. It’s the right companion on a kayaking journey via the mangroves, or a full day journey to the seashores of Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park!
Ear Plugs
Ear plugs are a good suggestion irrespective of the place you’re touring — however particularly for those who guide a lodge proper off Duval Road in Key West, and also you’re making an attempt to sleep, however everyone seems to be partying all night time!
Even for those who’re not staying on the primary drag of Key West, a number of guests keep up late and have a good time into the wee hours, which could be annoying while you simply need to sleep.
Convey the ear plugs with you so that you don’t need to endure via an evening of unhealthy sleep.
Movement Illness Tablets and/or Bands
Do you get movement illness in your travels? You would possibly need to convey some motion sickness tablets or motion sickness bands, particularly for those who are likely to get carsick or plan on taking any boat journeys additional out to sea (like Dry Tortugas).
I’m additionally a fan of ginger chews after I’m feeling a bit sick. They’re a superb factor to have in your bag.
![People sitting at the bar outside at Blue Heaven, a restaurant in Key West.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/DSCF3650-1024x673.jpg)
What to Put on within the Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are as informal because it comes. Even positive eating eating places in Key West or Key Largo have an informal costume code. No one goes to look down on you for not dressing up sufficient!
Most locals within the Florida Keys are likely to put on tank tops and jean shorts with flip flops, a baseball cap, and a pair of low cost sun shades. They typically have a showering go well with on beneath. That’s the Keys uniform!
So the place does that depart you, as a customer to the Florida Keys? More often than not you’ll be comfy in a short-sleeved shirt or tank prime, a pair of shorts or a skirt, and sandals or sneakers.
For cooler days and nights, it’s good to have a pair of denims and a lightweight jacket or hoodie.
If it’s within the winter months, you would possibly need to pack a barely hotter jacket, like my trusty Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket, which is extremely versatile and also you’ll use on tons extra journeys than simply this one.
However the necessary factor? Don’t stress about what to put on. Likelihood is you’ll slot in simply positive.
![Kate holding a bottle of mead at Keys's Meads, in front of a chalkboard listing the latest flavors.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/DSCF6202-1024x724.jpg)
Florida Keys Packing Listing
Clothes
Toiletries
Medical
Gadgets to Pack
Digital camera Gear and Tech Gear
Non-obligatory
![People walking out on a dock in Florida, where a sign reads "Do not feed manatee"](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/DSCF3410-1024x709.jpg)
Don’t overlook — you are able to do laundry within the Florida Keys!
One in every of my favourite suggestions for packing mild anyplace is that YOU CAN DO LAUNDRY ANYTIME YOU WANT. Visiting Florida for 10 days? Convey 5 – 6 days’ value of clothes and do laundry midway via your go to.
You’ll discover loads of public laundromats all through the Florida Keys, together with in Key West, Key Largo, Islamorada, and Marathon. An alternative choice is to guide lodging that has laundry on-site.
However I positively advocate bringing laundry detergent sheets with you as a result of I really feel like half the time lodging will present a laundry machine however no detergent.
Whereas many resorts provide laundry service, they typically cost via the nostril — suppose $3 per pair of underwear — so I like to recommend avoiding them. (In the event that they value it by weight, nonetheless, that may generally be a superb deal.)
![Kate standing in front of the southernmost point buoy in Key West, wearing a retro-style blue dress.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/DSCF3673-1024x736.jpg)
What NOT to Convey to the Florida Keys
Dressy clothes and footwear. The Florida Keys are one of the informal locations I’ve ever visited. Individuals dwell in tank tops and cut-offs 98% of the time.
Don’t even pack one thing particular for “simply in case.” That simply in case might be not going to occur.
The one exception — for those who’re visiting throughout Fantasy Fest, the loopy 10 days of costume events main as much as Halloween, that is the time when styling is the default!
Fancy footwear. Depart them at dwelling. You’re in flip-flop territory! There’s zero cause to convey every other form of footwear moreover sandals, sneakers, and water footwear.
Snorkel gear. For many vacationers, it’s pointless to convey your personal. Snorkeling excursions and boat journeys nearly all the time present snorkeling gear.
However for those who’re a hardcore snorkeler who prefers their very own gear and desires to snorkel on their very own, independently, go forward and convey your personal gear.
Extra on the Florida Keys:
Extra on Florida:
What do you advocate bringing to the Florida Keys?
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