When You Should Go to the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2023

The US Virgin Islands are an exciting, lovely, and vibrant destination. Given their exceptional hospitality, cute towns, pleasant nature, and astonishing beaches, they’re one of those must-visit-before-you-die kinds of islands. But when is the best time to visit the US Virgin Islands?

This is largely going to depend on your budget, preferred climate, and other factors. We address all of them in our detailed US Virgin Islands guide, so we can help you make an informed decision.

Let’s dive in!

The Best Time to Visit US Virgin Islands

The best time to visit the US Virgin Islands is from April through June. This is when there are fewer tourists, and comfortable temperatures are accompanied by lower prices.

What makes these months the perfect time to visit is that they’re right in the middle between the peak season, which just ended, and the hurricane season that’s yet to begin.

The USVI at this time are ideal for all kinds of outdoor activities, the skies are clear blue, and the sunshine supports all your holiday adventures.

In April, Charlotte Amalie, the capital, sees temperatures fluctuating between an average high of 86°F and an average low of 80.6°F. May visitors should get ready for temperatures ranging between 87°F and 82.4°F.

In June, the temperatures vary between 89°F and 84.1°F. If you want to enjoy the US Virgin Islands to the max, this is the time to do so.

Cheapest Time to Visit US Virgin Islands

If you’re watching your travel budget, consider visiting the US Virgin Islands either in January and February or in the late-August – mid-November period.

In these off-peak seasons, prices take a nosedive, and your trip is as cheap as it can be (if we can even use the word “cheap” with these islands).

These two periods also see fewer tourists, hence the lower prices. This is the time to search for attractive airfare prices, as well as discounted hotel and resort packages.

January temperatures vary between 84°F and 78.8°F. The February climate welcomes visitors with the same temperatures — an average high of 84°F and an average low of 79°F. In August, the temperatures fluctuate between 90°F and 84.6°F.

September sees temperatures with an average high of 89°F and an average low of 84.4°F. In October, temperatures range between 88°F and 83.3°F.

Lastly, In November, the temperatures reach an average high of 87°F during the day and an average low of 81.6°F at night. That said, note that since this period sees fewer crowds, there’s not much going on on the islands either.

But you can always enjoy the beauty of the islands and simply seize the moment. For example, the late summer/autumn period is perfect for those chasing scenic sunsets and early risers who wish to catch the Caribbean sunrise.

Least Busy Time to Visit US Virgin Islands

Those who want to avoid the big crowds should plan their trip to the US Virgin Islands from mid-April to May in spring or from mid-September to mid-November in autumn.

In spring, as the tourist season slows, not only is it less crowded, but the hotel rates drop as well. The April-May period is also when the St. Thomas Carnival takes place.  

The risk of tropical storms or a hurricane seems to repel travelers, which is why the fall months also see fewer tourists. It goes without saying, but this is also something that you have to keep in mind (more on the hurricane season in a bit).

However, you might get lucky, and the weather still turns out to be gorgeous, allowing you to enjoy the islands without big crowds.

Moreover, in September, kids are back in school, and the weather is cooler, so prices also take a plunge — it’s a win-win for travelers willing to risk facing bad weather but enjoying other benefits such as affordable prices, empty beaches, and a quiet island vibe.  

Worst Time to Visit US Virgin Islands

The worst time to visit the islands is during the hurricane season, or from June to November.

July is the most humid month, August is said to be the hottest, and October is the rainiest. Perfect travel-repellent combo! Given their tropical climate, all islands see a lot of sunshine throughout the entire year.

The weather is generally nice, even when it rains; there are brief showers and some thunderstorms every now and then. However, the hurricane season may bring torrential rains and really strong winds, and that’s what makes this season the most challenging one to navigate.

What’s more, the winds may lead to high waves and rough seas, which makes it tricky for beachgoers to even enter the water, let alone enjoy it the way they should.

That said, even if you go to the US Virgin Islands during the hurricane season, not everything is lost.

First of all, there’s no guarantee there will be a hurricane at all (but bad storms are more than likely). Secondly, there are many attractions one can see and indoor activities to engage in when the weather’s not at its best.

For instance, you can check out:

• St. Thomas Synagogue,
• The Pirates Treasure Museum,
• Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church,
• St. John Experience Gallery,
• Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul,
• Spa To Go VI, and many others.

Finally, when the weather allows, you can always make your way to some of the well-known June/July festivals, such as St. John Carnival, one of the biggest cultural events on the island.

Then, there’s St. Croix Mango Melee and Tropical Fruit Festival, which celebrates the tropical fruits on the islands.  

