Big Coppitt Key Island
Residential island in the lower Florida Keys
A low-lying island in the Lower Florida Keys near Key West, known for marinas, sportfishing, snorkel and easy access to the Florida Reef; visitors combine boating, diving and casual Key seafood.
Big Coppitt Key at a Glance#
Address: Big Coppitt Key, Monroe County, Florida, United States
About Big Coppitt Key#
Big Coppitt Key is a small island and census-designated place in the Lower Florida Keys, Monroe County, Florida, at coordinates 24.59931, -81.6587. It is a residential island with waterfront properties, marinas, and direct road connections.
The island offers roadside access to boat launches, small marinas and waterside accommodation, and is commonly used as a base for fishing, boating and accessing nearby reefs. The community is compact and most visitor activity centers on water-based recreation rather than large tourist attractions.
The island developed as part of the settled Lower Keys and is traversed by U.S. Route 1 (the Overseas Highway), which links it to other Keys and to Key West. Its modern character is mainly residential and marine-oriented.
Positioned in the Lower Keys chain, Big Coppitt Key lies on the Atlantic/Gulf side of the Overseas Highway, about 8 miles (13 kilometers) east of Key West.
- Access: Located on the Overseas Highway, providing direct road access to the rest of the Florida Keys.
- Proximity to Key West: Approximately 8 miles (about 13 kilometers) east of Key West, making it convenient for day trips to Key West and nearby diving and fishing spots.
How to Get to Big Coppitt Key#
Big Coppitt Key is reached via U.S. Route 1 (Overseas Highway), about 6-8 miles south of Key West depending on the route. The drive from Key West is short; local roads on the island serve residences and marinas.
Tips for Visiting Big Coppitt Key#
- Big Coppitt Key is a residential island - be respectful of private property and quiet hours.
- Stop at local dive shops for up-to-date snorkel and reef reports; the Florida Keys' reefs are fragile and conditions change.
- If looking for seafood, check local schedules; small community eateries can sell out quickly.
Best Time to Visit Big Coppitt Key#
Winters are busiest and most comfortable; summer brings heat and the risk of tropical storms.
Weather & Climate near Big Coppitt Key#
Big Coppitt Key's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 18°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1039 mm/year), wettest in September.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 18° - 24° | 21° | 61 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 18° - 24° | 21° | 41 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 20° - 26° | 23° | 47 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 22° - 27° | 25° | 50 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 24° - 29° | 27° | 94 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 25° - 31° | 28° | 140 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 26° - 32° | 29° | 96 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 26° - 32° | 29° | 142 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 25° - 31° | 28° | 148 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 24° - 29° | 27° | 115 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 21° - 27° | 24° | 51 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 19° - 25° | 22° | 54 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |