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The U.S. Virgin Islands offer some of the most beautiful locales under the stars and stripes. Unfortunately, most Americans never get here.
This is definitely not the cheapest place to visit. Prices tend to be high for transportation, dining, and accommodations . Some see visiting by way of a cruise to be the most economical way to see these islands. The downside is that your time here will be limited.
Whether or not you land here on a cruise itinerary, there are some wonderful experiences to be enjoyed for budget travelers who know what they want to do and have a strategy for maximizing their investment to reach these lovely shores.
For example, during 2017 the local government offered travel vouchers for those who visited in recognition of the 100th anniversary year for the transfer of these islands from Danish to United States possession. The idea was to promote history and culture.
The vouchers were a nice start, but consider a few more tips for visiting this gem in the Eastern Caribbean without spending a fortune.
The island of St. Thomas is vibrant and bustling with tourism. Nearby St. John is largely a national park with miles of forest and unspoiled beach. Most visitors arrive on St. Thomas and never make it to the island's less populated neighbor, and that's a shame.
Getting to St. John takes time, effort, and money, so it's a bit of a budget travel splurge. But if you love quiet beauty, it is an investment in a perfect day you're unlikely to forget. From the tiny and picturesque port of Cruz Bay, drivers will take you to hiking points or the famous white beaches. Trunk Bay is a popular choice. It offers a marked snorkeling trail that is a bit worn but beautiful nonetheless.
Because of their volcanic origins, many parts of the Caribbean feature black or dark gray sand. The U.S. Virgin Islands are famous for beaches with picture-postcard white sand and strikingly blue waters.
On St. Thomas, Magens Bay is well-known, but you can find other places that are equally beautiful and perhaps less crowded. Coki and Cinnamon Bay beaches also get rave reviews. Pick the one that appeals to your interests, negotiate a cab ride with the nearest driver, and go. You'll be enjoying the best that these islands have to offer.
At first glance, day sailing or a yacht charter may appear extravagant for a budget traveler. Indeed, it's probably not a prime choice for those on a tight budget, but consider the activities that can be enjoyed with this initial investment before you dismiss the idea.
Most trips include a nice lunch, beverages, snorkeling/scuba, jet skiing, trips to secluded beaches most tourists never reach, and sometimes even a little fishing. Given the relatively large investment, it's important to negotiate the best trip that appeals to your interests and needs.
A good place to start shopping is VINOW , an online guide with links to several operators. If you don't find something you like, hotel concierges and cruise directors usually have updated information on available trips. Another tip: Take a look at Antlos .
The U.S. Virgin Islands, especially the St. Thomas port of Charlotte Amalie, which has a reputation for attracting bargain hunters. For many years, you could find great deals on electronics, diamonds, and crystal.
That has changed a bit in recent years, as discount houses on the U.S. mainland are far more common these days. Although everything in the U.S. Virgin Islands is duty-free , that does not mean everything for sale is an automatic bargain. As with all duty-free shopping, be sure you have a general idea of what your target items would cost at home.
The views across these islands are spectacular, but the driving is an adventure. Although a territory of the United States, driving on the left is the rule. Many roads are narrow and winding.
In short, renting a car here could be a bit unnerving. Want evidence? Take a taxi from Charlotte Amalie to Red Hook. After that eight-mile route that bends every few feet, those willing to get behind the wheel should visit the rental office.
If you take a taxi, remember that rates are set by the local government and tend to be high. But you can negotiate with a driver for a two-hour tour that takes you to attractions of your choosing.
If you prefer an aerial or aquatic view, there are also many air and scuba tours to choose from.
Taxis are plentiful near larger hotels and at the entrance to the Charlotte Amalie port.