Things to Consider

What else should you know before you set off? Here are our best US Virgin Islands travel trips:

• The sea temperature in the US Virgin Islands is warm enough for beachgoers to swim all year round.
• It’s common to greet locals when you enter/leave a room, go to the shop, or come across people in any context that allows for a brief interaction. Be polite — it means a lot to the islanders, and it just takes two seconds of your time.
• Get travel insurance regardless of when you go. If you visit during the hurricane season, taking all measures to protect your trip from going haywire is an absolute must.
• You need to obtain a special type of sunscreen. In June 2019, the US Virgin Islands banned the use of sunscreens containing octinoxate, oxybenzone, and octocrylene to protect its ecosystem. This means you should check the ingredients listed on your favorite SPF creams before heading to the US Virgin Islands for a holiday.
• Don’t be surprised if you see numerous lizards and medium-sized iguanas wandering outdoors freely during your stay.
• The tipping policy is similar to that of the United States, which means that while 15% to 20% is seen as the standard, tipping more is encouraged for exceptional service.
• Wearing bath suits outside beach limits marks you as a tourist right away. The US Virgin Islands may allow for a casual dress code, but there’s still a level of conservatism largely present. For example, women may freely wear see-through coverups in most beach restaurants around the world, but it’s not really advisable here.
• Use insect repellent in the evening, as there are tiny “no-see-ums” that take pleasure in biting.
• Enjoy your drinks anywhere and anytime! There are no open-container laws in the US Virgin Islands. What’s more, the drinking age is 18, unlike the US, which goes all the way to 21.
• Extend your trip by going to Puerto Rico. Very few people realize how close the islands are to Puerto Rico, and by the time they learn, it’s too late to add it to their itinerary.
• While the islands are pet-friendly, very few hotels actually allow pets, so make sure to settle such matters with your hotel before you arrive to avoid unpleasant situations.
• Allow yourself to get adjusted to the islands’ temperature and heat and stay hydrated. Seriously, even if you come from a relatively “hot” country, the island heat hits differently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a passport to go to the US Virgin Islands?

Citizens of the United States don’t need a passport to visit the US Virgin Islands. A government-issued photo ID will suffice. All other nationalities, however, require a passport.

That said, if US citizens wish to visit the neighboring British Virgin Islands, they’ll need their passports too. We recommend visiting the official US State Department website for details and more information regarding entry/exit requirements.

Are the US Virgin Islands expensive?

Yes, the US Virgin Islands are some of the most expensive Caribbean islands. Of course, how expensive you find them to be is also going to depend on your country of origin and overall travel budget.

To help you plan your budget, here are some estimates:

• On average, travelers need approximately $199 per day during their stay, out of which they spend $41 on meals and $28 on transportation;
• Average hotel prices for a couple is $209;
• Depending on your travel style, budget-minded travelers should set aside $84, mid-range spenders need around $199, and high-end travelers around $427 (all price estimates are per person per day).

Do note that the above-mentioned figures are approximations and are subject to change.

What language do they speak in the US Virgin Islands?

There’s a wide range of languages spoken in the US Virgin Islands today, including:

• English — the most dominant language;
• Spanish — spoken by approximately 17% of the entire population (mostly Puerto Ricans);
• Virgin Islands Creole English — an English-based Creole, also referred to as “dialect” and widely used in informal contexts; it’s worth noting that the Creole spoken on St. Croix (Crucian Creole) is different from that spoken on St. John or St. Thomas, for instance;
• French Creole languages are also prevalent;

In the past, there were other languages present on the islands, such as Danish, which used to be the official language under Danish rule. That said, it was used for administration purposes and never among the actual people.  

Which US Virgin Island is most popular?

St. Thomas is said to be the most visited island, so it’s safe to say that it’s the most popular one too. This could very well be related to St. Thomas being the most popular cruise ship destination in the Caribbean.

How bad is the hurricane season in the US Virgin Islands?

How bad a hurricane season has the potential to be largely depends on the year, the month, and the intensity one should expect. For example, in August 2021, the hurricane season erupted in full force with the infamous Hurricane Ida.

To help you get a general understanding of the hurricane season on the US Virgin Islands, here’s a detailed table with the risk levels and probable intensity month by month:

Month	Hurricane Risk	Intensity of Hurricane	Year of Hurricane
June	Cautious	Possibly Some Damage	Tropical Storms but no Hurricanes
July	Cautious	Possibly Some Damage	1996
August	Possible	Potentially Devastating	1871, 2000
September	Highest	Potentially Catastrophic	1876, 1960, 1989, 1995, 1998, Irma 2017, Maria 2017
October	Possible	Potentially Devastating	Tropical Storms but no Hurricanes
November	Cautious	Possibly Some Damage	Tropical Storms but no Hurricanes

Finally, if you find yourself on the islands during the hurricane season, check the National Hurricane Center for up-to-date information.

