Eye on the Storm
If you go to the Keys during hurricane season, keep an eye on the forecast
Key West is in the hurricane belt, so if you visit during storm season (June 1 to Nov. 30) you have to keep an eye on the tropics and the forecast.
Even the threat of a hurricane could bring your island holiday to a premature conclusion. With nothing but vulnerable low-lying terrain, few structures built to withstand catastrophic winds, and only one highway linking the Keys to the mainland, local officials call for early evacuation of visitors if a category 3, 4 or 5 hurricane approaches South Florida.
If you follow instructions, you won't be in any real danger. But the rush for northbound flights, or a night or 2 in a Dade County emergency shelter won't be a holiday.
On the other hand, the hurricane season is the best time to shop for bargain rates on Key West accommodations, and you can purchase trip cancellation insurance to protect your investment if bad weather forces you to cancel or cut short your visit.
Get current forecasts from the National Hurricane Center.
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