Key West sits on the Gulf of Mexico. Our conditions page shows today's water temperature, surf height, wind, UV index, tide times from NOAA station 8724580, and rip current risk, plus red tide and sargassum seaweed status. Everything is pulled live from NOAA and Open-Meteo and refreshes through the day.
View Live ConditionsPark at Key West in lots like Old Town Parking Garage, Mallory Square Lot, Simonton Beach Lot. Our parking page maps every option with addresses, rates from $4/hr and a live crowd-based availability estimate so you can plan ahead and skip circling.
Find ParkingAt Key West, don't miss the Conch Fritters at Conch Republic. Our dining page pulls live ratings and hours from Google Places and highlights the local dishes worth ordering.
Explore DiningBoats leave Key West from Historic Seaport, including the Fury Reef Snorkel — dolphin watches, sunset sails, kayak tours and fishing charters. Our things to do page lists the operators, departure times and prices.
See Things to DoKey West hosts Mallory Square Sunset Celebration and more. Our events page pulls the current week's lineup so nothing sneaks up on you.
Check EventsIt depends on the UV index and your skin. Our conditions page converts today's hourly UV forecast at Key West into minutes to burn using the standard erythemal dose model, so instead of "UV 9" you get "unprotected fair skin burns in about 18 minutes", along with the strongest stretch of the day and when to reapply. Open sand and water reflect UV back at you, so the estimate includes a beach uplift.
Check Today's Burn TimeNo. Dogs are banned from public beaches, including Smathers and Higgs, except in an area the city has specifically designated for them. The only such off-leash beach is Vernon Street Beach, a separate, smaller location on the other side of the island. Source: City of Key West Code of Ordinances (Chapter 10 Animals, Sec. 18-87 Alcohol, Sec. 90-40 Fires, Ordinance No. 866 Drones, 2023 smoking ordinance) — governs both Smathers Beach and Higgs Beach; Fort Zachary Taylor is a separate state park not covered here, checked 2026-09-10.
See All Beach RulesNo. Drinking from or possessing an open alcoholic beverage container on city-owned property, including the beaches, is banned. Source: City of Key West Code of Ordinances (Chapter 10 Animals, Sec. 18-87 Alcohol, Sec. 90-40 Fires, Ordinance No. 866 Drones, 2023 smoking ordinance) — governs both Smathers Beach and Higgs Beach; Fort Zachary Taylor is a separate state park not covered here, checked 2026-09-10.
See All Beach RulesNo. Open, wood or charcoal fueled fires are banned on the beach, with a narrow exception for self-contained gas heating devices. No fires of any kind are permitted during sea turtle nesting season. Source: City of Key West Code of Ordinances (Chapter 10 Animals, Sec. 18-87 Alcohol, Sec. 90-40 Fires, Ordinance No. 866 Drones, 2023 smoking ordinance) — governs both Smathers Beach and Higgs Beach; Fort Zachary Taylor is a separate state park not covered here, checked 2026-09-10.
See All Beach RulesNo. Launching or landing a drone in any city park, preserve or shoreline water is banned, aside from medical, law enforcement or government aircraft. Source: City of Key West Code of Ordinances (Chapter 10 Animals, Sec. 18-87 Alcohol, Sec. 90-40 Fires, Ordinance No. 866 Drones, 2023 smoking ordinance) — governs both Smathers Beach and Higgs Beach; Fort Zachary Taylor is a separate state park not covered here, checked 2026-09-10.
See All Beach RulesNo. Smoking and vaping are banned on all city-owned public beaches and parks, with unfiltered cigars exempted. Source: City of Key West Code of Ordinances (Chapter 10 Animals, Sec. 18-87 Alcohol, Sec. 90-40 Fires, Ordinance No. 866 Drones, 2023 smoking ordinance) — governs both Smathers Beach and Higgs Beach; Fort Zachary Taylor is a separate state park not covered here, checked 2026-09-10.
See All Beach RulesAt Key West, the sun sets at 7:16 PM today — about 11h 57m of daylight. Sunrise was 7:19 AM. Live water temperature, surf height, UV index, wind and tide for Key West update at the top of the conditions page.