Best Time to Visit the Southernmost Point (and Skip the Line)

On a busy afternoon, the line for a photo with the Southernmost Point Buoy can stretch down the block, and waits of 30 minutes or more are common in peak season. With a little timing, you can walk right up. This guide covers the best hours, days and seasons to visit, based on what we see every day on the Southernmost Webcam.

Note: through early 2027, the original buoy is closed for construction and a full-size replica stands one block east at 1400 Duval Street. The same timing advice applies to both. See location and directions.

Best Time of Day

Sunrise to about 9 a.m.: best. This is the quietest window of the day. The light is soft and warm, the air is cooler, and you may have the buoy almost to yourself. Sunrise comes up over the water to the east, which makes a beautiful backdrop. Check sunrise times by month.
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: busiest. Tour trolleys, cruise ship passengers and day-trippers all converge in the late morning and afternoon. The midday sun is also harsh for photos, flattening colors and putting shadows under everyone’s eyes.
Early evening: moderate. Many visitors head to Mallory Square for the sunset celebration, which can thin the crowd at the buoy for a while.
After dark: surprisingly good. Late at night the line is often short or gone. The corner is lit by streetlights, so a phone with a night mode can still get a good shot, and Key West’s nightlife means there is usually a friendly crowd around.

Watch Out for Cruise Ship Days

When a cruise ship is in port, thousands of passengers come ashore for a few hours, and the Southernmost Point is near the top of nearly everyone’s list. The lines swell from late morning through mid-afternoon on those days. The Port of Key West publishes its cruise ship schedule, so check it before you go and plan your visit for early morning or evening on ship days. You can also skip the guesswork by glancing at the live webcam before you head over.

Best Time of Year

December to April (peak season): The most comfortable weather of the year, with highs in the mid-70s to low 80s and low humidity, which also means the biggest crowds. Holiday weeks and spring break in March are especially busy. Go early.
May and June: Warmer, still mostly dry early in the period, and noticeably less crowded once spring break ends. A good balance for many travelers.
July and August: Hot and humid, with highs around 90°F and afternoon thunderstorms. Crowds are moderate, with spikes around the Fourth of July and Hemingway Days in July.
September to mid-October: The quietest stretch of the year, and the best chance of walking right up to the buoy at almost any hour. It is also the heart of hurricane season, so watch the forecast and consider travel insurance. More in our hurricane season guide.
Late October: Fantasy Fest brings enormous crowds to Key West for its costumed parades and street parties. Expect lines, but also some of the most colorful people-watching of the year.

For month-by-month temperatures and rainfall, see Key West weather by month.

Photo Tips for the Buoy

Have your camera ready before your turn. The line runs on an unwritten rule: step up, take a few shots, and make room for the next group.
Offer to take a photo for the people ahead of you. They will almost always return the favor, and you will get a better picture than a selfie.
Shoot slightly from the side and low. This fits the whole buoy in the frame, with the water behind it, instead of cutting off the top.
Do not climb the buoy. It is a painted landmark that the city maintains, and climbing damages the paint.
Bring water and sun protection. There is little shade at the corner, and midday sun in Key West is intense year-round.
Want a photo on the webcam, too? Here is how to see yourself on the Southernmost Webcam.

More Southernmost Point Guides

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For Keys travel information, please visit PartyInKeyWest.com and The Florida Keys & Key West.