Traffic December

Question

Hi all,

I appreciate it will be super busy in December but just how bad is the traffic in the week before Xmas?

Were thinking of going 18th to 25th (mayhe staying in Marathon and day trip to Key West) - will we be able to avoid hell week?

Answer

Visiting the Florida Keys the week before Christmas can be quite challenging if you’re driving, especially if you’re planning to do the drive from Marathon to Key West. Traffic tends to be much heavier than normal due to the combination of holiday travelers, snowbirds, and tourists. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Traffic Patterns:

The Overseas Highway (US-1) is the only main route connecting the Keys, so all traffic funnels through the same road, which naturally creates congestion.
Expect delays at popular crossings like the Seven Mile Bridge and approaching Key West, particularly between 10 AM – 2 PM and 4 PM – 7 PM.
Local tips suggest that weekday mornings (before 9 AM) are slightly better for north-south travel, and evenings (after 7 PM) are generally clearer.

Driving from Marathon to Key West:

Even on a non-holiday week, the 50-mile drive can take 1.5 to 2 hours. The week before Christmas, you should budget 2.5 to 3 hours each way if you plan to drive during peak times.
If you stay in Marathon and do a day trip to Key West, leaving early in the morning (7 AM or earlier) can help you beat much of the traffic and find parking more easily.
Returning in the late afternoon or evening can be very slow, so consider leaving Key West by mid-afternoon to avoid the heaviest traffic.

Alternatives to Reduce Stress:

Consider staying in Key West for at least one night rather than doing a day trip from Marathon. This reduces driving in heavy holiday traffic and lets you enjoy more time in Key West.
Use local shuttle services or tour operators for the day trip if available — some offer pick-ups from Marathon and include activities in Key West.
Plan sightseeing in Marathon for the morning/afternoon and drive to Key West later in the day if staying overnight isn’t an option.

Other Considerations:

Parking in Key West is very limited, and spaces fill quickly during holiday weeks. Arriving early improves your chances.
Expect popular attractions, restaurants, and shops to be crowded — reservations are highly recommended.
December weather is usually pleasant (high 70s–low 80s), but storms or heavy rain can occasionally slow traffic further.

Summary: Traffic will be noticeably heavier than normal in the week leading up to Christmas. A day trip from Marathon to Key West is possible, but you’ll want to leave early, plan around peak traffic hours, and allow extra travel time. To fully avoid “hell week” traffic, staying at least one night in Key West is the most reliable way to make the experience less stressful.

Traffic December

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