Keys History
Hurricane Season Is a Defining 'Season' in the Keys' Year
Residents and visitors in Monroe County often hear that the Florida Keys lack distinct seasons. That characterization overlooks locally significant seasonal patterns beyond spring, summer, fall and winter. One of the most consequential of those is hurricane season, which shapes life and planning across the islands. Hurricane season officially begins June 1 and concludes November 30. Historical records show that, while storms can and do occur outside those dates, the bulk of hurricane activity affecting the Keys has been concentrated within that window. The Keys’ seasonal rhythm is therefore defined in part by preparedness and attention to tropical weather during late spring through autumn. That pattern has deep historical roots in local experience with storms, including events from the 19th century that remain part of regional memory. For residents and officials alike, the seasonal framing helps guide annual planning and response efforts. Local planning cycles, tourism patterns and community conversations about resilience reflect the expectation of heightened hurricane risk during those months. Florida Keys Weekly provided the summary of local seasonal patterns and the official June 1–November 30 hurricane season dates cited here. Looking ahead, the June-to-November timeframe will again mark the period when tropical systems are most likely to affect the islands, reinforcing the annual cadence of monitoring and preparation across Monroe County.
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