I'm trying to plan trip to key west. Will be traveling from ohio. I'm trying to figure out best time of year to make trip. Thanks

 

As far as I'm concerned anytime it's below 60 degrees in Ohio

I live in SW Ohio and ride to Key West before riding back up for Daytona Bike Week. To be honest, I spend more time in south and central Florida than I do Daytona but I do like watching the 200.

When it's cold up here it's expensive down there. Camping is gonna be your cheapest option for staying multiple days. There's Boyd's Campground and Leo's (Leo's in has a few tent spots) and a tent site is 60.00-70.00 bucks per night. Rooms at hotels, motels go up from there. I'm not an expensive gear camper, sleeping on the ground is sleeping on the ground; I ain't paying 400.00 bucks for that. I ride to near my destination and go to Wal-Mart and buy a cheap, large dome tent (39.00 to 69.00). I use it as my base camp and leave it for whoever wants it. I do carry a sleeping bag and pad that I keep.

From Ohio my standard route is 75 South, all the way to near the bottom of FL to Route 41 E. I take 41E over to Florida City and south from there. When I head up north out of there I take 27 N as opposed to I95. Better scenery, no tolls and and no Miami traffic. This year I'm headed out in mid February this year and probably won't return until mid March.

 

If you plan on riding the trip from Ohio, probably April or after is a safe bet weather wise. Jan-Feb-March are high peak time for hotel cost[its actually costly anytime] ,but if your jonesing for a ride before that-try March---I was there last year into the first week of March[had beautiful weather].We stayed on the quiet end of Duval street[Blue Marlin Motel]I recommend it highly---not knowing what suits your taste for hobbies-nightlife-food drinks-cant suggest any of that for you. If you have the time do try a sunset cruise from Mallory Square----Rocker

 

I am leaving CT in mid February, if weather is bad I will ride to VA and get on auto train if not snowing or raining riding down. Picking up wife in Miami, heading to Keys for 5 days, dropping her off in Miami and going to Naples for a few days. Over to west palm for a few, ride up to Ocala area, over for 1st few days4-5 of bike week. Up to St Augustine for a couple. Then either auto train or riding back to CT.
C'ya down there.

 

Feb-March great time to go. No love bugs

 

I am heading to Daytona for bike week and going to Key West the second weekend. Can't wait for the trip.

 

I'm in Lauderdale visiting my kid. I rented a Street Glide yesterday and made the run south in the morning and back at the motel by 9PM. The sun was strong and the skies were blue. I'm burnt crispy.

 

Late September and October are the best times to go to the Keys, so long as there are no tropical storm systems in the area. In the spring, every snowbird and blue hair of means are down there and are incapable of driving more than 20 below the speed limit. They also have little regard or adequate vision for motorcycles and will kill you.

Summertime it's just too damn hot and there are literally thousands of trailered boats that will diminish your pleasure of traveling the overseas highway.

In October you can just about park your bike in the middle of the road and take a nap next to it without having to worry about traffic running you over.

 

Good info, Colorido.

 

There is pretty much just two seasons in the Keys: Busy and Busier. For the most predictable and comfortable weather, I'd suggest April or October, with April having a slight advantage because its not quite "Hurricane Season".