ERA5 almanac comparison — 8 years of real data
Key West vs Palm Desert: weather in October
Palm Desert is the clear winner for sun in October: 95% of days historically clear versus just 13% in Key West — a 82-point gap across 8 years of ERA5 data. Key West also sees measurably more rain than Palm Desert this month (52% vs 1% of days). This isn't close.
Key West
FL
- Clear days, October
- 13%
- Sample size
- n=248 days
- Avg high
- 82°F
- Early October (1st–15th)
- 8%
- Late October (16th–end)
- 18%
- Rain frequency
- 52% of days
Palm Desert
CA
- Clear days, October
- 95%
- Sample size
- n=248 days
- Avg high
- 90°F
- Early October (1st–15th)
- 92%
- Late October (16th–end)
- 98%
- Rain frequency
- 1% of days
Frequently asked
Is Key West or Palm Desert warmer in October?
Palm Desert runs warmer by day in October. Key West averages highs of 82°F (highs n=248 days); Palm Desert averages highs of 90°F (highs n=248 days) (ERA5 2018–2025). Historical averages, not a forecast.
Does it rain more in Key West or Palm Desert in October?
Key West is measurably wetter than Palm Desert. Days with measurable rain: Key West 52%, Palm Desert 1% (n=248 and n=248 days). ERA5 2018–2025; historical, not a forecast.
Which is sunnier in October, Key West or Palm Desert?
Palm Desert is the clear winner for sun in October: 95% of days historically clear versus just 13% in Key West — a 82-point gap across 8 years of ERA5 data. Key West also sees measurably more rain than Palm Desert this month (52% vs 1% of days). This isn't close.
Compare Key West vs Palm Desert in another month
All percentages are historical averages from the ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, 8 full years (2018–2025). “Clear” means avg high ≥ 72 °F, precipitation < 1 mm, and a non-precipitation weather code. This is history, not a forecast. The live forecast for any destination is on its own page and may differ from the long-run average. Data from Open-Meteo.