National Park · FL
Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas is quietest in October and August and busiest in May.
Almost 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West lies the remote Dry Tortugas National Park. This 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is known the world over as the home of magnificent Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs and marine life, and the vast assortment of bird life that frequents the area.
86K recreation visits a year on average (2023–2025)
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Pick a month to visit Dry Tortugas
Weather
Monthly climate normals
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precip |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 74°F | 65°F | 2.4" |
| February | 76°F | 66°F | 1.7" |
| March | 79°F | 68°F | 2.1" |
| April | 83°F | 71°F | 2.6" |
| May | 86°F | 75°F | 2.0" |
| June | 89°F | 77°F | 4.3" |
| July | 91°F | 78°F | 2.2" |
| August | 91°F | 79°F | 4.3" |
| September | 89°F | 78°F | 7.2" |
| October | 85°F | 76°F | 4.7" |
| November | 79°F | 71°F | 1.9" |
| December | 76°F | 67°F | 2.4" |
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, DRY TORTUGAS, FL US
Know before you go
Fees & hours
- Entrance fee
- $15 — The entrance fee for Dry Tortugas National Park is $15.00 per person and is good for 7 consecutive days. Any person 15 years old and under is exempt from paying an entrance fees (including international visitors). Ferry tickets include the cost of entrance to the park, but NOT camping fees. Seaplane will charge the entrance fee upon arrival. Plan to bring cash for each person aged 16-years of age and older. Private boaters may purchase a digital pass in advance or pay cash/check at Garden Key main dock.
- Hours
- The Dry Tortugas is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. This includes holidays.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Caution
Garden Key Harbor Light
Vessel operators - the Garden Key Harbor Light is undergoing repairs and is extinguished. At this time it is unknown when the light will again be illuminated.
- Information
Migrant Notice
Like elsewhere in the Florida Keys, we have seen an increase in Cuban migrants arriving by boat from Cuba and landing on the islands of Dry Tortugas National Park. You may observe migrant landings at the park and visitor areas may be impacted.
- Park Closure
Sections of moat wall closed until Winter 2026
Sections of the moat wall that were damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton (2024) are undergoing repair and reinforcement. For your safety, please follow posted signage and do not cross any barricades.
- Park Closure
Seasonal Closure: Bush Key
Most of Bush Key is now open to the public. To protect nesting frigatebirds, a small area on the north side of Bush Key, all of Long Key, and all vegetation remains closed until further notice.
Source: NPS Data API
FAQ
Dry Tortugas questions
When is the best time to visit Dry Tortugas?
Dry Tortugas is least crowded in October, August, and September. May is the busiest month, so visiting outside it means thinner crowds and easier parking.
How much does it cost to visit Dry Tortugas?
Entrance to Dry Tortugas costs $15 (The entrance fee for Dry Tortugas National Park is $15.00 per person and is good for 7 consecutive days. Any person 15 years old and under is exempt from paying an entrance fees (including international visitors). Ferry tickets include the cost of entrance to the park, but NOT camping fees. Seaplane will charge the entrance fee upon arrival. Plan to bring cash for each person aged 16-years of age and older. Private boaters may purchase a digital pass in advance or pay cash/check at Garden Key main dock.).
When is Dry Tortugas busiest?
Dry Tortugas is busiest in May, when crowds rate 10/10 (peak). Expect full parking lots and longer waits; arrive early or choose a quieter month.
How crowded is Dry Tortugas during holidays and fee-free days?
Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July) and official NPS fee-free days typically bring peak crowd conditions to Dry Tortugas. Arrive before 8 AM or after 3 PM to secure parking and avoid peak trail congestion.