What is the food culture of the US Virgin Islands?

While the US Virgin Islands boast some of the finest international cuisine, most local dishes stem from ancient traditions, along with the ingredients available to the enslaved plantation workers under Danish rule back then.

This meant seafood, fish, vegetables, and fruits they used to grow. Such ingredients, together with local spices and herbs, have been combined with contemporary cooking methods to transform the food culture of the US Virgin Islands into what it is today.

Some specific dishes include:

• Cow Heel Soup;
• Callaloo;
• Conch Fritters;
• Johnny Cake;
• Fish & Fungi;
• Pot Fish;
• Pates;
• Rotis;
• Red Grout.

Are the US Virgin Islands safe to travel to?

On the whole, the US Virgin Islands are safe for tourists. Still, taking some basic safety precautions is advisable, as in any destination you visit for the first time.

Here are some specific tips and suggestions to ensure you have a safe stay on the islands:

• As petty crime like purse snatching or pickpocketing is known to happen, make sure your personal belongings and valuables are always stored in a safe location.  
• Avoid wandering in unpopulated areas, especially during the night.
• Sexual assault incidents have occurred in the past, so women traveling alone should take some extra precautions.
• If you engage in water-based activities, note that coastal waters can be unpredictable, and riptides are more than common. Follow relevant instructions and swim only in safe areas.
• If you go diving, pick a credible company. If you have any concerns regarding the equipment, either find another company or don’t proceed with the activity. More importantly, choose travel insurance that also covers your recreational activities.
• If you decide to do adventure tourism, such as hiking the trails from the beach to the mountaintop, always be accompanied. Join groups with experienced guides. Ask for detailed information on the activity to see if you can endure the activity’s requirements. Double-check the weather and other relevant conditions to make sure there’s no hazard ahead.
• Road conditions vary from one island to another. However, ensuring road safety should be your top priority, regardless of which island(s) you end up visiting. All roads can be rather steep and narrow thanks to the island terrain, and most are poorly paved, so take the necessary precautions while driving. Also, scooters are fun and look nice, but avoid them, as scooter accidents are common (and end up in fatalities).

What is the safest island in the US Virgin Islands?

With the smallest territory of all the islands and the lowest crime rate, St. John is the safest island. It also has the lowest population, and the cost of living is much higher compared to St. Croix and St. Thomas.

What is the best way to get around the US Virgin Islands?

The best way to get around the US Virgin Islands is by renting a car or using a taxi. Renting a car can be easily done either at one of the two airports: the Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas or the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) on St. Croix.

You can search for other nearby options too. Getting around the island(s) without a car is possible, but only if you’re happy to stay within close proximity of your accommodation or opt for tours to pick you up from your resort or hotel.

Do note that driving is on the left side of the road, but most vehicles on the island are imported from the US, which means the drivers are on the left side of the vehicle.

Seems like everyone coming to the island has something to get used to, regardless of their country of origin! All islands have their own bus system, but it’s not the most reliable option.

It’s worth mentioning that Lyft and Uber don’t operate in the US Virgin Islands. Finally, taking a cruise is also a popular way of vacationing. As a matter of fact, St. Thomas is said to have one of the busiest Caribbean cruise ports.

Can you easily travel between the Virgin Islands?

Yes, you can easily move from one island to another. There are three convenient ways to do so: flying, using a ferry, or taking a boat charter.

For example, if you wish to get to St. John from St. Thomas, the easiest way would be to opt for a ferry. This includes going to the British Virgin Islands too.

Over to You — Book Your Trip Today!

The best time to visit the US Virgin Islands is undoubtedly from April through June. These months travelers can enjoy the ideal combination of medium-range prices, pleasant temperatures, and manageable crowds.

While the islands aren’t the most affordable destination, going either in January and February or in the late-August – mid-November period should help you go easy on your wallet.

If you want to enjoy the islands without the big crowds, consider going from mid-April to May in spring or from mid-September to mid-November in autumn.

The worst time to visit the US Virgin Islands is during the hurricane season, which runs from June to November. There are thunderstorms, strong winds, rough seas, and confused visitors. However, the islands are so magical that chances are you’ll still have an awesome stay, regardless of when you decide to go.

With its tropical climate, friendly locals, white sand beaches, stunning waters, and quaint towns, we believe everyone should visit the US Virgin Islands at least once in their life. Happy travels!