Are you planning on taking a trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands for the first time? If so, you may wonder what the seasons are like. First off, the islands that make up the USVI, St. John, St. Thomas, and St. Croix, have similar weather and climate throughout the year.
For the purposes of this article, we’ll set our compass for The Hills, St. John since it’s one of the best places in the Caribbean to refuel and revitalize your mind, body and spirit. However, bear in mind that the seasonal themes and climate apply to the rest of the USVI if you’re planning to island hop.
Even at its coolest, Saint John in the U.S. Virgin Islands remains a balmy 74 degrees. In other words, there truly is no bad time to visit the island. However, it’s a good idea to research the pros and cons connected to each of the different seasons. Fortunately, we’ve put together this article to give you everything you need to know!
We’ll also help you learn about the most popular time for tourism. This will help you choose between more ideal weather conditions, or encourage you to look for a less crowded time to enjoy the crystal-clear waters, green hills, and amazing views from a more intimate beach. No matter what you choose, this guide will help ensure you’ll have the vacation of a lifetime amidst all the beautiful views during the season that fits best into your needs and lifestyle!
Understanding the Climate of St. John
St. John has a tropical climate. It usually ranges from 74 to 86 degrees throughout the year, although it may get a bit hotter or cooler. Either way, you’ll never need more than a light spring jacket for nighttime, when it can dip down to 66 degrees. If you go during the summer, even that won’t be necessary.
Seasonal Overview
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Peak Tourist Season – Mid-December to mid-April sees the largest number of tourists. The average high temperatures range from 78 to 83 degrees. This is also the dry season, although it typically rains at least 8-10 days a month. White sandy beaches are perfect during this wonderful time of year.
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Off-Peak Season – Mid-April to Mid-December is considered to be the off season. It typically ranges from a high of 79-86 degrees. However, there is also a lot more rain.
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Shoulder Season – Shoulder Season on Saint John happens in the fall, from mid-September until mid-December. This also coincides with the Rainy Season. The average high temperatures are 79-85 degrees.
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Rainy Season – September through December comprise the Rainy Season. Approximately half of St. John’s rain falls during these four months. If you choose to visit St. John then, be sure to pack a raincoat!
Best Times to Visit by Activity
The truth is that any time can be the right time to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands. To determine when you should go, it’s best to factor in what type of activities appeal to you.
Snorkeling and Diving
If snorkeling and/or diving are your thing, you’ll want to head to Saint John during its peak season. Mid-December to mid-April typically has gentle trade winds and clear skies, which is the ideal weather for being out in the water. This time of year is also perfect for going on boat excursions, paddleboarding, etc.
Hiking and Nature Exploration
Again, it’s best to go during peak season. However, make sure you do most of your hiking and nature exploration during the earlier hours of the day. That way, you can get the most out of the beautiful views.
Peace Hill is a short and easy trail, but it is one of the most uncommon hiking attractions in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Therefore, be sure to allow some time for you to explore Peace Hill, rather than just walking past it.
Beach Relaxation
April and May are the best months to go to Saint John if you’re interested in relaxing on the beach. Trunk Bay is one of the most popular beaches, and it only costs $5 per day for a parking spot. Prefer a beach with less traffic? Check out Honeymoon Beach or Oppenheimer Beach.
Local Festivals and Events
June and July are the best times to participate in local festivals and events. St. John Celebration takes place on many different dates throughout June and July, and it’s their biggest cultural event. Also, don’t forget that driving along North Shore Road is so beautiful that it’s practically an event of its own!
Weather Patterns Throughout the Year
Weather patterns in St. John tend to be similar throughout the year, but there are a few subtle differences from season to season.
January to March: Winter Season
Winter is a truly glorious time in the U.S. Virgin Islands. High temperatures range from 78 to 81 degrees. There is less rain than normal too, especially in March. Due to the warm climate and drier conditions, the winter months are the ideal time to go on a hike in Virgin Islands National Park.
April to June: Spring Season
Spring is balmy and has average high temperatures of 83-85 degrees. Additionally, precipitation is generally at its lowest levels of the year. Oppenheimer Beach and all the other stunning beaches will provide relief from the heat. Rent a beach chair and unwind on a white sandy beach.
July to September: Summer Season
Monthly rainfall is only about 2.5” during the summer months, which makes this a good time to go. Average high temperatures are between 85-86 degrees, so there isn’t much variance. Be aware that peak hurricane season is from June to November. While the likelihood of a strong hurricane directly hitting St. John is relatively low, it’s advisable to get travel insurance for peace of mind.
October to December: Fall Season
There are definitely pros and cons to visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands in the fall. It rains a lot during these months, with Saint John averaging 6.5” per month. Of course, there are lots of inside activities you can do when it rains. Average high temperatures are between 79 and 84 degrees. Plus, whenever it’s not raining, you can take advantage of an intimate beach.
Choosing Your Perfect Time to Visit
Ultimately, only you know what season will work for you. Prefer a quiet beach environment? Go during the off-season. Want to go on private boat excursions? Peak tourist season might be a better bet. You might also prefer peak season if you want to find the largest variety of healthy food options or Caribbean barbecue restaurants. No matter what time of year you choose to go, rent a beach chair and head to a white sandy beach for the best trip ever!
Don’t forget to book lodging for your beach vacation. The Hills, St John, has a wide variety of luxury rental villas and helpful staff to make your beach vacation even better. If you check our website, you’ll see that many of them are sometimes discounted by the seasons, so don’t miss an opportunity to save!