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The average price of a 7-day trip to St John is $2,775 for a solo traveler, $4,984 for a couple, and $9,343 for a family of 4 . St John hotels range from $121 to $551 per night with an average of $213, while most vacation rentals will cost $320 to $1060 per night for the entire home. Average worldwide flight costs to Princess Juliana International Airport ( SXM ) are between $613 and $1,063 per person for economy flights and $1,924 to $3,336 for first class. Depending on activities, we recommend budgeting $97 to $179 per person per day for transportation and enjoying local restaurants.
See below for average , budget , and luxury trip costs. You can also look up flight costs from your airport for more tailored flight pricing.
On average, these will be the cheapest dates to fly to SXM and stay in a St John hotel:
The absolute cheapest time to take a vacation in St John is usually late September .
Average solo traveler.
The average cost for one person to visit St John for a week is $2,008-$4,199 ($287-$600 per day)
Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $97 to $179 per day for one person’s daily expenses
Flights : $411 to $882 for economy
Lodging : $153 to $203 per night for one 2 or 3-star hotel room
or $281 to $344 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental
The average cost for a couple to visit St John for a week is $3,502-$6,696 ($500-$957 per day)
Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $194 to $358 per day for two people’s daily expenses
Flights : $822 to $1,764 for economy
The average cost for 4 people to visit St John for a week is $6,196-$11,636 ($885-$1,662 per day)
Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $388 to $716 per day for four people’s daily expenses
Flights : $1,644 to $3,528 for economy
Lodging : $306 to $406 per night for two 2 or 3-star hotel rooms
or $450 to $516 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental
How cheap can you make a vacation to St John? The cheapest trip to St John is about $193 per person per day for travelers willing to take standby flights, deal with inconvenience, and otherwise limit travel expenses. About 0% of rentals are available in the $0 to $100 range for an entire place, and vacation rentals can be booked for as low as $170 per night. These inexpensive rentals must be booked as early as possible and may not be in the most desirable areas. 1-star hotels are more likely to be available, with rooms starting at around $103.
Even cheaper trips are possible depending on where you live and whether you can drive. Check the cheapest times to fly for more saving ideas.
The lowest cost for one person to visit St John for a week is $1,351-$2,719 ($193-$388 per day)
Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $46 to $91 per day for one person’s daily expenses
Lodging : $103 to $121 per night for one 1-star hotel room
or $170 to $200 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental
The lowest cost for a couple to visit St John for a week is $2,084-$4,238 ($298-$605 per day)
Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $92 to $182 per day for two people’s daily expenses
The lowest cost for 4 people to visit St John for a week is $4,168-$7,996 ($595-$1,142 per day)
Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $184 to $364 per day for four people’s daily expenses
Lodging : $206 to $242 per night for two 1-star hotel rooms
or $238 to $320 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental
Overall it is very difficult to travel to St John cheaply.
There is no true ceiling on the cost of a luxury trip, so our estimates are based on what most people do in St John.
The high-end price for one person to visit St John for a week is $3,882-$16,307 ($555-$2,330 per day)
Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $175 to $340 per day for one person’s daily expenses
Flights : $1,019 to $1,843 for first class
Lodging : $273 to $551 per night for one 4 or 5-star hotel room
or $1,060 to $2,014 per night for a preferred vacation rental
The high-end price for a couple to visit St John for a week is $6,126-$20,530 ($875-$2,933 per day)
Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $350 to $680 per day for two people’s daily expenses
Flights : $2,038 to $3,686 for first class
The high-end price for 4 people to visit St John for a week is $12,252-$35,018 ($1,750-$5,003 per day)
Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $700 to $1,360 per day for four people’s daily expenses
Flights : $4,076 to $7,372 for first class
Lodging : $546 to $1,102 per night for two 4 or 5-star hotel rooms
or $1,590 to $3,021 per night for a preferred vacation rental
The cost of staying in St John is much higher than the average city. On average hotels are less expensive than vacation rentals. Luxury vacation rentals are more expensive in St John due to very high property costs. The graphs below show how much cost can vary depending on the type of experience you’re looking for.
The average price for the class of hotel is on the (y) axis. The hotel class (out of 5 stars) is on the (x) axis.
