What's the best time to visit St. Thomas?
The best time to visit St. Thomas is between January and April, the balmy dry season with spectacular beach weather and huge cultural festivals. Carnival is the biggest annual event, taking place in April, and people flock to the island to swim, snorkel, explore historic architecture, dine on Caribbean-spiced seafood, and browse funky local shops and galleries this time of year.
As the second-largest and most-visited U.S. Virgin Island, it’s bustling St. Thomas that winds up on the bucket list of travelers seeking postcard-worthy beaches, tropical adventure, and a huge selection of shops and restaurants.
There’s something special about this island, and if you know the best time to visit St. Thomas, you’ll get to experience what makes it a place people want to return to.
Its Danish capital city, Charlotte Amalie, is filled with historic architecture and history spanning back to the 17th century. The beaches, secluded coves, and mountainous terrain make it a naturally gorgeous destination where you can swim, hike, bike, fish, sail, and snorkel to your heart’s content.
So when should you take a trip to St. Thomas? Its position on the Caribbean Sea means temperatures are warm year-round, but there are some periods when heavy rains and humidity pelt the island.
It’s worth considering the peak, shoulder, and low-season periods when tourist numbers fluctuate and change the island’s atmosphere — and how much you’ll pay to stay in one of the many hotels, inns, and vacation rentals on the island.
We’ll look at the overall best, cheapest, least busy, and worst times to visit St. Thomas below. You’ll get to see what events and festivals are going on, get ideas on things to do while you’re there, and see average hotel nightly rates for each month of the year to help you pinpoint the perfect time to visit.
Overall Best Time to Visit St. Thomas
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The best time to visit St. Thomas is between January and April, skipping the ultra-crowded month of December (it’s wetter, anyway) and getting straight to the best weather, big festivals, and idyllic days exploring the island and its beaches.
You’ll arrive to the year’s driest, most pleasant weather by coming between January and April (especially in February and March). Highs don’t typically rise above 84°F and each month experiences 3-4 rainy days.
- January: 73–83°F; 4 rainy days
- February: 73–83°F; 3-4 rainy days
- March: 74–84°F; 3-4 rainy days
- April: 76–85°F; 5 rainy days
You can see how this paradise-like weather makes St. Thomas spring to life this time of year — no wonder it’s the peak season.
While crowds are part of visiting between January and March, coming in April (the start of the less-busy shoulder season) will help you avoid the busiest part of the year and enjoy the island with fewer tourists around. The only tradeoff? A little more rain.
Check out the picturesque crescent-shaped Magens Bay Beach with incredible views of the mountainous islands rising from the Caribbean Sea. Snorkel at Coki Beach in bustling Red Hook or pop over to Secret Harbour Beach, a mile away, for a more secluded zone.
Visit Coral World Ocean Park to watch playful dolphins, sea lions, and turtles. You can book marine life encounters (even with sharks!), kayak cruises, and try to snuba (snorkel/scuba dive).
Escape the crowds by taking a 20-minute ferry to St. John. Rent a 4WD vehicle to spend a day relaxing on St. John’s unspoiled beaches, exploring the massive Virgin Islands National Park, and enjoying a laid-back lunch or dinner at an unassuming beachfront eatery.
Even better — splurge on a private catamaran trip to St. John with snorkeling stops (unlimited drinks included) if you’re not up for exploring the island but want to snorkel in more secluded areas filled with colorful marine life.
We found averages from Google Hotels data to look at the nightly rates across St. Thomas during the best time to visit (these averages include 2-5 star accommodations, so some are much cheaper or more expensive):
- January: $542/night
- February: $593/night
- March: $623/night
- April: $521/night
St. Thomas has some huge events and festivals during the peak season, including the following:
- Transfer Day Ceremonies (late Mar) highlight the day the islands were transferred from Denmark to the U.S. with music and a ceremony at the Capitol grounds, then a procession, concerts, and public activities at the Emancipation Garden
- St. Thomas International Regatta (late Mar) is a historic sailing event that’s always celebrated with shoreside parties, food booths, music, and more as boats race from the harbor to the East End
- Carnival (Apr/May) is the biggest event on St. Thomas, packed with moko jumbie (spirit) dancers on stilts, incredible colorful costumes, parades blasting calypso music, food fairs, and competitions
With the best weather and perfect conditions for enjoying the beaches, activities, and historic attractions of St. Thomas, you can’t beat a visit between January and April. With fewer crowds, Carnival, and amazing weather, April just might be our favorite month to visit St. Thomas overall.
Cheapest Time to Visit St. Thomas
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The months of August, September, and October are the cheapest time to visit St. Thomas. Rainy weather and peak annual temperatures with high humidity make it a little less ideal, but it’s a great time to save money on hotels.
