Planning a trip? Here’s your Key West reef report for the rest of July through August. Conditions can change daily based on weather and wind, but this is the typical pattern divers and snorkelers can expect.

Key West Reef Report (July 20 – August 31, 2026)

 Water Temperature

• 84°–87°F throughout August.
• No wetsuit is needed for most divers.
• A thin rash guard helps protect against sun and jellyfish.

Underwater Visibility

• Average visibility: 40–80 feet.
• Best visibility usually follows several calm days.
• Morning trips often have the clearest water.
• Offshore reefs generally offer better visibility than nearshore reefs.

Wind & Sea Conditions

• Summer typically brings light southeast winds.
• Seas are often calm during the morning.
• Afternoon thunderstorms are common.
• Dive boats may adjust schedules around passing storms.

Marine Life

Divers can expect to see:

• Southern stingrays
• Nurse sharks
• Eagle rays (occasional)
• Green moray eels
• Spotted moray eels
• Barracuda
• Angelfish
• Butterflyfish
• Parrotfish
• Sergeant majors
• Blue tang
• French grunts
• Yellowtail snapper
• Porkfish
• Filefish
• Sea turtles (occasional)
• Lobsters hiding beneath coral ledges

Coral Conditions

• Coral reefs remain active with plenty of tropical fish.
• Brain coral, elkhorn coral, and sea fans provide colorful underwater scenery.
• Please avoid touching coral or standing on the reef.

Key West Diving Report

Diving in Key West in August

August is one of the warmest months of the year for diving in Key West.

Benefits include:

• Warm water
• Long daylight hours
• Excellent marine life activity
• Calm morning conditions
• Comfortable boat rides on many days

Morning charters usually offer the best conditions before afternoon thunderstorms develop.

Key West Snorkeling Report

Snorkeling conditions are generally excellent during late July and August.

Expect:

• Warm, clear water
• Active tropical fish
• Calm conditions on many mornings
• Easy entry for beginner snorkelers

Visibility is usually best after several calm weather days.

Wreck Diving Report

Popular wreck dives continue to offer excellent experiences.

Divers may encounter:

• Schools of snapper
• Large barracuda
• Goliath grouper (seasonal)
• Sponges and soft corals
• Colorful reef fish

Advanced divers should always check current sea conditions before heading offshore.

Weather Outlook

Typical August weather includes:

• Air temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s
• Warm ocean temperatures
• Afternoon showers and thunderstorms
• Plenty of sunshine between storms

Morning departures usually provide the smoothest conditions.

Best Time to Dive

The best diving conditions are often:

• Early morning
• After several calm weather days
• During lighter southeast winds
• Before afternoon thunderstorms develop

Key West Reef Conditions Summary

Current Key West reef conditions include:

• Water temperatures: 84°–87°F
• Visibility: 40–80 feet
• Warm ocean temperatures
• Active marine life
• Excellent snorkeling opportunities
• Comfortable diving conditions
• Calm mornings on many days
• Afternoon thunderstorms possible

Whether you’re a first-time diver or an experienced underwater photographer, late July and August remain excellent months for exploring the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and enjoying some of the best diving in Key West.

Book your next Adventure today!