Virgin Islands In July
July is one of the best months to visit the Virgin Islands, especially if you’re looking to experience a festive local vibe, warm waters, and fewer tourists than in the winter months. While July does bring hotter weather and scattered showers, the perks; such as the chance to see sea turtles nesting, Carnival, and fresh in-season fruit and wild caught fish make it one of the most culturally rich and active months to visit the USVI.
July Weather In The Virgin Islands
U.S. Virgin Island weather in July is hot and humid with daily highs between 77–88°F (25–31°C). The heat, combined with the high humidity, can feel intense to anyone unaccustomed to the tropics, but shaded areas and refreshing dips in the ocean can help visitors stay cool. Also, short-lasting, daily scattered rain showers can offer a welcome break from the glaring sun.
Water Temperature & Swimming Conditions
The Caribbean seas around St. John and St. Thomas, USVI in July is warm and inviting, with water temps ranging from 80–83°F (27–28°C). This is ideal ocean temperature for snorkeling, diving, and swimming. It’s about as close to bathwater as it gets out in the wild. Plus, unlike just sitting there in a bath, engaging in activities makes the water temperature feel even warmer as body heat increases during exercise.
Sailing Conditions Around St. John and St. Thomas In July
Sailing conditions are calm and winds are usually light. This makes July the perfect time to charter a boat, especially for those who want to avoid the worst cases of seasickness.
Crowd Levels In July
In general it is less crowded in St. John and St. Thomas in July, but Carnival Week occurs the first week of July, which can attract crowds. After Carnival Week passes, expect to see fewer tourists and a more laid-back pace, making mid-July one of the more peaceful months to visit the Virgin Islands.
Events & Festivals In July
St. John Carnival (now called Celebration)
Expect parades, food fairs, music, and fireworks.
Local tip: It's a deeply community-rooted, cultural celebration. Attend to experience St. John through the eyes of local residents.
In-Season Fruit & Fish In St. John & St. Thomas USVI In July
In-season Fruits
Soursop and mangoes are coming off the trees ripe in July. And, genips, too. Don’t be surprised to see islanders sucking on these little sweet-sour local fruits in July. Genips are small, spherical fruits that are about the size of a golfball and also called Spanish limes because their sweet, sour taste comes with a lime, peach, lychee flavor fusion that locals love. If you get a chance to try one, it may just complete your island vacation with its unique taste becoming a topic you can discuss at stateside cocktail parties for years to come.
In-Season Fish
July brings fresh mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, and wahoo to the table in St. John and St. Thomas, USVI. These wild, local fish are great on the grill or added to ceviche.
Where To Find These Fresh Foods
To try fresh fish and fruits in July check out local seafood places like Morgan’s Mango (in St. John, USVI) or by getting to the Calabash Market in Coral Bay as early as you can, before everything is gone. It goes fast!.
Turtle Nesting & Wildlife
July is peak sea turtle nesting season on the beaches in the USVI. We were lucky enough to come across a sea turtle nesting last year; another good reason to book a summer charter!
Mosquito Activity On St. John & St. Thomas In July
Mosquito levels in the USVI are moderate in July, and while there's been regional concern about dengue in the Caribbean, no cases of dengue have been reported in St. John so far in 2025. However, this does not mean dengue is not present as reports may be unpublished, delayed or inaccurate, which is why it is important to bring repellent, and mosquito netting if you are planning to sleep in an open air area. (No store currently sells mosquito netting in St. John USVI - write us if you find one!)
July Hurricane Risk Is Low In The USVI
Hurricane season in the USVI is June 1 through November 30, but in July the hurricane risk is still considered low. The last hurricane that happened near the USVI was Elsa in 2021, which passed by without making landfall. (Isaias affected St. Thomas and St. Croix in late July in 2020, but that was half a decade ago.)
Travel Costs & Vibe
Travel costs in July tend to be lower than peak travel months, and availability is better for those last minute planners, especially if you’re trying to lock something in later in the month. Restaurants and charters are open and running, but not overcrowded. Sometimes there are travel deals and special offers for visiting the USVI in July.
Best Island to Visit in July?
St. John, USVI is the best island in the Caribbean to visit in early July if you want to experience the St. John Celebration / Carnival. Later in the month, St. John becomes quieter, which is the ideal time for those wanting less crowds on the beach, hiking trails, and in prime snorkeling areas. The Virgin Islands without the crowds is an entirely different experience that everyone should try once.
Book Your USVI July Trip Today
Book a July charter with Island Roots to enjoy the calm seas this time of year. And, while you’re in the VI, catch some wahoo, yellowfin tuna, or mahi-mahi; hike to a quiet beach, and enjoy fresh mangoes and soursop too.