March in the Florida Keys delivers exactly what winter-weary travelers dream about: sunny days, crystal clear waters, and great weather perfect for outdoor adventures. With warm temperatures and minimal rainfall, this month strikes a sweet spot between winter crowds and summer heat.
Whether you’re planning beach days at Bahia Honda, a sunset cruise through the backcountry, or fishing from your vacation rental dock, March is a great time to do it. Book a stay at one of our vacation homes in the Middle Keys for the ultimate South Florida experience.
Here’s everything you need to know about March in the Florida Keys.
Florida Keys Weather in March
Photo Credit: Fotoluminate LLC
March sits firmly in dry season for the Keys, delivering some of the most comfortable weather patterns of the entire year.
Average highs range from 78°F to 82°F, with lows settling near 68–72°F. This means warm days without the intense heat of peak season in the summer. Pack flip-flops for the beach, but bring a light jacket for breezy evenings.
Rainfall is minimal at around 1.5 inches for the whole month, with most showers brief and often arriving in late afternoon or overnight. The result is low humidity that makes it comfortable to spend long stretches outdoors, unlike in the humid peak months of July and August.
Water temperatures hover in the mid-70s, comfortable enough for swimming, paddleboarding, and snorkeling, though some visitors prefer a shorty wetsuit for extended reef trips.
March can bring breezier days and occasional small-craft advisories, which may affect offshore boating but usually leave inshore waters and reef trips manageable. Winds are very mild compared to the hurricane season of June to November.
Is March a Good Time to Visit the Florida Keys?
Although there’s no bad time to visit the Keys, March is a particularly good time because of its perfect weather and modest crowds. Although spring breakers tend to visit in late March, most of the snowbirds of January and February have flown home for the spring, so it doesn’t get overwhelmingly crowded.
Spring break in the Florida Keys generally runs from early March through mid-April, with different school schedules creating waves of visitors rather than a single overwhelming peak week. Although the Keys get busier, they tend not to feel chaotic compared to party towns like Daytona Beach.
Key West and Key Largo see the biggest concentration of college students and party crowd. The Middle Keys – Marathon, Duck Key, and nearby islands—attract more families, anglers, and boaters who prefer fewer crowds and a quieter vibe.
If you want to avoid the busiest stretches, target early March weekdays when there’s more accommodation availability.
March Events in the Florida Keys
Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald
March is a lively month on the Keys’ event calendar. Here are some highlights in the Middle Keys.
Marathon Seafood Festival
- Dates: March 14 & 15, 2026
- Website: floridakeysmarathon.com/event/50th-annual-marathon-seafood-festival
The Marathon Seafood Festival is the signature Middle Keys event each March, held at Marathon Community Park. This annual event features a variety of fresh seafood, such as lobster, stone crab, shrimp, grouper, and the best conch fritters you’ll find anywhere.
Live music keeps the atmosphere festive, while craft vendors and kid zones make it a true family affair.
Islamorada Island Fest
- Dates: March 28 & 29, 2026
- Website: islamoradachamber.com/island-fest
Just up the Overseas Highway from Marathon, the Islamorada Island Fest brings together art, live music, and sand sculpture contests in one of the Keys’ most scenic settings.
Food trucks provide tasty local and international dishes, and you can have your say in the people’s choice vote of the Smoked Fish Dip Content.
This is an easy day trip from the Middle Keys and offers a break from water activities.
March Merkin Fishing Tournament
- Dates: March 9 – 12, 2026
- Website: marchmerkin.com
March sees multiple fishing contests based out of Marathon and Islamorada, targeting species like sailfish, mahi-mahi, and early-season tarpon. The March Merkin is the most popular of these fishing tournaments.
March Merkin bring serious anglers to the Middle Keys and creates a buzz around local marinas and waterfront restaurants.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
- Dates: March 17 (with celebrations throughout the week)
- Website: Check local bar and restaurant listings
St. Patrick’s Day in the Keys means green-themed drinks, live music, and pub crawls. Events tend to be concentrated more heavily in Key West along Duval Street, but Marathon bars and waterfront grills host their own smaller celebrations.
Expect a festive but manageable atmosphere in the Middle Keys if you’re looking to join in without the Key West intensity.
Things to Do in the Florida Keys in March
Photo Credit: Maridav
March’s weather opens up nearly every activity the Keys have to offer, and staying in Marathon puts you in an ideal position to experience the best of it.