Prices are based on St John hotel averages and may not reflect current prices. In some cases, we extrapolate prices to estimate costs, and hotels with your desired star rating may not be available.
The percent of vacation rentals in the price range is on the left (y) axis. Price range is on the bottom (x) axis.
There are a healthy amount of vacation rentals serving all budgets in St John.
Averaging flights around the world, prices go from a high of $1,063 average in late December to a low of $613 in late September. Median flight price is $675. These prices are based on millions of flights. For St John our data includes 193 originating airports, and 76 airlines. The area has more variance in price compared with other locations. Flying to St John from an airport like Amilcar Cabral International ( SID ) in Sal Island (Cape Verde) for an average $7,014 trip fare will obviously cost a lot more than from an airport like Juancho E. Yrausquin ( SAB ) in Saba (the Caribbean Netherlands) at an average of just $208.
Average flight cost by day of week.
The cheapest day to fly in is typically Tuesday, and the cheapest day to fly back is usually Tuesday. Click here to see data for the cost of flights from your airport. In St John, the difference between the cheapest and the most expensive week is about $450, so you can easily save about 73% simply by using our free flight guides and booking in advance.
Daily vacation expenses vary more based on what you’re interested in doing. A fine dining restaurant with drinks around St John can easily cost $690 per person or more, while a standard nice meal might be about $46 per person. Private tours can cost $1372 per day, but self-guided tours to see the outdoor sights can be free. Costs vary wildly, so recommendations are made based on the cost of living and averages we see for this type of vacation.
Travel costs nearby.
Frequently asked questions about cheap travel to the United States Virgin Islands can be answered with one simple answer: St. Thomas. As the busiest and most commercialized of the three islands, St. Thomas has a reputation for being exclusive, with plenty of tax-free stores, high-end restaurants, and golf courses.
It also has a lively nightlife and plenty of attractions, such as the Thomas Skyride and Coral World Ocean Park. Plus, it's home to Magens Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. But if you're looking for a less commercialized Caribbean experience, St. Croix is the best option.
It's the largest of the three islands but receives the least amount of tourists, making it ideal for those who want to get away from it all. Base your visit in Christiansted and explore its historic fort or take a boat to nearby Buck Island for some snorkeling or diving. You can also visit Cruzan Rum and Captain Morgan Rum (both offering guided tours and exhibitions) or take a kayak through the bioluminescent bay. And don't forget to try some local food at Savant's patio or one of the smaller roadside restaurants that serve chicken or roti (curry wrapped in flatbread).
When it comes to accommodation, there are plenty of money-saving hotels, from beachside resorts to treetop hide-outs. But if you're looking for an all-inclusive experience, there are some great options too. The Point Pleasant Resort on Saint Thomas Island is a luxurious and modern resort located in the East End of the island. Sand Castle on the Beach is an all-inclusive resort for adults only in the US Virgin Islands region that offers magnificent views and full access to Veterans Shore on Santa Cruz Island.
And Secret Harbor Beach Resort is an all-inclusive island retreat with its own exclusive private beach for guests. Visiting these islands by cruise is also an economical way to see them, although your time here will be limited. And if you're willing to give up some amenities such as room service or beverage service by the pool, you can save even more money and go on vacation sooner. No matter what your budget is, there are plenty of options for affordable travel in the US Virgin Islands.
With a little planning, you can enjoy all that these islands have to offer without breaking the bank.
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Our verdict
The very hottest temperatures in St. Thomas get to around 29℃ (85℉) in the height of summer. In the colder months such as March, temperatures usually get down to an average minimum of 24℃ (76℉).
If you’re keen to work on your tan in St. Thomas, you’re most likely get the longest days between sun-up and sun-down around July. You don’t want to get wet on your holiday, do you? Well if you’re trying to avoid the rain, then steer clear of St. Thomas in September. Head over there in February instead if you want to increase your chances of not being rained on.
