The best time to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands is from mid-April to June. Since the islands are most at risk for hurricanes in early fall and winter is the peak tourist season, planning a trip for late spring or early summer is important to avoid heavy rains and holiday crowds. From major holidays and events to fluctuating seasonal prices, here’s your ultimate guide to planning a trip to St. John’s, St. Thomas, and St. Croix.
Best Time to Visit the U.S. Virgin Islands
Weather in the US Virgin Islands
US Temperatures in the Virgin Islands are relatively constant throughout the year, with monthly averages ranging from the low 70s to the low 80s. The dry season officially begins in December and lasts until May; Come June, the likelihood of hurricanes and tropical storms increases along with seasonal changes in expected rainfall. September and October are peak hurricane seasons in the West Indies, so travelers planning to travel during this period should book travel insurance if they are concerned about their trip.
Peak Tourist Season in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Although tourism varies on each of the three main islands in the USVI, the winter months are the busiest time of year for tourists, which means packed beaches and restaurants across the board. However, visitors should note that St. Thomas is the most popular island for international travelers, and can expect that the island has always been little more than the more remote St. John and the lesser-known (though equally gorgeous) St. Croix. Will be crowded.
Seasonal prices for hotel rooms and airfares also fluctuate, so anticipate spending more money if you’re traveling from December to April. Travelers planning to travel during the peak season should book their tickets and schedule their reservations well in advance to avoid inflated fees.
Key Holidays & Events in the U.S. Virgin Islands
With Carnival being one of the most popular events in the Caribbean, it is no surprise that the U.S. Each of the Virgin Islands has its own take on the celebration. Carnival in St Thomas begins in mid-April, St John’s is held in early July, and Carnival in St Croix is celebrated during the holiday season.
The Crucian Christmas Festival begins on the first Saturday of December and hosts competitions and the annual St. Croix Boat Parade. Holiday celebrations are also highly expected on St. Thomas Island, with the annual Miracle on Main Street featuring steel drums, carolers, and local arts and crafts.
January
One of the busiest months of the year in the USVI, January continues to host events and festivals that begin during the holiday season. Part of the dry season, January is also the coldest month of the year, with an average temperature of 79 F.
Events to check out:
The month-long Crucian Christmas Festival on St. Croix culminates on the first Saturday of the new year with an expected parade, calypso contest, and Jouvert parties.
February
The average high is 86 F in February and the average low is 72 F. Peak tourist season is also in full swing this month, so expect to pay higher rates for hotels and airfares.
Events to check out:
The annual St. Croix International Regatta, established in 1992, is a three-day regatta on Teague Bay at St. Croix Yacht Club; It attracts yacht aficionados from all over the world.
March
The dry season continues into March, and it is also the last full month where the island will be full of tourists. The average high is 86 F, while the average low is 73 F.
Events to check out:
Another three-day regatta takes place in March: the St. Thomas International Regatta, one of three races in the Caribbean Ocean Racing Triangle.
The colorful Mardi Gras annual parade begins on the north bank of St. Croix and travels to Cane Bay.
Transfer Day is celebrated on 31 March, when Denmark joined the U.S. Virgin Islands to the U.S. was transferred to. Visitors buy Danish products and tour the remaining Danish forts and ruins on the island.
April
April is one of the best times for travelers to visit; The weather is very similar to what you would experience in March and the crowds start to subside in the middle of the month.
Events to check out:
April marks the beginning of Carnival in St. Thomas, with festivities continuing until the beginning of May.
May
The tourists are gone, and the average temperature is in the 80s. May is the month to go for outdoor activities, including the Paradise 5K Run, the Memorial Day 2 Mile Run, and the Coconut Cup Super Race—all held on St.
Events to check out:
The Ironman 70.3 Triathlon brings contenders from around the world to St. Croix (and coincides with one of four annual jump-ups at Kristianstedt).
June
June is a great time to visit, as the beaches are not crowded and the cost of travel drops seriously. While this occurs during the beginning of the wet season, tropical rainfall in late spring and mid-summer is not likely to last very long.
Events to check out:
At the end of June, Carnival takes place on St. John’s. Expect Cruz Bay to be filled with revelers in intricate costumes attending parades and food fairs. The ferries between St. Thomas and St. John’s are always full of people who flock to the island to celebrate.
July
July has seen an increase in rainfall, although peak hurricane season is yet to come. Additionally, St. John’s Carnival continues into July, as it commemorates the date of the emancipation of enslaved people in USVI: July 3, 1848. The next day marks the culmination of all the preceding festivities with celebratory fireworks on the 4th of July.
Events to check out:
Virgin Islands bartenders were inspired by the Olympic film Cocktail (starring a young Tom Cruise) and inspired bartenders to showcase their best creations.
If you’re more of a cocktail fan, check out tasting and cooking demonstrations at the Mango Melee & Tropical Fruit Festival, which takes place every July on St. Croix.
August
The hottest month of the year (average temperatures are in the mid-80s), August is also, aptly, the sunniest month, with an average of nine hours of sunshine. If you’re worried about heading to the tropics in the summer, rest assured that the trade winds keep temperatures cool throughout the year. If you book now, you’ll enjoy lower rates on hotels and airfares.
Events to check out:
The two-day US Virgin Islands Open/Atlantic Blue Marlin is the largest marlin tournament in the Caribbean and is held in St. Thomas. Although it attracts world-class fishermen and fishermen, it is open to anyone who wishes to participate.
September
September marks the start of peak hurricane season, so concerned travelers should purchase travel insurance in advance of their trip. Because the average sea temperature is 84 F, this is also one of the best months of the year for swimming.
Events to check out:
Fitness lovers should consider attending one of three annual fitness events held on St. Croix: the Virgin Islands 10K Race, the Vol 2 Wall Spring Triathlon, or the Labor Day 5K Race.
October
Peak hurricane season continues into October, and travelers visiting at this time should pack rain gear: October is the wettest month of the year, with an average of 6.1 inches of rain.
Events to check out:
The five-day Virgin Islands Fashion Week on St. Thomas features designers from the US, the Caribbean, and West Africa; Parties are open to the public.
November
At the tail-end of hurricane season, November sees temperatures drop, with an average high of 88 F and an average low of 75 F. It’s the last month before the tourist season resumes, so it’s smart for cost-conscious travelers to travel before the holidays.
Events to check out:
Thomas for the annual holiday arts, crafts, and music festival, which includes live music, art exhibits, and free activities for kids.
December
It’s no surprise that December coincides with the start of peak tourist season: The month officially marks the start of the dry season on the island, and the average high is 86 F. Plus, there are plenty of holiday opportunities to celebrate on all three islands in the US Virgin Islands. Since it happens to be the busiest time of year, expect more crowded beaches and waitlists to eat out – but holiday events tend to make up for scheduling your outing in advance.
Events to check out:
The all-island holiday party, (also known as “prom”), began as a holiday tradition in 1995 after Marilyn Hurricane hit St. John’s—and is still going strong.
The Crucian Christmas Festival marks the beginning of the holiday celebrations, with the first events taking place on the first Saturday of December. Throughout the month, expect events such as the St. Croix Boat Parade, the Miracle on Main Street in St. Thomas, and Christmas Second Day (celebrated on December 26).
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