10 Things to Do in Key West in January

Key West, or Key West, is the southernmost point of the United States and a splendid place to go on holiday. It is an island paradise located at the end of the Overseas Highway, which runs through the Florida Keys.

This island has a unique charm that increases at the beginning of the year, when it offers an ideal climate, with mild temperatures and little rain. There is also a wide variety of events and activities to suit all tastes. Read on to discover the best things to do in Key West in January to make the most of your stay.

Key West has a special charm and a relaxed, multicultural atmosphere with plenty to do. Although it's known for its sun and beach tourism , it's also a place for lovers of literature because, if your trip is in January, you'll be able to attend theKey West Literary Seminar.

This is an annual event held every January on this Florida island, where some of the best writers of our time come together. In addition to this experience, if writing is your thing, you can also choose to learn about American history from this island with a visit to Truman's Little White House.

The seminar has been running for more than 30 years and each edition explores a different theme. It usually lasts 3 days and offers readings, lectures, panels, workshops and social activities, all to share the passion for literature.

Both activities give added value to Key West, because you can enjoy the natural beauty and bohemian atmosphere of the city, a paradisiacal place that has been home and inspiration for writers such as Ernest Hemingway, Robert Frost, Tennessee Williams and Elizabeth Bishop.

Food and wine lovers have the opportunity during the month of January to participate in the Key West Food and Wine Festival, an event that celebrates the diverse, quality food and wine culture of this South Florida island.

For 5 days, you can enjoy a variety of food-related activities. For example, waterfront tastings, chef collaborations and other events that give you a taste of Key West culture and customs. Each edition brings different surprises and usually closes with a final tasting of the highest calibre.

In January you can enjoy the tropical atmosphere and take advantage of the festival's special offers on accommodation and transportation. You can also learn about wine production and pairing, attend cooking demonstrations, participate in competitions and raffles, visit wineries, local farms and more.

In case your trip doesn't coincide with the Festival dates or you want to explore more of the island's local food and tropical influences, then you can also join a food tour of Key West and get to know different restaurants and dishes. It's also one of the must-do things to do in Key West at night.

January is a busy month on the island. While Key West in December can be magical, the first month of the year has a lot to offer. For example, if you like indie music, the Mile Zero Festival in Key West is a unique experience.

This event celebrates the diversity and quality of independent music in the United States. It's usually 5 days of music with over 50 concerts on different outdoor stages, featuring some of the best artists and bands on the indie scene today.

During the festival, you can do and see many interesting things, such as attending waterfront concerts, participating in parties, parades and enjoying the fireworks display. You can also meet the artists in person or enjoy the sunset on the Mallory Square pier.

And if you want to explore more of the island's nightlife scene after one of the Festival's concerts, it doesn't hurt to take a Key West pub c rawl to complete an unforgettable and fun experience to discover the sounds and secrets of indie music.

The Quantum Key West Race is one of the most prestigious and exciting regattas in the world, held every January in the paradisiacal setting of the Florida Keys.

You can watch from the sh ore or from a boat as the yachts race through the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic, defying the wind and waves. With some of the best sailors and boats on the planet taking part, from flying catamarans to luxury yachts, what you'll enjoy is a world-class spectacle of speed, skill and beauty.

Whether you're an amateur or an expert sailor, it's a chance to get up close and personal with sailing. Also, if extreme and adrenaline-fuelled sailing is your thing , you can also take advantage of your visit to the island and get your hands on the Key West Adventure and Watersports Pass.

To combine sport with nature in Key West, you can take part in the Key West Half Marathon & 5K, a race held annually in January on this beautiful island in the United States.

It's a race recognised by Runners World magazine as one of the top 10 half marathons of the winter season. You'll run a 13.1-mile (21km) or 5K course through Key West's Old Town, past historic sites and enjoy magical ocean views.

In addition to running, the Key West Half Marathon & 5K gives you the opportunity to experience the full Key West experience. You can enjoy water sports such as snorkelling, kayaking and jet skiing, relax on the white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, sample the delicious cuisine and enjoy the lively nightlife. All this in a warm, sunny climate, ideal for escaping the winter chill of other cities.

One of the perks of holidaying in a beach destination is the chance to sample fresh se afood and, if your travel itinerary is in January, it could coincide with the events of the Florida Keys Seafood Festival.

For 18 years, Key West has been the place to be for seafood lovers. In addition, the event features a host of activities spread over 2 days where music, band performances, drinks and lots of food are the stars.

In addition, attending this festival in January is a way to get to know the other side of Key West and its culture. It's an experience that celebrates the community in a fun and lively atmosphere to taste the variety of local fish at very competitive prices.

Being a family event, it's also a plan that you can take advantage of if you visit Key West with children. You can enjoy various activities, participate in oyster eating and shucking contests , be dazzled by fireworks, watch the blessing of the fishing fleet, listen to live music and take home some souvenir crafts.

