Florida Keys in March

Winter is peak season for good reason. December through April brings 80-degree days, low humidity, and almost no rain. The water's still warm enough for swimming, and you'll actually want to sit outside for dinner. But here's the trade-off: everyone else has the same idea. Hotel rates double. Restaurant waits stretch to an hour. The drive down takes longer because every retiree from Ohio is making the same trip. Summer is hot and humid, but the fishing is incredible. Tarpon season runs May through July. The water's bathtub-warm for snorkeling. And you'll have many places to yourself. Hurricane season runs June through November, with peak risk in September and October. Most businesses close if a storm threatens, so check the forecast. Spring break brings college crowds to Key West in March. It's loud, crowded, and expensive. Unless you're 22, avoid those weeks. The sweet spot? Late November or early May. You get decent weather without the peak season crowds and prices.