United States (US Virgin Islands), Central America & Caribbean
US Virgin Islands in September
The heart of hurricane season (Irma and Maria both hit in September 2017), and many St. John businesses close.
The straight answer
September is a month to think twice about visiting US Virgin Islands. The heart of hurricane season (Irma and Maria both hit in September 2017), and many St. John businesses close.
- Weather
- Peak storm season, highs near 89F (32C), frequent rain
- Crowds
- 1 of 5
- Prices
- 1 of 5
What September is like in US Virgin Islands
September is the heart of hurricane season. Highs are near 89F (32C), rain is frequent, and the risk of a major storm is at its peak; Irma and Maria both hit in September 2017. Many St. John restaurants, villas, and tour operators close for weeks. Crowds and prices are at their lowest.
This is a month to avoid. If you are flexible and insured, St. Thomas's big hotels mostly stay open, but options are limited. For a similar budget with far less risk, choose May or early December.
Make the most of September
What is especially good about US Virgin Islands this month.
Lowest prices
The few open hotels offer deep discounts.
Empty beaches
On calm days you may have a beach to yourself.
Local island life
With few visitors, the islands feel quiet and local.
What to pack for September
- A rain jacket
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- A portable phone charger for outages
- Insect repellent
Our timing tip
If you must travel in September, stay at a large St. Thomas hotel that stays open and keep your plans fully refundable.
Book US Virgin Islands for September.
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- Hotels for September
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in US Virgin IslandsOpens a hotel search for US Virgin Islands in September, 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 September. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
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 September, quick answers
Is September a good time to visit US Virgin Islands?
September is a month to think twice about visiting US Virgin Islands. The heart of hurricane season (Irma and Maria both hit in September 2017), and many St. John businesses close.
What is the weather like in US Virgin Islands in September?
Peak storm season, highs near 89F (32C), frequent rain.
Is US Virgin Islands crowded in September?
September is one of the quieter months in US Virgin Islands; most sights can be done without long waits.
Keep planning US Virgin Islands.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
- 01US Virgin Islands in AugustThe month before: Hot and humid, highs near 89F (32C), storm odds risingTradeoffs
- 02US Virgin Islands in OctoberThe month after: Hot and humid, highs near 88F (31C), rainy spellsThink twice
- 03US Virgin Islands in JanuaryThe next best month: Dry and breezy, highs near 84F (29C)Best
Also at their best in September
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