The best Key West tours will take you around various corners of the city, but one experience you can't miss is a visit to the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum. Although it's open all year round, you'll enjoy it twice as much in January because the weather is very pleasant and there are fewer tourists.

In this museum you can learn about the history of the shipwrecks that occurred in the Florida Keys and see up close the treasures that were recovered from them. In fact, it's a unique attraction that will take you back to the 19th century.

If you visit the Shipwreck Treasure Museum, you'll have visual access to original artefacts from the Spanish galleons, such as gold and silver coins, as well as jewellery, weapons and utensils from that era. In addition, you can climb the observation tower, from where the lookouts sighted the shipwrecks, and enjoy a panoramic view of the island.

Moreover, being located in a central point of Key West, you can also take the opportunity to visit other nearby attractions such as the Key West Lighthouse, the butterfly farm, the Habana Historeum or the Ernest Hemingway House Museum.

Useful information

• Price: the entrance fee is around 15€ per adult and children under 4 are free.
• Opening hours: open daily from 9.30am to 5pm, except on Christmas Day.
• Duration: The tour is estimated at 1 hour, but you can stay longer.

A fun and exciting activity to enjoy with your family, friends or partner during January in Key West is dolphin watching and snorkelling in the crystal clear waters. The first month of the year is convenient because the water is calm, the temperature is pleasant and rainfall is scarce, so there is more opportunity to come into contact with these aquatic mammals.

Key West is the habitat of bottlenose dolphins, friendly marine mammals that tend to swim close to boats and show their curiosity for humans. You can observe them in their natural environment and learn about their behaviour.

Also, for a more up-close and personal experience with the wildlife, you can dive in the Key West National Wildlife Refuge, a protected area with a variety of marine species such as corals, sponges, goldfish and turtles.

If you join a tour, you won't have to worry about snorkelling equipment because it will be provided and you' ll also receive safety instructions and tips to make the most of the experience.

This island may be small, but there are plenty of ways to have fun here in January. Even if your plan is for 2 days in Key West, getting tickets to the Aquarium is one way to get the most out of your stay and learn about marine life and species.

It's one of the oldest and most popular attractions in town. One advantage of visiting the Key West Aquarium in January is that there are fewer tourists, so you can enjoy the tour more and have more time to appreciate all the species. This way, you can spend more time viewing each exhibit and have a more personalised and interactive experience.

Overall, it's both an educational and fun activity because it allows you to get up close and personal with the marine life of the Florida Keys and its threats. At the same time, you will be supporting the conservation and rescue work carried out by this centre to protect and rehabilitate sea turtles and other endangered animals.

The tour is not limited to just looking behind glass; there are different interactive activities with the species such as the touch tank. There you are allowed to touch and hold some sea creatures such as crabs, sea urchins, sea cucumbers and starfish. Plus, if you're a marine wildlife lover, you'll also get to see sharks and turtles being fed where you'll see big sharp teeth, but don't worry, it's totally safe.

Useful information

• Price: the entrance fee per adult is approximately €20 and children under 4 years old have free entry.
• Opening hours: open daily from 10:00 to 18:00.
• Duration: the tour is estimated at 1 hour, but you can stay longer.

The best way to explore a new place is to get in touch with its culture, streets and hidden corners. While there are many ways to tour the city, whether by tram, tour bus, on foot, with sea activities and more, a bike tour of Key West in January is a fun, eco-friendly experience to enjoy at your own pace.

If you opt for this plan, you'll be able to:

• Get to know the city with your own itinerary: without depending on the schedules and routes of public or private transport. You can stop wherever you want, take photos, go into museums or restaurants, or simply admire the architecture and atmosphere of the city.
• Cyclethrough the historic centre: you will see the most emblematic buildings and squares, such as the basilica St. Mary Star of the Sea, the town hall, the theatre or the market. You will also appreciate the style and history of the city, as well as its daily life.
• Explore the more alternative neighbourhoods: Key West has a bohemian and creative side, a free walking or cycling tour will lead you to discover the urban art, music, gastronomy and culture of the city. You can see the graffiti, murals, galleries, cafes and locals that give personality and colour to the city.

Key West is an ideal destination to visit in January, as it offers a warm and dry climate, perfect for enjoying its beaches, nature and culture. The first month of the year is usually mild with mild temperatures and little rain.

The average daily maximum temperature on this island is 24°C, and rarely falls below 19°C or exceeds 27°C. The climate is pleasant and pleasant, and the weather is pleasantly warm. As a result, the climate is pleasant and sunny, with almost no cloud cover.

To visit Key West in January, I recommend packing light and comfortable clothing such as T-shirts, shorts, dresses and sandals. Remember that the weather is warm and dry, with temperatures hovering around 22°C (72°F). Being a beach destination, you can't leave out your swimming costume, towels and sarong to enjoy the water activities.

Also, bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect yourself from UV rays and avoid sunburn. Additionally, you can include a light jumper for cooler evenings or air-conditioned locations. Finally, don't forget to bring your camera to save your best memories.