Best Time of Year to Dive Florida Keys
Winter and spring are the best times to visit the Florida Keys, and they have some unique characteristics that make them an excellent place for scuba diving. However, the cooler water temperature of late summer and fall also makes for good scuba diving conditions. Summer and fall are the best months for sightings of manta rays, while mid-August and late September are the most popular months for turtle sightings.
Winter
Whether you want to go diving in the Florida Keys or snorkeling in the area, the best time of year depends on your preferences. The temperatures in the Keys are pleasant year-round, but you may want to consider wearing a heavier wet suit in the winter. From November to February, the water temperatures will be warm but not too cold. June to October will be more humid and wet, and there is a risk of mosquitoes. Even in the winter, mosquitoes are active at dawn.
Winter is a great time to dive in the Florida Keys because water temperatures are mild. Winter temperatures rarely dip below 68 degrees F, making the water perfect for diving. But if you’re planning a diving trip, be sure to bring the proper exposure suits to stay warm. Otherwise, you’ll risk serious health problems.
If you’re traveling for scuba diving, the Florida Keys is one of the best places to visit. It has 200 miles of coastline, which make it a prime location for diving. Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park offers some of the most spectacular dive sites in the area. Among the most notable sites is the bronze statue of Jesus Christ and the Molasses Reef, which is home to a variety of corals, lobsters, and manta rays.
Spring
The best time to dive the Florida Keys is in November or May when temperatures are mild and not too hot. These months don’t feature a lot of tourists or hotel fees, but you’ll find the waters clear and warm. From June to October, it gets a little wetter and more humid. In addition, mosquitoes are active, especially in the early morning.
The Florida Keys have a warm, tropical climate, and the waters are relatively shallow. As a result, snorkelers will easily see reefs and larger marine animals. The water is warm year-round, but the summer months can be particularly hot. During the winter months, temperatures are cooler, and surface conditions are choppy, limiting visibility.
In Key Largo, the water temperature is usually above 80 degrees from May to October. On October 7, the temperature was 83.6 degrees. This is ideal for scuba diving, but there are times when water temperatures drop into the mid-70s. In these conditions, it is advisable to wear a thin wetsuit to stay warm.
Summer
If you’re looking for the best time of year to dive into the Florida Keys, May is the month for you. Temperatures are warm, and the water is not too cold. This month is also not as crowded as the summer months. May is also outside of hurricane season, so you won’t have to worry about super high hotel fees. In addition, the waters are clear and not too windy. But there are other months to visit, such as June or September, when temperatures tend to rise and fall.
Whether you want to scuba dive or just snorkel, you’ll have a great time diving in the Florida Keys. The warm, clear water is ideal for divers year-round. In addition, you’ll have a wide range of dive sites, from shallow coral reefs to historic shipwrecks.
If you’re planning a dive trip in the Florida Keys, the best time to go is between May and October. During the winter months, temperatures drop considerably, making diving in the keys difficult. Although there are a few showers on the Florida Keys, they’re usually short and light and don’t interfere with diving.
Fall
Summer is the most popular time of year to dive the Florida Keys, with boats filling up quickly, even on weekdays. To avoid crowds, you’ll need to plan your trip in advance. This is especially important if you’re going during a holiday, such as Valentine’s Day. A labor day dive trip is also a popular choice.
You’ll be able to find some beautiful coral and fish, as well as some spectacular wrecks. The temperatures are usually pleasantly warm, so you’ll want to bring a wetsuit that’s three to five millimeters thick. You’ll also want to keep an eye on the weather leading up to your trip to make sure it’s safe to go diving.
You’ll find over 100 wreck and reef dive sites along the coast of the Florida Keys, including some that are accessible to snorkelers. Each site indicates the level of certification required and includes helpful information. Regardless of the level of your certification, it’s always a good idea to check the marine conditions prior to diving. The National Weather Service’s marine forecasts for the Florida Keys can help you plan your dive.