Best Time to Visit St. Thomas

St. Thomas is an oasis located in the US Virgin Islands. Throughout the year, visitors can expect gorgeous weather and exciting attractions. The island is popular for its beaches, boating, and culture. The weather in the Virgin Islands is gorgeous year-round. However, weather, cost, and crowds are important points of consideration when planning a trip to St. Thomas.

The best time to visit St. Thomas is between April and June. This is due to the consistently pleasant weather hovering around 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The late spring also averages minimal rainfall at only 7 monthly days of rain. Visiting from December through March is also popular. However, the average cost of a room can increase by 30%.

Although St. Thomas isn’t as in demand as other US Virgin Islands, it shouldn’t be overlooked. The island is home to one of the most picturesque places in the United States and a city on the National Record of Historic Places. It has stunning beaches and is a perfect place to enjoy marine life through snorkeling and diving adventures.

What is the Worst Time to Visit St. Thomas?

The worst time to visit St. Thomas is in the late summer through the fall.  Even if you can dodge major storms during hurricane season, rainfall peaks at this time.

In September, you can expect average precipitation of around 6 inches. Be cautious and pack an umbrella if you travel at this time.

If you do plan to visit in the fall, purchase good trip insurance and be prepared to change your plans. You may get lucky with the weather. However, the chance of a cyclone is always a risk during this time.

What is the Cheapest Time to Visit St. Thomas?

Correlating with the rainy season, the cheapest time to visit St. Thomas is in September. If you can handle a few rainy days, you’ll find low rates and a thinned crowd.

Another cheap time to visit St. Thomas is from January through March. This is a safer period as it tends to be drier in the winter months. The weather is still warm due to its tropical location.

St. Thomas Best Weather: Monthly Breakdown

St. Thomas stays gorgeous year-round, but you will find the best weather in the late spring. April through June is notoriously dry. Expect plenty of sun and warmth this time of year.

Late spring is the best time to visit St. Thomas for those hoping to dodge rain and storms. Rainfall tends to stay under 3 inches. The chance of a hurricane is also nearly impossible.

January: Visit the Mountain Top

St. Thomas is home to many gorgeous overlooks. The Mountain Top is one of St. Thomas’ most beautiful views, no hiking necessary. In the January heat, this is a welcome feature.

Take a cab or bus up to the peak and stay for more than the stunning view. The Mountain Top is a destination that offers duty-free shopping, lookout points, and the best banana daiquiri on the island.

Sip on their famous frozen beverage and check out Mountain Top’s Observation Deck. Visitors can see Magens Bay from the structure and 15 surrounding islands and Cays.

February: Explore Magens Bay

February is one of the most mild months in St. Thomas. Take the opportunity to explore some of the stunning nature blanketing the island.

Magens Bay is the most popular beach on St. Thomas. It is even recognized as one of the most photogenic spots in the United States. Beyond all of the aquatic activities that the turquoise beach entails, get out and explore the Magens Bay trail.

The Magens Bay trail is located off of Magens Bay Road. The trail begins relatively flat and accessible but eventually becomes a challenging hike. The rocky, forested path eventually give way to a stunning beach, making the hike well worth it. Bring lots of water and a beach towel to relax when you hit the sandy shores.

March: International Rolex Cup Regatta

The US Virgin Islands is one of the most coveted international destinations for boating. The Caribbean season kicks off in March with regattas across the Sea. One of the best is St. Thomas’ International Rolex Cup Regatta.

St. Thomas hosted their first international regatta back in 1974. The event has only gotten bigger from there. Today, it encompasses five days of racing events.

Sailors from across the world can expect more than a boating extravaganza. Live bands, happy hours, and lavish award ceremonies are also a part of this festive weekend.

Not quite ready to participate in the regatta? Visit the island any time in March for some of the best boating weather.

April: Virgin Islands Carnival

Carnival is the most celebratory time to visit St. Thomas. Carnival lasts for the entire month of April and encompasses shows, music, and a celebration of Caribbean culture.

St. Thomas’ Carnival opens with a Calypso show, pageant, and events across the island. As the month continues, so do the festivities.

One attraction to look forward to is a food fair celebrating the cuisine of St. Thomas and the other US Virgin Islands. Every night is a new adventure for the Carnival Village attraction. Visitors can participate in masquerade nights, reggae shows, and live bands.

Carnival wraps up on May 1st with the annual St. Thomas Boat Show and Panorama.

Related Read: Best Time To Visit US Virgin Islands

May: See the Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden in Full Bloom

St. Thomas' botanicals are constantly in bloom due to the tropical climate and year-round sunshine. That being said, the best time to see the colorful flora and fauna of the island is late spring.

Visit the Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden to view some of the most gorgeous exotic plant species native to the US Virgin Islands. The Gardens have been open for over 20 years and welcome thousands of annual guests.

The gardens' highlights include orchids, succulents, palms, and more. Walk the garden grounds to see everything. After taking your time in the garden, check out the gift shop. They have orchids and other tropical plants for sale.

June: Explore the Capital of Charlotte Amalie

Charlotte Amalie is a major cultural hub of the Caribbean. It is the capital and the largest metropolitan area of the US Virgin islands. Spend a day exploring the city conveniently located on St. Thomas.

