This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you buy or book through one of these links, I may earn a small commission .
The US Virgin Islands of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix are some of the most popular vacation destinations in the Caribbean. This is especially true for American citizens, who do not need a passport to enter. If you’re thinking of vacationing in the US Virgin islands, this detailed guide will help you choose the best time of year to visit.
The best season to vacation in the US Virgin Islands is different for everyone. While winter is the most popular time for a Caribbean getaway, it also brings high prices and crowds. You may not mind the hot summer temperatures or rainy fall weather in order to find better deals and quieter beaches.
I’ve visited the US Virgin Islands in all seasons but fall (although I did technically visit the Caribbean for a fall honeymoon). Surprisingly, I have no particular bias towards any season, as each has its own perks.
With that, here is my guide to the best time of year to visit the US Virgin Islands. I’ve also included general sunrise and sunset viewing times, so you can book restaurant reservations or find pretty viewing spots during golden hour. That said, daylight hours are pretty consistent year-round.
Best Time to Visit the US Virgin Islands
The beaches and weather in the US Virgin Islands are generally amazing all year round. Therefore, it might seem like I’ve written more cons than pros, as that is often what sets each season apart. That said, I made sure to list some fun events that occur only during each particular season.
Spring
Spring is often considered to be the best time to visit the US Virgin Islands. While March begins with high season, the crowds will be dwindling by mid-May. Temperatures remain comfortable before the summer heat sets in, and inflated winter prices begin to decrease.
April can still be a pricey month, but May and June are often more affordable, and generally do not book up as quickly as in high season. However, the cooling winter breeze will also gradually disappear, leaving stifling heat behind by late spring.
Warmer sea temperatures also mean the beginning of the annual Sargassum season. Late April is typically when this smelly seaweed begins to arrive at some of the beaches. Upon our recent visit to St. Croix in early June, the Sargassum had already piled up in some spots, though most popular beaches were seaweed-free.
One awesome perk of a spring US Virgin Island vacation is seeing the vibrant red flamboyant trees in full bloom. This only happens between May and September, and the way these trees pop against the green hillsides is absolutely stunning.
Finally, those traveling to St. Croix should note that Sandy Point Beach closes for turtle nesting between April 1st and September 1st each year. Sandy Point is known to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the US Virgin Islands, so if a visit is at the top of your bucket list, plan your St. Croix trip during fall or winter instead.
Sunrise/Sunset: Around 12 to 13 hours of daylight. Sunrise is around 6:20am in mid-March and around 5:45am in mid-June. Sunset is around 6:30pm in mid-March and close to 7pm by late June.
Spring Events:
- U.S. Virgin Islands Transfer Day – March 31st
- St. Thomas Carnival – Second largest Caribbean Carnival, runs for a month around April/May
- St. Thomas International Regatta
- St. Croix International Regatta
Summer
If you don’t mind the strong sun, summer can be a wonderful time of year to visit the US Virgin Islands. The crowds and prices are low compared to winter, and the sticky weather makes you want to jump right into the sparkling turquoise water. Plus, the gorgeous red flamboyant trees will still be popping against the tropical blues.
While hurricane season technically starts June 1st, it doesn’t normally pick up until August. That said, it’s always a good idea to make flexible plans in case a storm pops up unexpectedly. We just missed getting caught in a storm late July one year, where cancelled ferry schedules would have stranded us on St. John.
Additionally, summer is when Sahara Desert dust storms periodically blow dirt particles from Africa all the way across the Atlantic to the Caribbean. Although this makes for some interesting sunset colors, the dust does degrade air quality, and can be problematic for those with vulnerable respiratory systems.
Summer is also tricky for fully enjoying the hiking trails in the US Virgin Islands, as the thick heat often makes conditions more taxing and unpleasant. Morning or well-shaded hikes are best, and always bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
Finally, summer brings peak Sargassum seaweed levels at certain beaches. While most US Virgin Island beaches remain unaffected, beaches like Brown Bay and Jumbie Bay on St. John, to name a couple, are less than desirable.
