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 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.
January
January is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).
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February
February is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
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March
March is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).
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April
April is warm with highs of 27°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).
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May
May is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 24°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).
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June
June is hot with highs of 31°C and lows of 25°C. Significant rainfall (140 mm).
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July
July is the hottest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 26°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).
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August
August is the hottest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 26°C. Significant rainfall (142 mm).
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September
September is hot with highs of 31°C and lows of 25°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (148 mm).
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October
October is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 24°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm).
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November
November is warm with highs of 27°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).