St. Thomas experiences its rainy season from August to November, so it’s understandable that hotel prices on the island drop during the brunt of this season (between August and October). Still, if budget is your top priority for this trip, you might find that it’s worth visiting to save big money on your hotel, attractions, and tours.
The weather isn’t perfect — it’s hot and humid with highs nearly reaching 90°F, rainfall occurs up for 9-11 days of each month, and mid-August to late October is the peak of the June–November hurricane season in St. Thomas.
- August: 79–89°F; 9 rainy days
- September: 79–88°F; 11 rainy days
- October: 78–87°F; 10-11 rainy days
Caution and careful planning around the weather is essential if you’re going to visit during these months. While rain won’t be a stranger during your stay, the sun still peeks out much of the time and you’ll have ample opportunities to hang out on the beach, swim, snorkel, and dive.
Most people don’t visit during this period unless they’re seeking the lowest prices, and that’s exactly what you’ll find when you go to book a St. Thomas hotel between August and October. Here’s a look at Google Hotels pricing data for each of these 3 months:
- August: $351/night
- September: $325/night
- October: $343/night
So what about flights? That’s where things can be a little more expensive. In August and September, airfare to St. Thomas is around $250–$275 (Skyscanner). But it’s nowhere near as high as you’d pay during the peak season. In December, flights are usually no lower than $440.
You’ll find flights much cheaper during the least busy time to visit (April to June), but you’ll pay more for your hotel room. Do some calculations with current airfare to find out what will be the overall cheapest month for you to visit.
As far as things to do, this is a great time to explore the capital, Charlotte Amalie, and do some shopping. This town is loaded with boutiques, stores, and markets where you’ll find everything from souvenirs and jewelry to artwork and linens.
Go to Fort Christian on the harbor in Charlotte Amalie and explore the exhibits dating back to the 17th century. Admission is free and it’s the perfect spot to escape a rainy day! Head up to the roof when skies clear to grab an iconic photo.
Less than a mile away, go to Frenchtown, where you’ll find excellent French restaurants overlooking the sea and hear local dialects that are slightly different from other St. Thomians.
Events and festivals slow down on St. Thomas during this period (possibly due to all the rain), but you’ll still find a couple of things to check out during your visit:
- U.S. Virgin Islands Open/Atlantic Blue Marlin Tournament (late Aug) is a Boy Scouts charity event where anglers are awarded trophies for catching, tagging, and releasing blue marlin
- Virgin Islands Fashion Week (early Oct) brings designers, celebrities, and spectators to St. Thomas from all over the world for themed fashion shows on the beach over a week-long period
While there are definitely better periods for beach weather and things to do, August to October can be a fine time to visit if you want to plan the most affordable trip to St. Thomas.
Least Busy Time to Visit St. Thomas
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The least busy time to visit St. Thomas is from April to June. This is the shoulder season when fewer tourists visit, so you’ll be able to score great hotel rooms, great prices on flights, and avoid crowds.
After the winter and early spring subsides, St. Thomas is left uncrowded, quiet, and laid-back in the wake of the busy peak season. From April to June, the weather is mild with a brief uptick in rainfall in May.
- April: 76–85°F; 5 rainy days
- May: 77–86°F; 9-10 rainy days
- June: 79–88°F; 6-7 rainy days
If you want to sidestep big crowds and enjoy the island with a less hectic, busy vibe, April, May, and June are the perfect months to visit. You won’t need to book your hotel as far in advance, and you’ll find that the best rooms and hotels boast more availability during these months.
The most popular restaurants and bars will still draw lots of people, but you won’t deal with long wait times or need to make reservations days in advance. This is the perfect time for a chill visit with lots of beach time, exploring Charlotte Amalie and small towns, and perusing the local shops and markets.
Take the SkyRide tram to Paradise Point where you can look out over the sea, watch an incredible sunset, and enjoy live music with drinks and dancing. Walk the famous 99 Steps up to Blackbeard’s Castle (there are actually 103, but who’s counting after 50?) from the Kongens Gade Government House and see a 17th-century watchtower.
You can join a guided hiking, kayaking and snorkeling tour around the mangroves in the Mangrove Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary and Marine Preserve (located on the southern coast) to enjoy the wild and undisturbed surroundings.
Hotels drop their rates post-peak season, but these months don’t see the lowest per-night prices (that’s August through October). Instead, you’ll pay somewhere between $390 and $520 per night, according to data we’ve sourced from Google Hotels:
- April: $521/night
- May: $433/night
- June: $386/night
Rainy May is the cheapest month to fly to St. Thomas from the U.S. with flights as low as $117, according to Skyscanner data. Even April and June flights are affordable, usually costing under $240.