Hit the Beaches: Sombrero, Coco Plum & Bahia Honda
March is prime time for beach days in the Florida Keys, with comfortable air and water temperatures and almost no afternoon thunderstorm risk. The Middle Keys offer several standout options, each with its own character:
- Sombrero Beach (Marathon): The most popular beach in Marathon, featuring a playground, picnic pavilions, restrooms, and nearshore snorkeling on calm days. Early mornings and late afternoons bring the quietest conditions.
- Coco Plum Beach (Marathon): A more natural setting with shallower water and sea-grass areas, perfect for long walks and watching shorebirds. Especially peaceful on weekdays when spring break crowds thin out.
- Bahia Honda State Park: Located just south of the Seven Mile Bridge, this state park consistently ranks among Florida’s best beaches. The famously clear water, sandy shoreline, and views of the Old Bahia Honda rail bridge make it worth the half-day trip from Marathon.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes for rocky areas, and a lightweight cover-up—the March sun can be surprisingly intense despite mild air temperatures. During spring break weeks, parking lots at popular beaches fill by late morning, so arrive early to secure a good spot.
Get Out on the Water: Snorkeling, Sandbars & Boat Days
March delivers excellent conditions for water sports, with relatively calm seas, good visibility, and water warm enough for extended snorkeling sessions.
Sombrero Reef off Marathon offers some of the best diving and snorkeling in the entire Keys, with colorful reef fish, coral formations, and the kind of underwater scenery that makes you forget time.
Book a snorkel charter or private boat excursion from Marathon marinas to explore reefs, shallow patch areas, or local sandbars where you can float in knee-deep water with a drink in hand.
Other popular water activities include jet skiing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
Fishing in the Florida Keys in March
March is a transitional but highly productive fishing month, with options ranging from backcountry flats to reef and offshore waters.
From Marathon, you have easy access to reef fishing for snapper and grouper, and wreck fishing for amberjack. Early-season tarpon start showing up in backcountry channels and bridge passes as the water warms.
The Middle Keys are a favorite base for serious anglers because of quick access to both the Atlantic and Gulf sides, plus dozens of experienced charter captains operating from local marinas. Half-day charters work well for families and beginners.
Nature, Wildlife & Marine Attractions
March is excellent for spotting migrating and resident bird species like pelicans, ospreys, and herons. and for watching rays and small sharks cruise shallow flats from overlooks.
The Middle Keys offer several easy outings that take advantage of March’s pleasant weather:
- Dolphin Research Center (Grassy Key): Educational encounters let you learn about dolphin behavior while enjoying comfortable outdoor seating and shows. March’s mild temperatures make this visit especially enjoyable.
- Crane Point Hammock (Marathon): Boardwalks wind through a hardwood hammock, with historic exhibits, excellent birdwatching, and shaded trails perfect for a morning walk.
- Curry Hammock State Park: Located north of Marathon, this park offers kayaking through mangroves, birding, beach access, and quiet picnic spots. Calm March mornings deliver the best paddling conditions.
Don’t forget to pack insect repellent for mangrove areas and bring binoculars for wildlife viewing.
Cultural Stops, Island Hopping & Dining
March days with extra wind or passing clouds are perfect for island-hopping drives and cultural exploration. Take a leisurely day trip or down the Overseas Highway from Marathon, stopping at waterfront tiki bars, local art galleries, and roadside markets.
For a unique day trip, head south to Pigeon Key via the Old Seven Mile Bridge. This historic island served as a camp for Flagler railroad workers and offers stunning views of turquoise water and passing boats.
If you want to visit Key West, Florida, you’ll find it an hour south of the Middle Keys. Although it has lots of great sights, Key West can become very crowded on weekends in March. Visit midweek for a quieter experience.
What to Eat in the Florida Keys in March
March dining in the Middle Keys means fresh-off-the-boat seafood and classic island flavors. Sample the local specialties: fresh grouper prepared blackened or fried, hogfish when the dive shops bring it in, and conch fritters at nearly every waterfront spot.
This is also the tail end of lobster season, so don’t miss the opportunity to eat the Florida spiny lobster. It’s nothing like its Maine cousin.
Key lime pie is non-negotiable for dessert, and the best versions use real Key limes from local groves. For specific recommendations, check out our guide to the best Key lime pies in the Florida Keys.
Base Yourself in the Middle Keys for Your Florida Getaway
While all of the Florida Keys shine in the shoulder season, the Middle Keys deliver the ideal combination of access, comfort, and chilled-out spring break energy.
Ready to experience it? Book one of our vacation rentals in the Middle Keys and make your dreams of a March escape a reality.
