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Questioning what to pack for the Florida Keys? My final Florida Keys packing checklist will present you all the pieces it’s worthwhile to carry!
I like visiting the Florida Keys, and I feel they’re top-of-the-line trip spots in america. Whether or not you’re searching for a warm-weather winter escape or a few of the greatest festivals on the planet, you’re going to like the Keys!
You’ll be able to completely pack mild on your journey right here — this can be a place the place you may 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 total Florida Keys packing checklist — plus a couple of belongings you don’t have to pack!
Let’s dive on in.
This submit was revealed in February 2024.
Climate within the Florida Keys: What to Count on
The Florida Keys are sizzling, 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’ll be able to have time right here year-round, however the time of yr 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, hearken to native authorities and do as they are saying.
Rain storms in Florida are typically temporary and intense. I like to recommend bringing an umbrella on the very least; you may additionally admire having a rain jacket. They belong on any Florida packing checklist!
Learn Extra: Finest Time to Go to Key West and the Florida Keys
Important Gadgets to Pack for the Florida Keys
Reef-Protected Sunscreen
Reef protected sunscreen is crucial for the Florida Keys. First off, sunscreen is crucial — you’re possible going to be open air all day, fairly often within the water, and the solar could be robust down right here even if 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.
A very good rule of thumb is to depart your ordinary sunscreen at residence, purchase reef protected sunscreen for this journey, and use it on a regular basis — not simply if you’re on a snorkeling tour at Pennekamp State Park, however on a regular basis.
Water Footwear
I wasn’t an enormous wearer of water footwear 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 snug!
Water footwear are additionally good safety in case you brush up towards something sharp within the water, they usually provide help to preserve 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 seem like tight long-sleeved shirts, they usually’re product of swimsuit materials.
If you’re snorkeling in any respect, PLEASE, I encourage you, put on a rash guard!! If 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 vibrant crimson again that aches for the remainder of their Florida Keys journey. Be sure this isn’t you!
Dry Bag
If you happen to’re spending time within the Florida Keys, chances are high excessive that you just’ll be on no less than one boat journey — and, extra possible, a number of completely different water actions. For that motive, a dry bag is a vital merchandise on your journey.
A dry bag is a water-resistant bag. You set your belongings in it — your purse, your good digicam, your leather-based sandals — and this retains them from getting moist, even when the boat capsizes. Even stable-seeming boats can get water in all places!
I exploit dry luggage once I kayak, once I take smaller ferries, and once I’m on snorkeling and swimming journeys (as a result of moist folks DO NOT CARE about getting water in all places).
Dry luggage are available a number of completely different sizes. I like to recommend getting one sufficiently big on your necessities.
You may also need to carry a water-resistant telephone bag — although as of late, most 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 lots about defending your self from the solar within the Florida Keys. You’ve received your reef-safe sunscreen and your rash guard. What else do you have to carry?
Vast-brimmed hat. That is far more efficient at protecting your face than a typical baseball cap.
Mild long-sleeved shirt. Having an precise shirt with sleeves is simply as useful on the seashore as it’s within the automobile. And so significantly better than simply protecting your self with a blanket. This lengthy shirt can double as a swimsuit cowl up!
Sarong or pashmina. The final 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 seashore mat, something you possibly can think about!
And in case you are likely to burn simply or need further safety, check out this solar safety hoodie. It’s mild, it’s cheap, it has a UPF issue of fifty, and it is available in 1,000,000 colours. There’s additionally an extended model that goes to mid-thigh.
A number of Swimsuits
What number of bathing fits do you have to carry to the Florida Keys? I might advocate two on the minimal, however three may 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 moist surroundings like South Florida. And in case you’re doing a Florida Keys street journey, you may not have the time to hold them as much as dry. (Although in case you try this, I like to recommend hanging them behind the entrance seat head rests!)
If you happen to’re searching for one thing particular on your Florida Keys journey, I occur to like Trina Turk bathing fits. They’re colourful, extremely flattering, and several other types are available plus sizes.
Mild Jacket
Certainly, the Florida Keys are heat year-round — and Key West is the most popular 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 immediately will get in your Key West sundown cruise!
What sort of jacket do you have to carry? I feel a denim jacket is an efficient selection for the summer time months. This Levi’s denim jacket is inexpensive, is available in plus sizes, and is accessible in a number of colours.
Some folks may desire a enjoyable cardigan. Some may desire a sportier hoodie just like the ever-popular Lululemon Scuba Hoodie (or this extra inexpensive model).
If you happen to’re visiting throughout the winter months, you may use your jacket throughout the day, too, and also you may desire one thing a bit hotter at night time. (The locals can be bundled up!) I extremely advocate the UNIQLO Extremely Mild Down Jacket, which is ideal for Key West winters and SO helpful on all types of journeys.