Learn more about when to travel to St. Thomas, the monthly weather breakdown, FAQs and much more below. Once you’ve decided when you want to go, use our handy tools to find the best prices to suit your budget on flights, transport/transfers, places to stay, and loads more!
Quick links: Fast facts / Seasons / Average temperatures / Monthly climate / FAQs / Map
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Before you continue, it’s important to know when the seasons are in St. Thomas as they might be different to yours depending on where in the world you’re travelling from. St. Thomas is in the Northern Hemisphere, so the seasons fall during these months:
If the temperature is a big factor for you to help you decide when to visit, the chart below shows the average minimum and maximum temperatures in St. Thomas for each month side-by-side so you can easily see the difference in weather throughout the year. To see the temperatures in both Celsius (°C) and Fahrenheit (°F), hover or tap the shaded boxes on the graph.
If you already have a rough idea about which months you might want to travel, the section below shows a detailed breakdown of the climate in St. Thomas for each month so you can see if it all suits your wants and needs. Scroll down, or use the quick menu below to jump to your preferred month.
What to pack: If you’re heading to St. Thomas in January, make sure you pack t-shirts and light clothing.
Add visitor or local insider tips >
What to pack: If you’re heading to St. Thomas in February, make sure you pack t-shirts and light clothing.
What to pack: If you’re heading to St. Thomas in March, make sure you pack t-shirts and light clothing.
What to pack: If you’re heading to St. Thomas in April, make sure you pack t-shirts and light clothing.
What to pack: If you’re heading to St. Thomas in May, make sure you pack t-shirts and light clothing.
What to pack: If you’re heading to St. Thomas in June, make sure you pack t-shirts and light clothing.
What to pack: If you’re heading to St. Thomas in July, make sure you pack t-shirts and light clothing.
What to pack: If you’re heading to St. Thomas in August, make sure you pack t-shirts and light clothing.
What to pack: If you’re heading to St. Thomas in September, make sure you pack t-shirts and light clothing.
What to pack: If you’re heading to St. Thomas in October, make sure you pack t-shirts and light clothing.
What to pack: If you’re heading to St. Thomas in November, make sure you pack t-shirts and light clothing.
What to pack: If you’re heading to St. Thomas in December, make sure you pack t-shirts and light clothing.
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The best time to visit the US Virgin Islands is from April to June, offering a balance of fewer tourists, comfortable temperatures ranging from 80.6°F to 89°F, and affordable prices. This period falls between the busy peak season and the hurricane season, making it ideal for enjoying outdoor activities and clear blue skies.
The best time to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands is April to June, when you can expect mild weather and very little rainfall. In the USVI's peak season, from December to March, the temperature ...
Our favorite hiking trail on St. John is Ram Head Trail. 📍 Google Maps | Phone: (340) 776-6201 | Website. Hiking is a fun and free way to explore the best scenery of the Virgin Islands on a tight budget. Although St. Croix and St. Thomas have a few, the best hiking trails are within the Virgin Islands National Park on St. John.
The worst times to visit St. Thomas and the U.S. Virgin Islands are September through November. These months fall inside the heart of the Virgin Islands hurricane season, also known as the rainy season. The U.S. Virgin Islands rely heavily on tourism to sustain their economy. The islands welcome nearly 700,000 visitors each year by air and more ...
Jillian Dara. Photo: TripSavvy / Ellen Lindner. 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.
This little-known US territory has three main islands named St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix each with unique places to explore. The best time to visit the US Virgin Islands is between April and June. Prices are more affordable in this shoulder season with flights costing just $400. The beaches are not as crowded in these months.
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 ...
The best time to visit the US Virgin Islands is mid-April through June as the dry season nears its end, hotel and resort rates drop, and the average temperatures are exceedingly comfortable. Additionally, peak tourism season has ended and the region's hurricane season has yet to begin. But the best time for you may be based on an entirely ...
