August in the Florida Keys has a reputation that scares off the crowds. Heat, humidity, and afternoon showers. What the reputation leaves out, though, is that the water is warm and impossibly clear, the reefs are alive with lobster, and the Middle Keys take on a relaxed energy that peak season never quite replicates.
Our luxury vacation rentals in the Florida Keys include homes in Marathon, Duck Key, and Key Colony Beach with private pools and easy waterfront access. You’re sure to feel right at home and ready to explore. Browse available properties and lock in your dates to experience the Keys at a quieter time of year.
Here is everything you need to know to make the most of a Florida Keys trip in August.
August Weather in the Florida Keys
Photo Credit: f11photo
August is the hottest month in the Keys. Daily highs sit in the low 90s °F, overnight lows stay in the mid-70s, and the humidity makes it feel warmer than the thermometer suggests.
But a water-centric destination like the Keys makes the heat bearable; just take a dip to cool off. Plus, you can always utilize early mornings and evenings to avoid the peak heat.
The ocean keeps pace with the air. Water temperatures reach 86 to 88 °F, which is warm enough for all water activities. Snorkeling visibility is often excellent, especially in the mornings before cloud cover builds.
Afternoons follow a reliable rhythm; clouds gather by early afternoon, and a short, intense storm rolls through around 3 or 4 PM before clearing out.
Keep in mind that technically, August falls within Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June through November. The peak in storm activity is from mid-August through mid-October.
Most August days in the Keys are beautiful, but it is smart to book refundable travel and monitor the weather in the weeks before you arrive.
Best Things to Do in August in the Florida Keys
Photo Credit: Erika Cristina Manno
The Middle Keys offer plenty to keep you busy in August. Here are a few of our favorites.
1. Dive Into Lobster Season
August is the best month of the year for lobster lovers. The Florida mini lobster mini-season takes place on the last Wednesday and Thursday of July each year, drawing divers from across the state to the Middle Keys reefs.
Regular lobster season opens around August 6 and runs through March, giving the whole month of August a festive, seafood-forward energy.
The waters around Marathon are some of the most productive in the state for spiny lobster. Whether you’re heading out on a guided snorkel or dive trip or going on your own in search of the crustaceans, the timing could not be better.
For the full rundown on rules, bag limits, and local spots, see our guide to lobster season in the Florida Keys.
2. Go Snorkeling at Sombrero Reef
Sombrero Reef, located several miles offshore from Marathon in the Atlantic Ocean, is one of the best snorkel spots in the Middle Keys.
The reef is home to coral formations, tropical fish, sea turtles, and the occasional nurse shark. This is obviously too far out from land to venture to on your own, so you’ll need a boat to get you there.
August water clarity is excellent, particularly in the morning hours, so be sure to take advantage of an early start. Several snorkel trips out of Marathon stop at Sombrero Reef, and the warm water means no wetsuit is required.
3. Get Out on the Water
What better way to explore the Keys than by boat?
August mornings on the water are calm, clear, and some of the most enjoyable of the year. Sandbar excursions out of Marathon are a perennial favorite, with shallow turquoise water and enough breeze to make the heat feel manageable.
For fishing, August is an active month offshore. Mahi-mahi, tuna, and wahoo are all in season, and fishing charters out of Marathon run both half-day and full-day trips. As the sun goes down, the post-storm August skies make a sunset cruise one of the most dramatic experiences of the year.
If you prefer to captain your own adventure, boat rentals in Marathon are easy to arrange.
4. Explore Curry Hammock State Park
Curry Hammock State Park is one of the Middle Keys’ most underrated outdoor spots.
The park offers kayaking through the mangroves, paddleboarding in the calm bayside lagoon, a sandy beach with shallow water, and some of the best birding in the Keys as early migratory species begin to move through in late August.
Morning visits are strongly recommended before the heat peaks.
5. Cool Off at Sombrero Beach
We already covered Sombrero Reef, so why not talk about Sombrero Beach?
Sombrero Beach is Marathon’s most beloved public beach, and for good reason. The Atlantic-side shoreline has calm, clear water, a wide white-sand stretch, covered pavilions, restrooms, and a playground, making it a strong pick for families.
The shallow water close to shore stays safe and comfortable all August long. Arrive in the morning, find a spot under the palms, and plan to wrap up before the afternoon storms roll in.
August Events in the Florida Keys
Photo Credit: Chuck Wagner
Sitting in the middle of the low season, August is not a heavy festival month in the Keys. However, the events that do happen are genuinely worth planning around.
Lobster Season Kickoff
The energy around the lobster mini-season at the end of July flows right into the August 6th opener of regular lobster season.
Dive shops are busy, local seafood restaurants run lobster specials, and the Middle Keys community leans into the occasion in a way that makes early August feel very festive, even if it’s a slower time of year.
Key West Lobsterfest
- Dates: August 5th – August 9th, 2026
- Website: keywestlobsterfest.com
Key West Lobsterfest is an annual street festival held in August, celebrating the lobster season with live music, outdoor vendors, and lobster prepared every way imaginable. It is one of the liveliest events of the Keys’ summer calendar.
Key West is about 50 miles from Marathon, roughly an hour down the Overseas Highway. It makes for an easy day trip, with time to explore the island before the festival gets going in the evening.
Key West Rum Fest
- Dates: August 10th – 16th, 2026
- Website: rumfestkeywest.com
With a line-up packed full of sunset sails, live music, rum-tastings, cocktail hours, and Hemingway tributes, this is one of the most popular festivals in all of the Florida Keys.
Key West is renowned for its pie and its rum, both of which you can have in droves here. Be sure to buy your tickets in advance, as many events sell out ahead of time.
Packing for Your August Trip
A few smart additions to your bag make a real difference when the heat and humidity are at their peak. These are the August essentials:
- Lightweight, breathable clothing: Linen, cotton, or moisture-wicking fabrics in light colors.
- Reef-safe sunscreen: Required in many protected areas of the Keys and better for the coral reefs you will be snorkeling over.
- Compact rain layer: A packable rain jacket or poncho fits easily in a day bag and saves the afternoon when a storm rolls through.
- Bug spray: Mosquitoes and no-see-ums are more active in the wet season, especially at dusk near the mangroves.
- Travel insurance: Non-negotiable in August. Look for a policy that covers weather-related trip interruption, and choose accommodations with flexible cancellation policies.
- Reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated in this heat is easy to underestimate. Keep one on you all day.
You’ll Love the Florida Keys in August
August in the Florida Keys is hot, humid, and genuinely wonderful if you come prepared. Because really, there is no bad time to visit a tropical paradise. Come enjoy the crystal clear warm waters, the lush tropical environment, and most importantly, lots and lots of lobster.
Ready to visit? Browse our luxurious vacation homes in the Middle Keys. Centrally-located and equipped with comfortable amenities, you’ll be right in the heart of the Florida Keys and ready to explore.
