Dry Tortugas Weather: Forecasts, Climate, and Current Conditions
Dry Tortugas has a subtropical climate with mild temperatures year-round, ranging from 61°F to 90°F. The archipelago has two distinct seasons: a windy winter with occasionally rough seas from December through March, followed by a hot, humid summer marked by tropical thunderstorms and hurricane risk from June through November. In between comes a short but often outstanding spring. It's currently tropical thunderstorm season (July).
Current readings are unavailable. See the seasonal averages farther down this page.
Open-Meteo readings · updating… · park time zone
Dry Tortugas Climate Month by Month
The table below compiles indicative climate normals for the archipelago, calculated from multidecadal averages for the Florida Keys / Gulf of Mexico region.
| Month | Low (°F) | High (°F) | Precip. (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 63 | 75 | 50 |
| February | 63 | 75 | 45 |
| March | 66 | 79 | 50 |
| April | 70 | 82 | 55 |
| May | 73 | 86 | 85 |
| June | 77 | 90 | 120 |
| July | 79 | 91 | 135 |
| August | 81 | 91 | 140 |
| September | 79 | 90 | 165 |
| October | 75 | 86 | 120 |
| November | 70 | 81 | 70 |
| December | 64 | 77 | 55 |
Water temperatures remain suitable year-round. They hover around 75°F in winter and rise to 86°F in summer, making Dry Tortugas a year-round diving destination when marine weather conditions allow.
The Climate Season by Season
Winter (December through March): Wind and Rough Seas
The NPS calls this period the “stormy season.” Don't let that fool you. Temperatures remain pleasant, ranging from 63°F to 79°F, and humidity drops noticeably compared with summer. Still, winds regularly pick up across the Gulf of Mexico, sometimes topping 20 knots, and swells can make the ferry ride from Key West uncomfortable. Ferry cancellations happen every winter, so always check marine weather reports the day before you leave. The coldest January nights can drop to 59–63°F, so bring a layer.
Spring (April through May): The Most Stable Window
April and May offer the year's best balance of weather. Seas calm down, temperatures gradually climb from 70°F to 86°F, and tropical thunderstorms haven't settled in yet. Underwater visibility is often at its best in April. This is also when sea turtles begin visiting the archipelago's waters. Book your ferry trip in advance because demand rises quickly in April.
Summer (June through August): Heat, Humidity, and Late-Afternoon Storms
Summer in Dry Tortugas is hot and humid, with temperatures from 79°F to 91°F and humidity regularly above 80%. Storms usually form in the late afternoon. They're often intense but brief, lasting 30 to 45 minutes on average. Head for shelter at Fort Jefferson as soon as a cumulonimbus cloud develops on the horizon. Mornings are generally sunny and calm, making them the best time to dive or tour the fortifications before heat and storms set in. If a tropical system develops in the Gulf, the park may close without notice.
Fall (September through November): Peak Hurricane Season, Then a Break
September and October bring the highest hurricane risk in the Gulf of Mexico. Dry Tortugas doesn't get hit by a cyclone every fall, but the risk is high enough to reconsider your trip if your dates are flexible. November changes the picture. Hurricane season officially ends on November 30, the sea settles down, temperatures fall to 70°F to 81°F, and visitor numbers decline. It's an often-overlooked month.
Does It Get Cold at Dry Tortugas?
No. Cold in the strict sense doesn't exist at Dry Tortugas. Temperatures have never dropped close to 32°F. The coldest winters record lows around 50°F to 54°F during exceptional cold snaps. In practice, January and February nights are around 63°F, which most travelers find very mild. Dry Tortugas's real climate challenge is summer's humid heat, not the cold.
What to Wear at Dry Tortugas by Season
Spring and fall (April–May, November). Light clothing is enough during the day. Add a light windbreaker for the ferry ride because the sea breeze makes it feel 5°F to 9°F cooler. Wear slip-resistant shoes around the rocky areas near Fort Jefferson.
Summer (June through August). Sun protection comes first. A wide-brimmed hat is essential, along with at least SPF 50 sunscreen reapplied every two hours and a UPF shirt if you'll be spending time on the water. Bring at least 1.5 liters of water per person for every half day. The park has no source of drinking water.
Winter (December through March). Bring a light midlayer, such as a thin fleece or sweatshirt, for evenings and mornings. Pack a compact rain jacket for winter showers. On the two-hour ferry from Key West, the wind can feel biting, so a windbreaker is strongly recommended.
Alerts and Conditions to Watch
At Dry Tortugas, your top priority is checking marine weather conditions before every departure from Key West. The NPS posts closure alerts on its website in the event of a cyclone or excessive swells. The ferry service notifies passengers by text message or email when a trip is canceled.
In summer, check the National Weather Service (NWS) forecast each morning for a “Hazardous Weather Outlook” over the Gulf of Mexico. A tropical thunderstorm can form in less than three hours. If you're camping on the island, listen to the weather reports every evening because the NPS will organize an emergency evacuation if a serious tropical system threatens.
After a rainy or stormy period, diving visibility can drop below 10 feet while sediment settles back down. Wait 24 to 48 hours before putting your fins back on.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the weather like at Dry Tortugas right now?
The current weather at Dry Tortugas follows the archipelago's subtropical pattern. Check the conditions widget at the top of the page for real-time information. In July, expect humid heat in the morning and a storm in the late afternoon.
What's the current temperature at Dry Tortugas?
The current temperature at Dry Tortugas is displayed in real time at the top of this page. Over the course of the year, it ranges from 63°F on winter nights to 91°F on summer afternoons.
Does it get cold at Dry Tortugas?
No, Dry Tortugas doesn't get cold in the usual climate sense. The coldest January nights drop to around 59°F to 63°F. The real challenge is the opposite: summer's humid heat, which can feel warmer than 95°F in August.
What should I wear to visit Dry Tortugas?
In summer, protect yourself from the sun with a hat, SPF 50 sunscreen, and a UPF shirt, and stay hydrated. In winter, a windbreaker and light midlayer are enough for the ferry and evenings.
What is the climate like at Dry Tortugas?
Dry Tortugas has a subtropical climate with two main seasons: a windy winter with occasionally rough seas from December through March, and a hot, humid summer with tropical thunderstorms and hurricane risk from June through November.
When is the best time to visit Dry Tortugas?
The best time to visit Dry Tortugas is generally April–May or November, when the weather is stable and the sea is calm. The guide When to Visit Dry Tortugas explores the question further with visitor data and recommendations based on your travel style.