The US Virgin Islands, located in the Caribbean Sea, are a popular tropical destination known for their white sand beaches, coral reefs, and laidback island vibes. However, the weather and crowds do vary some throughout the year. If you’re planning a trip to the USVI, it’s helpful to know the least ideal times to visit to avoid inconveniences.
Hurricane Season from June to November
The worst time to visit the US Virgin Islands is generally considered to be late summer through early winter, or the Atlantic hurricane season. Hurricane season in the Caribbean officially lasts from June 1 to November 30, when storms forming in the Atlantic Ocean are most likely to impact the islands.
The peak of hurricane season is August through October. During these months, larger and more intense hurricane-strength storms are most common in the region. If a hurricane directly impacts the USVI, it can bring damaging high winds, torrential rain, storm surges, flooding, and power outages. Airports and seaports may close, attractions and tours may be canceled, and cleanup from storm damage can take weeks.
Some of the worst hurricane damage in US Virgin Islands history happened in September 2017 when Category 5 Hurricanes Irma and Maria struck within two weeks of each other. The storms destroyed homes and businesses, knocked out power and cell service for months, and forced many resorts to close for repairs.
If you’re planning a Caribbean getaway during the heart of hurricane season, be aware that you may encounter serious storms. Be prepared to alter plans or shelter in place if a hurricane approaches.
Rainy Season from May to November
Overlapping with hurricane season is the Caribbean’s rainy season, which runs from May through November. During these months, the islands see the most precipitation from tropical rain showers and storms.
The USVI get an average of 40 inches of rain yearly. But May to November sees 4 to 7 inches monthly on average, compared to only 2 to 3 inches in the dryer months. The wet season hits its peak in September and October, right when major hurricanes are also more likely.
During rainy periods, expect to encounter occasional heavy downpours, especially in the afternoons. Storms usually pass quickly, but they can soak beach vacations and dampen some outdoor activities. Pack rain jackets and waterproof gear if visiting in summertime.
Indoor attractions like shops, restaurants, and museums stay open as normal. But sustained rain and stormy weather may result in some airline delays, canceled ferry routes, and fewer opportunities to enjoy the islands’ beautiful outdoor settings.
Holiday Periods from Mid-December to Mid-April
The busy tourist season for the US Virgin Islands runs from mid-December through mid-April. This overlaps with the drier “high season” of December to May as well as two peak travel periods – the winter holidays and spring break.
During these months, flights, hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants, attractions, and beaches see the most crowds all year. In peak season, hotel rates and airfares usually spike 20% to 50% higher compared to the rest of the year.
Over the winter holidays in late December, St. Thomas hosts carnival festivities that draw revelers from across the Caribbean and around the world. In March and April, hordes of college students descend on the islands for spring break. Bars, nightclubs and beaches overflow with partiers during these periods.
The high demand also means venues, tours and activities sometimes book out weeks in advance. Rental cars may be in short supply or priced at premium rates. And popular restaurants may have long waits without reservations.
Braving the tourist crowds usually pays off with sunny, dry weather ideal for relaxing at the beach. But be prepared for higher prices, limited availability, packed flights and hotels, and a lively atmosphere if you visit the USVI during peak seasonal times.
Sargassum Seaweed Bloom from July to October
One nuisance visitors to the USVI may encounter in mid to late summer is smelly, seaweed-strewn beaches. From July through October, the islands are impacted by the annual Caribbean Sargassum bloom.
Sargassum is a type of brown macroalgae seaweed that floats abundantly on ocean currents in the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean. Massive blooms of pelagic Sargassum form each summer as nutrients, water temperature, and other conditions combine to enable rapid reproduction and growth.
As winds and currents carry floating mats of Sargassum through the Caribbean, large amounts end up washing ashore on USVI beaches. The seaweed piles into smelly, yellow-brown mounds along the high tide line. As Sargassum decomposes, it releases hydrogen sulfide gas and other gases that smell like rotten eggs.
During the peak Sargassum season, crews attempt to rake and remove some seaweed from popular swimming beaches daily. But the influx is often more than they can fully keep up with. Windrows of Sargassum continue washing in, requiring beachgoers to avoid or traverse piles of the stinky seaweed on shorelines.
For beach vacations from mid-summer into early fall, the Sargassum invasion can make enjoying time on the shore less pleasant. The bloom eventually dissipates by November with the end of the rainy season. But from July through October, dealing with Sargassum is an annoying aspect visitors must contend with.
Cruise Ship Crowds from December to April
Cruise ships flock to the port of Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas in droves during the winter high season from December to April. On peak visitation days, over a dozen enormous floating hotels may dock along with thousands of passengers. Downtown streets and key attractions suddenly flood with massive crowds of cruise visitors vying to experience island life in a single day.
Major sights like Blackbeard’s Castle, 99 Steps, and Palace of the Grand Master now place per-person admission caps and set limited hours to manage overwhelming crowds from cruise ships. Islanders bemoan the crush of day trippers that strain infrastructure and disrupt community life. Traffic jams clog roads as taxis and tour operators hustle guests through packed itineraries.
For an authentic island experience focused on relaxation or cultural immersion,avoid St. Thomas when multiple ships are in port. Instead, plan independent travel or day trips to quieter St. John and St. Croix, or visit St. Thomas in the off-season when fewer ships call. If you do visit Charlotte Amalie from December to April, go early in the morning before ships arrive or on Sundays when fewer dock. Otherwise, expect excessively crowded conditions more reminiscent of Disney World than the Caribbean during peak cruise visitation.
No destination is perfect year-round. But by planning a US Virgin Islands vacation for the drier, less hectic spring or late fall seasons, you’ll likely enjoy sunny skies, moderate prices, and fewer crowds. Time your travels to avoid hurricane risks as well as the over-tourism crush of winter holidays and spring break for the best experience of these beautiful tropical isles.