The hurricane season begins in June, so keep an eye on the forecast if you’re planning a trip that month. There are several cultural events and festivals that take place between April and June, so be sure to stop by any of the following when you’re on St. Thomas:
- Carnival (Apr/May) brings huge, colorful parades, dancers, performers, and food to the capital with calypso and soca music leading the parties down the streets
- Utopia Unity Festival (early May) at the Crown Bay Port features concerts by local legends and celebrities with a focus on unity and art; you can stay on the Utopia Carnival Cruise ship to continue the 10-day festival
- Virgin Islands Boating Expo: VIBE (mid-May) is a chance to check out some of the world’s most luxurious and cutting-edge yachts and sailboats at the Yacht Haven Grande in St. Thomas
- America’s Paradise Music & Comedy Festival (Jun) happens on Father’s Day weekend with local musicians and comedians taking the stage at the Lionel Roberts Stadium for laughs, dancing, food, and fun
April, May, and June are perfect months to visit St. Thomas if you just want to experience the island more like a local and avoid the big crowds the winter peak season brings.
Worst Time to Visit St. Thomas
Coki Point, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) – April 30, 2019: Scuba divers on the tropical Coki Point Beach in St Thomas, USVI, Caribbean. Caribbean Vacation Travel Concept/byvalet/Shutterstock
The worst time to visit St. Thomas is during the peak hurricane season, from August to November. These months are the wettest of the year in St. Thomas and bring chances of powerful tropical storms and hurricanes to the island.
Between August and November, there are up to 11 rainy days each month and highs get close to 90°F. It’s wet, humid, and miserable at times, but there are upsides to visiting this time of year.
- August: 79–89°F; 9 rainy days
- September: 79–88°F; 11 rainy days
- October: 78–87°F; 10-11 rainy days
- November: 76–86°F; 9-10 rainy days
Rain is frequent during this part of the hurricane season — the peak months, when more storms occur and rains are heaviest — but it doesn’t rain all the time.
You’ll still have chances to get out on the beaches, hike, try water sports, sample local restaurants, and visit bars where live music brings the nights to life. The main reason someone might visit between August and November is simple: It’s cheaper.
- August: $351/night
- September: $325/night
- October: $343/night
- November: $409/night
Looking at the Google Hotels data for St. Thomas above, you can see that hotel rates are much lower during these months than during the peak season (especially in August, September, and October). November does see higher prices as the looming peak season approaches and rains begin to subside.
Still, it’s far from ideal to visit St. Thomas when it’s wet, humid, hot, and stormy.
Sure, you’ll be able to eat your fill of crispy conch fritters, chicken curry, and veggie-packed callaloo soup. Yes, you can still go snorkeling at Coki Beach and windsurf at Sapphire Beach when it’s clear.
But is it worth the days you’ll have to spend looking for indoor activities when your main reason for visiting is enjoying the beaches? Only you can decide, but conditions are much better during the shoulder season from April to June or in the peak season from January to April.
Aside from the U.S. Virgin Islands Open in late August and the Virgin Islands Fashion Week in early October, there’s only one other event you can look forward to this time of year: The late-November Annual Holiday Arts, Crafts, & Music Festival in Tillet Gardens featuring dozens of local artists, live music, and kid’s activities.
St. Thomas By Month: What to Expect
Weather, prices, things to do — knowing what to expect when you visit St. Thomas can help you plan the perfect trip. We’ve got all the info you need for each month of the year in St. Thomas below!
January (Peak Season)
In January, lows are in the low 70s and highs reach the low 80s (around 83°F), so conditions are balmy, mild, and perfect for spending time on beautiful Magens Bay Beach or snorkeling on Coki Beach. There are roughly 4 rainy days this month and hotels charge $542/night on average.
February (Peak Season)
Sunny February sees highs around 83°F with 3-4 rainy days during the month, making it a wonderful time to visit St. Thomas. Sapphire Beach, secluded Secret Harbour Beach, and Coral World Ocean Park are great places to check out this time of year. Hotels are around $593/night on average.
March (Peak Season)
Marking the end of the true peak season, March is a time for ceremonies and regattas, like the Transfer Day celebrations at the end of the month and the famous St. Thomas International Regatta where parties happen along the shore. With highs reaching 84°F and 3-4 rainy days, it’s excellent weather, but hotels cost around $623/night on average.
April (Shoulder Season)
After the busy peak season ends, April leads the shoulder season with slightly-warmer weather (highs around 85°F) and about 5 rainy days. Carnival, the biggest St. Thomas event, happens at the end of the month with colorful parades, food fairs, live music, and island-wide fun. Hotels are around $521/night on average in April.
