The Best Time to Visit the U.S. Virgin Islands

The best time to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands is from mid-April through June. As the islands are at the highest risk for hurricanes in early fall and winter is peak tourist season, planning a trip for late spring or early summer is key to avoiding heavy rains and holiday crowds. From key holidays and events to seasonal price fluctuations, here is your ultimate guide for planning your visit to St. John, St. Thomas, and St. Croix.

Weather in the US Virgin Islands

Temperatures in the U.S. Virgin Islands are relatively steady year-round, with monthly averages ranging from the high 70s to low 80s). The dry season officially begins in December and lasts through May; come June, there is a seasonal shift in expected rainfall—as well as an increased chance of hurricanes and tropical storms. September and October are peak hurricane season in the West Indies, so travelers planning to visit during this period should book travel insurance if they’re concerned about their trip.

Peak Tourist Season in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Though tourism varies on each of the three main islands in the USVI, the winter months are reliably the busiest time of year for tourists, which means packed beaches and restaurants across the board. However, visitors should note that St. Thomas is the most popular island for international travelers, and can expect the island to always be a bit more crowded than the more remote St. John and the lesser-known (though equally gorgeous) St. Croix.

There are also seasonal price fluctuations for hotel rooms and airfare, so anticipate spending more money if you’re visiting from December through April. Travelers planning to visit during the busy season should book their tickets and schedule their reservations in advance to avoid increased fees.

Key Holidays & Events in the U.S. Virgin Islands

With Carnival being one of the most popular events in the Caribbean, it's no surprise that each of the U.S. Virgin Islands has its take on the festivities. Carnival in St. Thomas kicks off in mid-April, St. John's is held in early July, and Carnival in St. Croix is celebrated during the holiday season.

The Crucian Christmas Festival kicks off the first Saturday of December and hosts contests and the annual St. Croix Boat Parade. Holiday celebrations are also highly anticipated on the island of St. Thomas, with the annual Miracle on Main Street featuring steel drums, carolers, and local arts and crafts.

January

One of the busiest months of the year in the USVI, January continues the events and festivals that kicked off during the holiday season. Part of the dry season, January is also the coldest month of the year, with an average temperature of 79 F.

Events to check out:

• The month-long Crucian Christmas Festival on St. Croix concludes the first Saturday of the New Year—expect parades, calypso contests, and J'ouvert parties.

February

The average high in February is 86 F and the average low is 72 F. Peak tourism season is also in full swing this month, so expect to pay higher rates for hotels and airfare.

Events to check out:

• The Annual St. Croix International Regatta, established in 1992, is a three-day regatta on Teague Bay at the St. Croix Yacht Club; it draws yacht aficionados from around the world.

March

The dry season continues into March, and this is also the last full month where the island will be packed with tourists. The average high is 86 F, while the average low is 73 F.

Events to check out:

• Another three-day regatta occurs in March: The St. Thomas International Regatta, one of three races in the Caribbean Ocean Racing Triangle.
• The colorful Mardi Gras Annual Parade starts on the north shore of St. Croix and goes all the way to Cane Bay.
• Transfer Day commemorates March 31, when Denmark transferred the U.S. Virgin Islands to the U.S. Visitors purchase Danish products and visit the Danish forts and ruins remaining on the island.

April

April is one of the best times for travelers to visit; the weather is very similar to what you'd experience in March and the crowds start dissipating mid-month.

Events to check out:

• April marks the start of Carnival in St. Thomas, with festivities continuing on until the beginning of May.

May

The tourists have left, and the average temperature is in the 80s. May is the month to visit for outdoor activities, including a Paradise 5K Run, Memorial Day 2 Mile Run, and a Coconut Cup SUP Race—all held on the island of St. Croix.

Events to check out:

• The Ironman 70.3 Triathlon brings contenders from across the globe to St. Croix (and coincides with one of the four annual Jump Ups in Christiansted).

June

June is a wonderful time to visit, as the beaches are uncrowded and the cost of travel is severely reduced. While it is during the start of the wet season, the tropical showers in late spring and early to mid-summer are unlikely to last very long.

Events to check out:

• Beginning in late June, Carnival takes place on St. John. Expect Cruz Bay to be filled with revelers in intricate costumes partaking in parades and food fairs. The ferries between St. Thomas and St. John are always packed with people heading out to the island to celebrate.

July

July sees an uptick in rainfall, though peak hurricane season is yet to come. Additionally, the St. John Carnival continues into July, as it commemorates the emancipation date of the enslaved people in the USVI: July 3, 1848. The next day is a culmination of all the preceding festivities, with celebratory fireworks on the 4th of July.

Events to check out:

• The Virgin Islands Bartender Olympics were inspired by the movie Cocktail (starring a young Tom Cruise) and entail bartenders showing off their best creations.
• If you're more of a foodie than a cocktail aficionado, check out tastings and cooking demonstrations at the Mango Melee and Tropical Fruit Festival, which occurs every July on St. Croix.

August

The hottest month of the year (average temps are in the mid-80s), August is also, fittingly, the sunniest month, with an average of nine hours of sunshine. If you’re worried about heading to the tropics in the summer, rest assured that the trade winds keep temperatures cool year-round. If you do book at this time, you will enjoy lower rates on hotels and airfare.

Events to check out:

• The two-day U.S. Virgin Islands Open/Atlantic Blue Marlin is the biggest marlin tournament in the Caribbean and is held in St. Thomas. Though it attracts world-class fishermen and fisherwomen, it's open to anyone who wishes to participate.

September

September marks the beginning of peak hurricane season, so concerned travelers should purchase travel insurance ahead of their visit. Because the average sea temperature is 84 F, this is also one of the best months of the year to go swimming.

Events to check out:

• Fitness lovers should consider participating in one of the three annual fitness events held on St. Croix: the Virgin Islands 10K Race, the Wall 2 Wall Spring Triathlon, or the Labor Day 5K Race.

October

Peak hurricane season continues into October, and travelers visiting at this time should pack rain gear: October is the wettest month of the year, experiencing an average of 6.1 inches of rainfall.

Events to check out:

• The five-day Virgin Islands Fashion Week on St. Thomas features designers from the U.S., Caribbean, and West Africa; parties are open to the public.

November

The tail-end of hurricane season, November sees a drop in temperature, with an average high of 88 F and an average low of 75 F. This is the last month before tourist season picks up again, so it is smart for cost-conscious travelers to visit before the holidays.

Events to check out:

• Visit St. Thomas for the annual Holiday Arts, Crafts & Music Festival, which includes live music, art displays, and free activities for kids.

December

It's no surprise that December coincides with the beginning of peak tourist season: The month officially marks the beginning of the dry season on the island, and the average high is 86 F. Plus, there are so many holiday occasions to celebrate on all three islands in the U.S. Virgin Islands. As this is the busiest time of year, expect more crowded beaches and waitlists for dining out—but the holiday events more than make up for having to schedule your outings in advance.

Events to check out:

• The All-Island Holiday Party, (also known as "prom"), began as a holiday tradition after Hurricane Marilyn hit St. John in 1995—and is still going strong.
• The Crucian Christmas Festival heralds the beginning of the holiday celebrations, with the first events taking place on the first Saturday of December. Throughout the month, expect events like the St. Croix Boat Parade, the Miracle on Main Street in St. Thomas, and Christmas Second Day (celebrated on December 26).