photo credit: Stinkie Pinkie

What’s the Weather Like When Traveling to the Virgin Islands?

The Virgin Islands are situated just east of Puerto Rico in the northern Caribbean. Most of the islands are volcanic in origin and are quite rugged with some peaks over 1500 feet high. They are divided into the U.S. Virgin Islands to the west and British Virgin Islands to the east. The largest islands include, Saint John, Saint Croix, Saint Thomas, Tortola, Anegada, and Virgin Gorda.

Many smaller islands are part of the Virgin Islands also. The Atlantic Ocean borders the Virgin Islands to the north and Caribbean Sea to the south. This area is sometimes affected by hurricanes with the greatest threat during the height of hurricane season from mid August into October.

The Virgin Islands are grouped in the same general region, so rainfall does not change appreciably from one island to the next. The wet season is a result of increased tropical activity mostly in the form of tropical waves. The heaviest rains are from September through November in which five to six inches of rain occurs on average each month. The dry season runs from late winter into early spring. Rainfall amount of about two to three inches occurs February through April.

Temperatures also are not much different from one island to another. Average summer high temperatures are in the upper 80’s to near 90 degrees. Morning lows are generally in the mid 70’s. Winter temperatures are slightly cooler with average high temperatures in low 80’s with lows in the low 70’s.

Travelers going to the Virgin Islands will find a mild climate all year. Temperatures do not change much during the year with the most pleasant readings during the winter. Lesser rainfall amounts coincide with the slightly cooler temperatures during the late winter and last into early spring. Travelers are advised to stay updated with latest tropical weather information if traveling during the hurricane season.

Rich is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist with 25 years of weather forecasting and television experience. Visit his website for more on expert hurricane forecasts and travel resources.

Virgin Islands Weather Averages – Hurricane & Travel Message Boards

More info about Virgin Islands.

photo credit: Stinkie Pinkie