United States (US Virgin Islands), Central America & Caribbean
US Virgin Islands in May
The value sweet spot: dry-season weather is mostly holding and rates fall off the winter peak.
The straight answer
May is one of the best months of the year to visit US Virgin Islands. The value sweet spot: dry-season weather is mostly holding and rates fall off the winter peak.
- Weather
- Warm, highs near 87F (31C), occasional showers
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What May is like in US Virgin Islands
May is the value sweet spot. Highs reach about 87F (31C), the dry-season weather mostly holds, and rates fall off the winter peak. Occasional showers pass quickly. Crowds thin out, and the Virgin Islands Carnival on St. Thomas often runs into early May. The water is warm and calm for snorkeling.
It suits couples, families outside school holidays, and anyone who wants great weather without peak prices. It is one of the best months overall. If you want the lowest risk of rain, February is drier, but May gives you similar beach days for much less money.
Make the most of May
What is especially good about US Virgin Islands this month.
Lower prices, great weather
Villas and hotels drop their rates, while the weather stays mostly dry.
Carnival's final days
The St. Thomas carnival often continues into early May.
Calm snorkeling
Warm, clear water makes Waterlemon Cay and Buck Island ideal.
What to pack for May
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Snorkel gear
- A light rain jacket
- A sun hat
Our timing tip
Book St. John villas for May a few months ahead, since savvy travelers know it is the best value month.
Book US Virgin Islands for May.
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- Hotels for May
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in US Virgin IslandsOpens a hotel search for US Virgin Islands in May, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in US Virgin IslandsWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in US Virgin IslandsTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in US Virgin Islands for May. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in May
Virgin Islands Carnival, St. Thomas
Typically late April into early May, after Easter
The territory's biggest carnival, with parades, J'ouvert, and food fairs in Charlotte Amalie.
Things to do in US Virgin Islands
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.
Buck Island Reef National Monument
A protected reef and island off St. Croix with an underwater snorkel trail, reached by licensed boat operators.
Christiansted National Historic Site
The Danish-era fort and waterfront of St. Croix's main town, a short walk from the boardwalk.
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.
Coral World Ocean Park
A marine park with an underwater observatory on St. Thomas, a good choice for kids and rainy days.
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.
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.
US Virgin Islands in May, quick answers
Is May a good time to visit US Virgin Islands?
May is one of the best months of the year to visit US Virgin Islands. The value sweet spot: dry-season weather is mostly holding and rates fall off the winter peak.
What is the weather like in US Virgin Islands in May?
Warm, highs near 87F (31C), occasional showers.
Is US Virgin Islands crowded in May?
Crowds in US Virgin Islands are moderate in May; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
What is happening in US Virgin Islands in May?
Virgin Islands Carnival, St. Thomas (typically late april into early may, after easter).
Keep planning US Virgin Islands.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in May
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