The Best & Worst Times to Visit St. John (Updated for 2023)

St. John is a beautiful island in the US Virgin Islands, rich with beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and rich history. But when is the best time to visit? Don’t worry — you’re in the right place.

We adore the Caribbean, and we’re experts on when to go to make the most of your trip. We’ll show you the best, least busy, cheapest, and worst times to visit; let us be your guide!

Best Time to Visit St. John

The best time to visit St. John is anytime from mid-December through mid-April. It’s the most desirable period to go, as the tourist season is in full swing, the weather’s hot, rainfall is at its lowest, and the island’s at its busiest.

In these months, the temperatures fluctuate between an average high of 84.2°F and an average low of 69.8°F. Whatever it is you have planned, the weather will support it!

It’s also the ideal time to go snorkeling, try scuba diving, observe aquatic life, or simply bask in the sun at some of the local beaches. But for the land-lovers, this is also a great time to go hiking and camping.

Also, visiting the rest of the US Virgin Islands is a must, regardless of how crowded they can get.

For instance, if you happen to visit during the Christmas period, head to St. Croix to attend St. Croix Christmas Festival in December/January. March is perfect for the St. Thomas International Regatta.

Cheapest Time to Visit St. John

The cheapest time to visit St. John is in September. This is when you stand a chance to score some attractive airfare deals and accommodation offers.

With children back to school, the island’s much more peaceful and quiet, the beaches emptier, and the overall vibe laid-back.

Being the first fall month, September welcomes visitors with hot temperatures varying between an average high of 87.8°F and an average low of 75.2°F. The month is ideal for getting immersed in the fall Caribbean sunsets and taking that perfect Instagram-worthy shot.

Least Busy Time to Visit St. John

The least busy time to visit St. John is in the mid-April–mid-December period. The island is even more beautiful without the large tourist crowds.

And during this time, visitors are more than likely to have a pleasant stay and even interact with locals in a much more meaningful way if they visit in any of these months.

In these months, the temperatures vary between an average high of 87.8°F and an average low of 71.6°F.

Do note that if you visit in the island’s low season, chances are some of the attractions may close earlier (or altogether), so you may have to make some adjustments on the spot.

Please do not, however, that while you’re likely to avoid crowds during the off-season, some shops and attractions may be closed, so be sure to check with your hotel or tour operator to ensure you won’t miss out on activities you are looking forward to.

Worst Time to Visit St. John

The worst time to visit St. John is during the hurricane season, that is, from June to November. Do note that the hurricane season affects all US Virgin Islands — not just St. John — so there’s “no running away” from it.

Heavy showers might make all your plans fly out of the window, and winds lead to rough seas and unusually high waves, which makes beach-going somewhat challenging.

If nice weather is one of the top criteria for when you travel, avoid visiting St. John in its hurricane season, as it may break your US Virgin Islands experience.

October and November are the two months with the most rainfall, with 6.34’’ of precipitation; July has the most humidity; August is the hottest month.

That said, the overall weather is quite nice, and the brief showers, strong winds, and thunderstorms shouldn’t affect all your itinerary plans as long as you’re willing to be flexible.

For instance, you can plan to visit major attractions between rain periods and plan indoor activities when the weather’s generally off. Also, if the weather allows it, opt for inter-island travel.

Just because all US Virgin Islands have a hurricane season, that doesn’t mean they’re equally affected by the same weather conditions at all times. So, if the weather looks more promising on St. Thomas on a particular day, you’re not “confined” to St. John in any case.

If you decide to broaden your trip and extend it to other islands, we suggest venues such as The Pirates’ Treasure Museum, St. John Experience Gallery, St. Thomas Synagogue, Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul, Spa To Go VI, and so on.

If the weather cooperates, you can always attend some fun festivals or events, such as St. John Carnival in June/July, St. John’s Farmers’ Market, or the Friday Morning North Head Trail Runs with Toslow (a year-round event).

Things to Consider

Visiting St. John is a magical experience, but to ensure it’s hassle-free as much as possible, take into account the following pieces of advice:

• Illegal drug possession may lead to heavy fines or even prison sentences.
• If you decide to visit St. John during the hurricane season, keep note of the latest weather updates, follow local advice, and be ready to change your itinerary on short notice (tip: check the National Hurricane Center for up-to-date information).
• Many travelers decide to get travel insurance only if they visit during the hurricane season, but we urge you to do so regardless of when you go — if you were waiting for a sign to get it, this is it!
• Carry an insect repellent, wear loose clothes to minimize mosquito exposure, and use nets if you sleep outdoors or with open windows.
• The sea temperature is pleasant enough year-round.
• Greet locals whenever you can and wherever you go. It’s common practice on the islands — it takes very little of your time, but it means a lot to the locals.
• Tipping is similar to the US culture — 15-20% is standard practice, but tipping even more than this isn’t unheard of, especially for superb service.
• You already know that (re)applying an SPF cream is an absolute must, but what you may not know is that you need a special type of sunscreen. Namely, the US Virgin Islands banned the use of sunscreens with oxybenzone, octocrylene, and octinoxate — all to protect their ecosystem.
• Avoid wearing swimming suits outside the beaches, as this reveals you’re a tourist right away. While the islands are perfectly accepting of casual wear, walking around in a bikini, or worse, sitting in a restaurant wearing see-through beach apparel isn’t acceptable and will definitely get you weird looks.
• The islands have no open-container laws whatsoever, which means you’re free to drink whenever and wherever you want. Also, the drinking age doesn’t follow the US law pattern — it’s 18, not 21.

Book Your Trip to St. John Today!

While organizing a trip to St. John is nothing short of magic, it does come with many details, so let’s quickly recap the most important information.

• The most desirable time to visit St. John is anytime from mid-December through mid-April. It’s when having fun in the sun is in your favor, recreational activities are at full steam, there’s an influx of tourists at the island, and while the prices may skyrocket and beaches are crowded, it’s well worth it.
• If you’re trying to stick to a budget, plan to visit in September. It’s arguably the month when you can find some attractive accommodation packages and affordable plane tickets.
• Trying to avoid large crowds is possible in the low season, in the mid-April–mid-December period. This period is ideal for travelers who wish to enjoy St. John in solitude, mingle with locals, and take advantage of the fewer beach crowds.
• The worst time to find yourself on St. John Island is during the island(s) hurricane season, which runs each year from June to November. Weather-wise, this period may be somewhat frustrating for those who factor in seasonality when planning their trips. However, St. John is so special that even the greatest of storms won’t manage to ruin your stay.

So pack your sunscreen, put a smile on that face, and get ready for the best Caribbean relaxation you’ll ever experience in your life. What are you waiting for? Book your stay on St John Island today!