Comfy Footwear
What sorts of footwear do you have to pack for the Florida Keys? Cozy footwear. Whereas loads of locals are content material to put on nothing however flip-flops, you don’t should put on flip-flops in case you don’t like them or bodily can’t put on them.
After I journey to heat climate locations just like the Florida Keys, I carry two pairs of footwear: one pair of snug sandals and one pair of white sneakers.
Comfy sandals. In order for you sports activities sandals, I’ve been sporting Teva Tirra Sandals for greater than a decade. They’re SO snug, practically weightless, and you’ll even do some mild climbing in them.
I additionally love Abeo flip flops, which even have arch assist and are 1,000,000 instances nicer than plastic flip-flops. They’re by WalkingCo (previously The Strolling Firm), who’ve all types of great sandals with arch assist. I’ve been shopping for from them for years.
Comfy 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.
Seaside Towels
Do you really want to pack seashore towels for a Florida Keys journey? Sure, as a result of I can’t inform you what number of instances I’ve taken a seashore trip and both 1) the lodge doesn’t present seashore towels 2) they supply them, however don’t allow you to take them off-property 3) they supply them, however they’re approach too small.
Sure, they take up a number of house, however I’m at all times happier once I pack my very own seashore towels.
(Normally I advocate for utilizing a microfiber journey towel, which dries shortly and packs down SO small, however not for a seashore vacation spot just like the Florida Keys, as they don’t make a snug floor to lie on.)
Huge Seaside Bag
With so many enjoyable day journeys across the Florida Keys, whether or not you’re heading out to the perfect Florida Keys seashores or taking a ship journey to one of many island state parks, you’ll need to carry a number of stuff. And that goes double in case you’re touring with children.
Enter the massive seashore bag — ludicrously capacious in all the appropriate methods. I like this seashore bag specifically — 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 if you fly to Florida.
Reusable Water Bottle
In a sizzling vacation spot just like the Florida Keys, it’s worthwhile to keep hydrated — particularly if you’re swimming and also you don’t understand how a lot you’ve been sweating. A reusable water bottle is a vital 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 in case you e-book a lodge proper off Duval Road in Key West, and also you’re attempting to sleep, however everyone seems to be partying all night time!
Even in case you’re not staying on the principle drag of Key West, a number of guests keep up late and have a good time into the wee hours, which could be annoying if you simply need to sleep.
Carry the ear plugs with you so that you don’t should endure via an evening of dangerous sleep.
Movement Illness Tablets and/or Bands
Do you get movement illness in your travels? You may need to carry some movement illness tablets or movement illness bands, particularly in case you 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 once I’m feeling a bit sick. They’re factor to have in your bag.
What to Put on within the Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are as informal because it comes. Even superb eating eating places in Key West or Key Largo have an off-the-cuff 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 go away you, as a customer to the Florida Keys? More often than not you’ll be snug 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 light-weight jacket or hoodie.
If it’s within the winter months, you may need to pack a barely hotter jacket, like my trusty Uniqlo Extremely Mild Down Jacket, which is extremely versatile and also you’ll use on heaps extra journeys than simply this one.
However the vital factor? Don’t stress about what to put on. Chances are high you’ll slot in simply superb.
Florida Keys Packing Record
Clothes
Toiletries
Medical
Gadgets to Pack
Digicam Gear and Tech Gear
Non-obligatory
Don’t overlook — you are able to do laundry within the Florida Keys!
Certainly one of my favourite ideas for packing mild anyplace is that YOU CAN DO LAUNDRY ANYTIME YOU WANT. Visiting Florida for 10 days? Carry 5 or 6 days’ price 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. Another choice is to e-book 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 accommodations supply laundry service, they typically cost via the nostril — assume $3 per pair of underwear — so I like to recommend avoiding them. (In the event that they value it by weight, nonetheless, that may typically be deal.)
What NOT to Carry to the Florida Keys
Dressy clothes and footwear. The Florida Keys are one of the vital informal locations I’ve ever visited. Folks stay 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 — in case you’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. Go away them at residence. You’re in flip-flop territory! There’s zero motive to carry some other form of footwear moreover sandals, sneakers, and water footwear.
Snorkel gear. For many vacationers, it’s pointless to carry your individual. Snorkeling excursions and boat journeys nearly at all times present snorkeling gear.
However in case you’re a hardcore snorkeler who prefers their very own gear and desires to snorkel on their very own, independently, go forward and convey your individual gear.
Extra on the Florida Keys:
Extra on Florida:
What do you advocate bringing to the Florida Keys?