Best Months to Visit. The best time to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands is April to June, when you can expect mild weather and very little rainfall. In the USVI's peak season, from December to March ...
Planning Your Trip . Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands is between the months of mid-April and July—after the prices have dropped after the peak tourist season in the winter, and before the rains begin to fall more regularly in mid-summer with the arrival of the wet season.For more information on the islands' weather, read our full-length article on ...
Sunrise/Sunset: Around 12 to 13 hours of daylight. Sunrise is around 6:20am in mid-March and around 5:45am in mid-June. Sunset is around 6:30pm in mid-March and close to 7pm by late June. Spring Events: U.S. Virgin Islands Transfer Day - March 31st.
The best time to visit the US Virgin Islands is between April and June. December to March has the largest crowds while July to November has rain and hurricanes. ... The bright side is that this is by far the cheapest time of year to visit, you could save close to 50% on hotels and flights. If you are traveling on a budget and don't mind rainy ...
If you're looking for the very warmest time to visit the US Virgin Islands, the hottest months are August, September, and then July. See average monthly temperatures below. The warmest time of year is generally early August where highs are regularly around 86.9°F (30.5°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 80.1°F (26.7°C) at night.
A one week trip to the US Virgin Islands usually costs around $1,743 for one person and $3,486 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing. A two week trip to the US Virgin Islands on average costs around $3,486 for one person and $6,972 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local ...
A great time to visit the US Virgin Islands for great weather is during the summer months of June, July, and August, which are all warm and somewhat humid, but generally sunny. Nevertheless, the month with the absolute best weather is March. During this period, the Islands are a tropical paradise perfect for water sports, beach holidays, and ...
Winter is glorious in the Caribbean and is the best time to go to the US Virgin Islands. The average temperature of 78℉ (26 ℃) per month for December through February for St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John, combined with low precipitation, make the islands a sought-after sunny getaway. Take advantage of the dry and comfortable weather to ...
Luxury Couple's Trip. The high-end price for a couple to visit St Thomas for a week is $4,906-$20,448 ($701-$2,921 per day) Food, Travel, and Sightseeing: $216 to $704 per day for two people's daily expenses. Flights: $2,194 to $3,520 for first class. Lodging: $200 to $402 per night for one 4 or 5-star hotel room.
St. John is Best for: Hiking, nature watching, and solitude. You won't find crowds on St. John. That's because the island doesn't have a major airport -- most people take a ferry from St. Thomas, roughly three miles away -- and because nearly two-thirds of the island is protected as a national park. Once you get there, you won't find much ...
With two weeks, you should budget between $1,469 and $7,480 for your trip to the US Virgin Islands. The average price for a two week trip is $3,486. Two weeks will allow you enough time to visit between three and five places. If you're on a budget, you might want to consider some of the more affordable places such as Saint John.
The U.S. Virgin Islands offer some of the most beautiful locales under the stars and stripes. Unfortunately, most Americans never get here. This is definitely not the cheapest place to visit. Prices tend to be high for transportation, dining, and accommodations.Some see visiting by way of a cruise to be the most economical way to see these islands. . The downside is that your time here will be ...
The average cost for one person to visit St John for a week is $2,008-$4,199 ($287-$600 per day) Food, Travel, and Sightseeing: $97 to $179 per day for one person's daily expenses. Flights: $411 to $882 for economy. Lodging: $153 to $203 per night for one 2 or 3-star hotel room. or $281 to $344 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental.
The Cheapest Virgin Island to Visit: A Guide to Affordable Travel in the Virgin Islands. Frequently asked questions about cheap travel to the United States Virgin Islands can be answered with one simple answer: St. Thomas. As the busiest and most commercialized of the three islands, St. Thomas has a reputation for being exclusive, with plenty ...
St. Thomas can be visited year-round, but based on the ideal climate conditions, cost of travel, and avoiding peak holiday periods, April-June is the best time to go. The very hottest temperatures in St. Thomas get to around 29℃ (85℉) in the height of summer.