Andrew, the author of The Best Time to Visit the US Virgin Islands on a hammock with the overlooking St. Thomas from a mountain top on St. John

Best Time to Visit US Virgin Islands (in 2023)

The best time to visit the US Virgin Islands is April through June when you can expect mild weather, thin crowds, and no threat of hurricanes. This time of year avoids peak tourist season while still providing plenty of sunny weather and very little rainfall.

But as with anywhere, traveling to the islands of St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John during different times of the year comes with its nuances. Some months are cheaper, some less busy, and some more pleasant than others. And due to some key events, tourism may vary at any given time between the islands themselves.

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When is the Best Time to Visit the United States Virgin Islands?

The best time to visit the US Virgin Islands is mid-April through June as the dry season nears its end, hotel and resort rates drop, and the average temperatures are exceedingly comfortable. Additionally, peak tourism season has ended and the region’s hurricane season has yet to begin.

But the best time for you may be based on an entirely different set of circumstances. 

Are you looking for the best time to visit the US Virgin Islands on a budget

Or the best month for superb weather? 

Or looking to avoid the crowds while still dodging hurricanes?

We’ll next break down the best time to go to the USVI for each of those: 

When to Visit the US Virgin Islands for Cheap Prices

View from a beach in St. Croix during sunset
Sunset on St. Croix

If the threat of a hurricane or a tropical storm feels like a deterrent to you, you’re not alone. And that’s exactly why prices tend to bottom out as hurricane season arrives mid-summer. In fact, September and October (peak hurricane season) see the lowest prices and thinnest crowds compared to any other time of the year. 

Of course, you’re rolling the dice but if hurricanes and tropical storms stay away, the weather is potentially gorgeous. Conceivably, with reduced airfare and hotel rates, a family or couple could save thousands by visiting in September and October.

When to Visit the US Virgin Islands for the Best Weather 

The author's wife reading a book while enjoying the sun in Lindbergh Bay
Enjoying the sun in December at Lindbergh Bay, St. Thomas

It’s no coincidence that the best weather in the Virgin Islands aligns with its busiest time of the year (December – April). In December, the dry season officially begins and average temperatures range between the high 70s to low 80s. The comfortable temperatures make for excellent weather or visiting the beautiful beaches on St. Thomas, taking boat trips around the island, or hiking on St. John.

However, at the same time, this is the busiest and most expensive time of year to visit the US Virgin Islands. Between holiday vacations during the winter months plus spring break extending into late spring, expect to see more crowded beaches, busier roadways, packed hotels, and higher rates across the board.

When to Visit US Virgin Islands to Avoid Crowds

The author's wife with the view from Jumbie Beach
Although immaculate weather, we had Jumbie Beach on St. John to ourselves in April.

If you can wait just a little bit longer, the best time of year to visit the USVIs is April – June. The average temperature climbs into the low 80s but remains spectacularly pleasant. The tourist season is on its downswing as the wet season begins in May, but only to a mild degree.

St. Thomas usually remains busy year-round, but you might have sections of St. Croix and deeper portions of Virgin Islands National Park all to yourself. All in all, the islands will be less busy and slightly cheaper with a low risk of encountering a hurricane.

US Virgin Islands Travel Seasons

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December through April (Peak Tourist Season)

  • Best weather with an average temperature in the mid to high 70s.
  • Very little rainfall throughout this time of year.
  • The busiest time of the year for every island in the territory.
  • St. Croix’s Carnival celebration falls over the Holiday Season in December.

April through June (Best Time to Visit)

  • The dry season continues through April as temperatures begin heating up in May.
  • St. Thomas’ Carnival Festival occurs in April/May.
  • Tourism begins to drop off, making flights and hotels cheaper than in the prior months.
  • Best time of year to visit with the combination of lower prices, fewer crowds, and comfortable temperatures.

July through November (Peak Hurricane Season)

  • Although brief, tropical showers with heavy rains occur periodically throughout the day.
  • July is the most humid month, August is the hottest month, and October is the wettest month. Pack your rain gear!
  • Airfare and hotel rates plummet making this the cheapest time to visit.
  • St. John’s Carnival Festival occurs from late June to early July.

US Virgin Islands Weather and Climate

The author's wife in Neltjeberg Bay during a cloudy morning
We caught an uncharacteristically cloudy day in February while visiting Neltjeberg Bay.

With year-round warm weather, it’s always a wonderful time to visit St. Thomas, St. John, or St. Croix. The sun is always shining and the trade winds are always providing a nice breeze. But different seasons do come with slight variances in weather.

☀️ Average temps range from the mid-70s to mid-80s year-round.

🏖️ The average high temperature in the summer months falls into the mid-80s.

🌤️ The average high temperature in the winter months is in the upper-70s.

💦 Most days of the year are humid with humidity peaking in October before slightly dropping in December. 

🌵 The dry season begins in December and ends in May.

🌧️ The wet season begins in May and lasts until December.

🌬️ Trade winds blow year-round from the southeast while slightly shifting to the northeast during the winter months. Residents refer to this phenomenon as the Christmas Winds.

Tips for Visiting St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix

Below are a few tips for visiting each island specifically. And, if you need helping deciding, check out my article comparing St. Thomas vs St. John vs St. Croix.

St. Thomas

Overlooking view of Brewers Bay in St. Thomas
Brewers Bay on St. Thomas

🏖️ An eclectic and populated community in the USVIs with plenty of fun things to do from beaches, historic sites, and amazing restaurants.

🚢 Most popular island in the Virgin Islands with a major airport and cruise port attracting international travelers. 

🏨 The highest collection of hotels and resorts gives visitors plenty of accommodation options.

St. John

View of boats in Maho Bay Beach during sunset
Maho Bay Beach at sunset on St. John

🏞️ More than 60% of the island is protected by Virgin Islands National Park.

🌴 Home to the most spectacular beaches in the Virgin Islands like Cinnamon Bay, Trunk Bay, and Maho Bay. See my guide to St. John’s beaches for more info.

🥾 Smallest and least populated US Virgin Island with plenty of outdoor activities to keep the adventurous traveler busy.

St. Croix

Overlooking view of the Frederiksted town
The town of Frederiksted on St. Croix

🏝️ The largest of the three main islands, yet second-most populous, is known for its laid-back vibe compared to its siblings.

🏖️ The island’s north shore is lined with small resorts and boutique hotels overlooking the serene waters of the Caribbean Sea.

⛪ Christiansted and Frederiksted are the two main towns featuring Danish Colonial Architecture.

🇻🇮 Many of the top places to visit in the US Virgin Islands are spread throughout the island including the easternmost point in the United States.

👉 For more, see my full list of over 20 travel tips for the US Virgin Islands.

Best Time to Visit US Virgin Islands FAQs

What months is hurricane season in the US Virgin Islands?

Hurricane season in the US Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John) is from July to November with peak season occurring in September and October.

When is the rainy season in the US Virgin Islands?

The rainy season in the US Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John) begins in May before ending in December – running coincidentally with hurricane season.

***

What time of year have you visited the US Virgin Islands? What time of year are you planning to go? Let us know in a comment below!

I hope I’ve helped you find the best time to visit the US Virgin Islands for your trip!

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6 Comments

  1. Thinking of moving to St. Croix from USA main land. Any suggestions about move me, my stuff and car. I’ve been to Christiansted but wonder about Fredicksted. Any thoughts on your end?

  2. In years past the supply of fresh water was an issue. Is it still an issue? Are driving laws the same as the states?

  3. I plan to visit in April of 2023. Which is the least expensive lsland to visit and which is the best airline to travel from Atlanta?

    Thanks

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