The city has been around since Dutch Colonizers arrived in the 17th century and is an incredibly historic hub. Stroll the cobbled streets and marvel at the original architecture while visiting. Charlotte Amalie is such a remnant of the past that it is even listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.

Downtown Charlotte Amalie is a bustling hub welcoming tourists and locals alike. Shop, dine, and take a foot tour while visiting.

One of the highlights of Charlotte Amalie is the 99 Steps. It is one of the most photographed spots on the island. Main Street is also a great place to walk and window shop.

July: Hit the Beach

St. Thomas is hot in July. But with the longest stretch of daily sunlight out of the year, it is the best time to hit the beach.

One of the most popular beaches on the island is Magens Bay Beach. Magens Bay is consistently ranked among the best beaches in the Caribbean for its powder-white sand and turquoise waters.

Another great beach on St. Thomas is Smith Bay Beach. Smith Bay is on an eco-reserve, so the tranquil beach backs up to palm trees and a tropical forest. It is often uncrowded due to its remote location.

Spend some time relaxing in the sand and get in the water. The Caribbean’s year-round warmth means that the swimming conditions are often ideal.

August: Learn to Dive at Aqua Marine Dive Center

One of the most popular things to do in the Virgin Islands is go diving. In August when temperatures peak, there is no better time to do it. Get away from the heat by going deep into the crystal clear waters off of St. Thomas.

Aqua Marine Dive Center welcomes novice and professional divers. They offer dive trips to 16 different sites across the island. Some underwater spectacles to look forward to include coral reefs, shipwrecks, and sea turtle habitats. Advanced divers can take a group or private scuba trip.

Even if you're new to diving, you can still enjoy the fun. Aqua Marine offers scuba classes and snorkeling for beginners.

September: Visit the Pirate Treasures Museum

One of the rainiest months on St. Thomas is September. The Pirate Treasures Museum is the ideal indoor attraction to avoid bad weather.

The Pirate Treasures Museum has artifacts from real shipwrecks that took place around the Virgin Islands. Exhibits feature nautical weaponry, ancient artifacts, and aquatic technology. An entire exhibit is also dedicated to the infamous wreck of the SS Republic.

Beyond things to see, there is plenty to do in the museum. Some hands-on activities include an extreme weather simulator and a pirate encounter adventure.

Learn about some of the Caribbean’s most notorious pirates like Captain Kid, Stede Bonnet, and Bartholomew Sharp while visiting.

October: Virgin Islands Fashion Week

Caribbean Fashion Week is a popular October activity on the islands. St. Thomas hosts one of the biggest fashion week crowds.

Virgin Island Fashion Week on St. Thomas is a star-studded event welcoming international designers and models. Check out the Catwalk and Runways and get ahead on all the latest fashion news at this event.

Caribbean fashion week can feature a range of styles. The most popular tend to be beach chic and other casual looks.

Not a designer or model? All events are open to the public to enjoy. Beyond runway shows and catwalks, guests can expect fashion installments, press, and international celebrities.

November: Holiday Arts, Crafts, and Music Festival

The Holiday Arts, Crafts, and Music Festival is a Thanksgiving weekend event designed to usher in the busy holiday season.

Professional and amateur crafters gather to offer art, pottery, clothing, paintings, and other creative goods. The event features over 30 artists and hosts plenty of live entertainment.

If you work up an appetite shopping, you are in luck. The festival offers local bites and beverages to indulge in while perusing the vendors.

December: Celebrate the Holidays at Miracle on Main Street

Miracle on Main Street is an excellent way to celebrate the holiday season in the Caribbean. The event is held in late December and is known for being one of the most festive things to do in St. Thomas.

Located in downtown Charlotte Amalie, the event features family-friendly events like music, a lighted boat parade, and plenty of shopping.

The event also highlights Caribbean culture and small businesses. Support the local shops and enjoy some Caribbean food. Be sure to pick up some holiday gifts while visiting.

What is the Best Time to Visit St. Thomas With Family?

The best thing to do with families in St. Thomas is enjoy the beach. Although July is a great time to catch some rays, the best beach month is debatable.

March through June in St. Thomas see some of the most gorgeous beach weather. Springtime temperatures in St. Thomas tend to stay around the mid-70s to mid-80s. Sunshine is also plentiful in the spring with very few rainy days.

One of the best beaches to take families to is Magens Bay. The water is calm and the beach is well guarded. It is the perfect place for kids to safely swim while their parents relax on the white sands.

What is the Best Time to Avoid Crowds in St. Thomas?

The least crowded season on St. Thomas is the fall. September through November sees minimal tourist travel, so it may be the perfect time if you are seeking an uncrowded vacation.

Unfortunately, the crowd thins in the fall for a reason. St. Thomas sits in the heart of the Virgin Islands hurricane belt. Hurricanes are getting increasingly worse in the Virgin Islands. In the last five years, the islands have experienced 3 hurricanes. Two of which maxed out as Category 5 Storms.

The chance of visiting St. Thomas during a Category 5 hurricane is slim. However, September is notoriously stormy. Be ready to enjoy some indoor activities on your vacation.