May (Shoulder Season)
May is like a mini rainy season on St. Thomas with 9-10 rainy days and warm temperatures reaching 86°F highs on average. With the Utopia Unity Festival bringing live music and the VIBE boating expo this month, plenty is going on. The rain drives some tourists away, so hotels drop to around $433/night on average.
June (Shoulder Season)
Rains begin to clear up again in June, when highs reach a toasty 88°F. With 6-7 rainy days this month, humidity levels are high and the air is sticky. But you can check out the America’s Paradise Music & Comedy Festival on Father’s Day weekend! Hotels charge about $386/night this month.
July (Shoulder Season)
Wrapping up the shoulder season, July is hot and humid with some rainfall (around 7-8 rainy days) and highs that reach 88°F. It’s not the most pleasant time to visit, but can be just right for spending time on the beaches swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Hotels cost about $385/night in July.
August (Cheapest/Worst Season)
August marks the start of the peak hurricane season on St. Thomas, bringing about 9 rainy days and highs that reach 89°F with it. Hotels drop their rates as tourism dwindles with the poor weather to about $351/night. The U.S. Virgin Islands Open/Atlantic Blue Marlin Tournament happens at the end of the month.
September (Cheapest/Worst Season)
Continuing rainfall increases in September across St. Thomas, with roughly 11 rainy days bringing beach days and outdoor adventures to a halt when skies darken. Highs drop slightly to about 88°F and hotel rooms get even cheaper at around $325/night this month.
October (Cheapest/Worst Season)
October cools off a little more with highs reaching 87°F and 10 to 11 rainy days. Few events are scheduled this month as the hurricane season rages on, but the Virgin Islands Fashion Week takes place at the start of the month. Hotels are around $343/night in October.
November (Worst Season)
The hurricane season ends in November, taking some of the rain with it as the number of rainy days drops to 9-10. The Annual Holiday Arts, Crafts, & Music Festival in late November welcomes the holidays in Caribbean style and highs reach 86°F. Hotels rise in price ahead of the peak season, averaging about $409/night.
December (Peak Season)
The official start of the peak season begins with about 6 rainy days, clearer skies, and comfortably warm highs around 84°F. With holiday events like Miracle on Main Street Lighted Boat Parade the week before Christmas and island-wide New Year’s Eve celebrations, the island is busy and hotels cost about $611/night on average.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The prospect of visiting St. Thomas might leave you with a lot of questions, but we’ve got answers for you below. Here’s what other travelers wondered about planning a trip to St. Thomas.
What is the best month to go to St. Thomas?
April is the best month to go to St. Thomas. It combines all the benefits of the peak season (great beach weather, lots of festivals and events) with the charms of the shoulder season (smaller crowds and affordable prices). Carnival takes place in late April and highs reach a comfortable 85°F with little rain this month.
What is the rainy season in St. Thomas?
August through November is the rainy season in St. Thomas, with each month seeing as many as 11 rainy days. This is peak hurricane season for the island, so chances of tropical storms and hurricanes are higher. Temperatures are hot, close to 90°F, and conditions are humid during the rainy season.
What months are hurricane season in St. Thomas?
The hurricane season includes the months of June, July, August, September, October, and November in St. Thomas. But a large percentage of rainfall and storms happen between mid-August and October, which the island considers its peak hurricane season.
What is the coldest month in St. Thomas?
January and February are the “coldest” months in St. Thomas with highs reaching 83°F on average and lows around 72--73°F. St. Thomas doesn’t experience cold weather at any point of the year, but conditions are at their coolest during these dry, balmy, peak season months.
Is it hurricane season in St. Thomas?
It’s hurricane season from June to November in St. Thomas, but peak hurricane season lasts from mid-August to October. You may experience a little more rainfall during June, July, and early August than the dry season, but St. Thomas storms typically occur between the middle of August through the end of October.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit St. Thomas?
January through April is the overall best time to visit St. Thomas — it’s the peak season, so it’s busy, but the weather is absolutely spectacular and the year’s biggest cultural events, like Carnival, happen this time of year.
Wait until August through October if you’re sticking to a tight budget. Prices on hotels drop considerably during this more affordable period, but it’s pretty wet and stormy. Between April and June, you’ll find the island quiet and less crowded with fair weather.
August through November is the worst time to visit because it’s the wettest part of the year, part of the hurricane season, and features fewer festivals and local events.
While we agree that St. Thomas is a year-round destination, you can certainly improve your odds of enjoying idyllic beach weather and gorgeous conditions by coming during the best time to visit. We think April is the month that has it all: Affordable prices, small crowds, and nice weather.