Virgin Islands In August

If you’re interested in a vacation to the U.S. Virgin Islands without the crowds and peak-season prices, August is the time to pack your bags. While August is known for being one of the hotter months of summer vacation in the Caribbean, it is also a great month to immerse, undistracted in all aspects of island life. In August, visitors can expect calm boating conditions, warm waters, and breathtaking bioluminescence lighting up the bays at night.

Weather In The Virgin Islands In August

During your visit, expect hot, tropical weather in St. John in August (& St. Thomas), with daily temperatures ranging from 77–89°F (25–32°C). However, it often feels hotter due to the increasing humidity. During a trip to the beach, one might also expect bursts of rain occurring suddenly throughout the day. Despite these showers interrupting your picnic on the shore, these rainfalls nourish the island’s greenery and offer refreshing breaks from the sun.

Water Temperature & Swimming Conditions

Taking swims in August is as luxurious as stepping into a warm bath after a long day, with water temperatures being around 82–84°F (28–29°C). This opens up opportunities to indulge in long swims, snorkeling, and diving in the warm waters. Along with the calmer seas, the wind is also lighter during this time of the year, creating perfect conditions for paddleboarding, kayaking, and other low-impact water sports.

Boating Conditions Around St. John and St. Thomas In August

If you want to go on a charter boat trip during your expedition to the Virgin Islands, August is an ideal time. With light trade winds, calm waters, and exceptional views, the conditions are perfect for those new to boating or in need of a tranquil experience out on the sea.

Crowd Levels In August

One might notice the lack of tourists filling the streets, as August marks the beginning of the off-season. Beaches, trails, and restaurants are noticeably quieter, offering those who visit in August a fuller experience of the islands without the distraction of the crowds.

Events & Festivals In August

There are no major festivals or public celebrations in August, as everything slows down during this time of the month making it a tranquil time to take in the event of nature’s beauty unfolding all around you.

In-Season Fruit & Fish In St. Thomas & St. John In August

In-season Fruits

Photo by Vung Nguyen on Unsplash

Breadfruit and genips are prime fruits to look out for during August. Genips are a tasty snack to try during your trip to the islands. You' may see many locals enjoying these sour-sweet fruits as they stroll around town. Breadfruit is also a popular fruit, often roasted or fried and included as a side in island dishes. For visitors striving to avoid nightshades, breadfruit is a great potato alternative as it tastes similar to a regular potato when cooked unripe, and like a sweet potato when cooked ripe.

In-season Fish

August is one of the prime months for seafood lovers. Line-caught yellowfin tuna and wahoo are caught fresh by local fishermen, which make for flavorful grilled dishes or fresh ceviche to enjoy beachside. Wahoo has more of a steak texture, while yellowfin loin is sweet and mild, and sometimes filleted atop sushi rolls.

Where To Eat

For fresh fish and fruit options while dining out, check out Morgan’ s Mango in St. John or if you want to prepare a homemade meal, make your way (as early as possible) to the fresh fish counters at Calabash Market in Coral Bay.

Turtle Nesting & Bioluminescent Bays

While taking a night tour or evening swim, you might come across glowing organisms resembling an underwater night sky, especially around Salt Pond Bay or Haulover Bay. Bioluminescence is a unique and memorable experience during the warmer, wetter months. Turtle Nesting is also on the rise during the month of August, and may even be observed along the beaches of St. Croix and St. John.

Mosquito Activity In August

August is high time for mosquitoes. To avoid these pesky blood sucking insects, pack repellent, wear long sleeves during the evenings, and bring a mosquito net for sleeping in open-air accommodations. There is no malaria on the island, but dengue has been known to affect the USVI.

Hurricane Risk In August

During your stay, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on hurricane forecasts and even consider purchasing travel insurance as the risk of a hurricane blowing through is higher in August, especially later in the month. While the risk isn’t extreme, it’s still higher than the previous months of summer.

Travel Costs & Vibe

A benefit of traveling within the month of August is lower costs for accommodations and flights, as off-season has officially begun. Availability and last-minute travel is also significantly easier to arrange. Expect local closures as businesses adjust to the off-season, and possible blackouts during tropical weather surges.

Best Virgin Island to Visit in August

The best Caribbean Island to visit in August is St. John. We are a bit bias since we call this island home. As the smallest of the three main Virgin Islands, St. John offers lush hiking trails, snorkeling through vibrant coral, and kicking back at the most beautiful beaches in the world.

August is a special time to soak in the jade-green landscapes and clear sapphire waters, savor local cuisine, enjoy the serenity of boat life, and to try your luck at witnessing the bioluminescence.

Note: much of the above is also true for the BVI in August (British Virgin Islands)