Sunrise/Sunset: Begins with around 13 hours of daylight in June and shortens to around 12 by September. Sunrise is around 5:45am in mid-June and around 6:10am by mid-September. Sunset is around 7pm in late June, and around 6:17pm by mid-September.
Summer Events:
- St. John Carnival – Month-long event with festivities leading up to Emancipation Day and July 4th
- Virgin Islands Emancipation Day – July 3rd
- Independence Day – July 4th
- Mango Melee and Tropical Fruit Festival – St Croix
Fall
A fall visit to the US Virgin Islands will either be peaceful as could be or full of drama. This is because fall kicks off with hurricane season in full swing. Therefore, I do not recommend an early fall visit unless you are willing to accept this uncertainty.
That said, depending on how the cards fall, your trip could just as easily be storm-free, allowing you to enjoy bargain prices and empty beaches. However, there are still some drawbacks to keep in mind. Many restaurants and boat charter companies close through at least October.
If you are dreaming of a day spent island hopping, another season might work better for you. However, with St. Croix being forty miles south of the other US Virgin Islands, island hopping is not as much of a thing. Therefore, the lack of day sails may not be as important if St. Croix is your destination.
If you are fine with a low key vacation that primarily consists of beach visits and nature hikes, then definitely feel free to visit in September. Just be sure to book flexible! After all, this is the month when Category 5 Hurricanes Irma and Maria tore through the US Virgin Islands in 2017.
For a bit more certainty during a fall trip to the US Virgin Islands, a November visit is the sweet spot. Most restaurants will have opened back up and you’ll still be traveling before the mad holiday rush begins.
Sunrise/Sunset: Around 12 to 11 hours of daylight. Sunrise is around 6:10am in mid-September and around 6:45am in mid-December. Sunset is around 6:17pm in mid-September and around 5:50pm in mid-December.
Fall Events:
- Skinny Legs Halloween Party – St. John
- Coral Bay Yacht Club Thanksgiving Regatta – St. John
- Taste of St Croix – November/December
Winter
Beginning with New Year’s Eve, the winter months are high season in the US Virgin Islands. Expect crowds and prices to be high, especially over New Year’s, which is the busiest and most expensive week of the year.
If you can afford the price tag, winter is a very exciting and fun time of year to be in the islands and escape the cold. Just be sure to book everything well in advance – at least eight to twelve months. Also expect to have plenty of company, as there will be lots of cruise ship traffic coming in on St. Thomas and St. Croix.
Despite the crowds, winter is still the best time to visit the US Virgin Islands to escape cold weather, enjoy gentle sea breezes, and admire the mega yachts as they pull into the bays. Some brief showers are normal, but overall the weather is usually sunny and perfect for the beach. These conditions are lovely for hiking, especially on St. John where Virgin Islands National Park contains more than twenty trails.
For a winter trip, make restaurant reservations and book excursions like day sails in advance. Also, remember to be very patient with wait staff at bars and restaurants. Island time is already slower than what you may be used to, and with staff shortages and heaps of visitors, it’s normal for service to get backed up.
Sunrise/Sunset: Between 11 to 12 hours of daylight. Sunrise is around 6:45am in mid-December and around 6:20am by mid-March. Sunset is around 5:50pm in mid-December and closer to 6:30pm by mid-March.
Winter Events:
- Crucian Christmas Festival (St. Croix Carnival)
- NYE parties at various bars and restaurants
- Water Island Music Festival
- 8 Tuff Miles
- Mardi Gras Parade (Mardi Croix) – St. Croix
• • •
If you’re deciding on the best time to visit the US Virgin Islands, each of these seasons has unique perks to offer. Whether you seek the excitement of New Year’s Eve or a low key late fall visit, you’re in for a gorgeous Caribbean vacation.
