United States (US Virgin Islands), Central America & Caribbean

US Virgin Islands in August

Good deals but real risk heading into the peak. Book refundable.

TradeoffsHot and humid, highs near 89F (32C), storm odds rising

Trunk Bay, St. John, US Virgin Islands — US Virgin IslandsPhoto: Ben Whitney, Public domain

The straight answer

August is a month of real tradeoffs in US Virgin Islands. Good deals but real risk heading into the peak. Book refundable.

Weather: Hot and humid, highs near 89F (32C), storm odds rising
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What August is like in US Virgin Islands

August is hot and humid, with highs near 89F (32C) and storm odds rising as the peak of hurricane season approaches. Crowds thin and prices drop, so the deals are real. The water is warm and many days are calm and sunny, but a tropical system can disrupt flights, ferries, and beach days with little warning.

It suits flexible travelers with refundable bookings and travel insurance. Families who need certainty should choose May or June instead. If you come, watch the forecast closely in the days before departure and be ready to change plans.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about US Virgin Islands this month.

Good deals

Villas and hotels offer some of their lowest rates of the year.

Quiet beaches

Trunk Bay and Magens Bay are calm on non-cruise days.

Warm water

The sea is at its warmest, great for long swims and snorkeling.

What to pack for August

Reef-safe sunscreen
Snorkel gear
Light, breathable clothes
A rain jacket for passing storms

Our timing tip

Book refundable rates and buy insurance that covers hurricanes, and check the tropical forecast the week before you fly.

Book US Virgin Islands for August.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in US Virgin Islands
Opens a hotel search for US Virgin Islands in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in US Virgin Islands
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in US Virgin Islands
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in US Virgin Islands for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in US Virgin Islands

Full guide

Virgin Islands National Park, St. John

Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Maho Bay, and the Reef Bay Trail. Arrive at popular beaches before 10am, especially on cruise days when tours come over from St. Thomas.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Buck Island Reef National Monument

A protected reef and island off St. Croix with an underwater snorkel trail, reached by licensed boat operators.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Christiansted National Historic Site

The Danish-era fort and waterfront of St. Croix's main town, a short walk from the boardwalk.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Magens Bay, St. Thomas

A deep, calm, sheltered bay on St. Thomas's north side. It gets busy on cruise days; go early or late.

Tickets and tours →

Coral World Ocean Park

A marine park with an underwater observatory on St. Thomas, a good choice for kids and rainy days.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Waterlemon Cay and Annaberg

A snorkel around a small cay, often with turtles and rays, reached by a short trail past the ruins of the Annaberg sugar plantation.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Check the St. Thomas cruise schedule. On multi-ship days, Magens Bay, Charlotte Amalie, and even St. John's Trunk Bay get crowded by late morning.
Stay on St. John or St. Croix instead of St. Thomas for a calmer trip; use St. Thomas mainly as the airport.
Aim for May, when prices fall but the weather is still dry, or the first half of December.
Reserve rental Jeeps on St. John early for winter; they sell out, and parking at the most popular beaches fills fast.

Know before you go

September and October: many St. John restaurants, villas, and tour operators close for weeks. St. Thomas's big hotels mostly stay open.
Trunk Bay charges a national park entry fee; most other St. John beaches are free.
Ferries between St. Thomas and St. John run frequently, but schedules shrink at night and in bad weather.
Travel to the British Virgin Islands by ferry requires a passport, even for US citizens, since it is a separate country.