St. Thomas is steep, hot and on the water, and most visitors spend the day hopping between beaches, boats and Charlotte Amalie's shops. The packing problem is the sun and the reef law: chemical sunscreens that harm coral are banned here.
St. Thomas weather by month
Daily high and low (°F), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 84°F29°C | 84°F29°C | 84°F29°C | 84°F29°C | 86°F30°C | 90°F32°C | 90°F32°C | 90°F32°C | 90°F32°C | 88°F31°C | 86°F30°C | 84°F29°C |
| Low | 73°F23°C | 73°F23°C | 75°F24°C | 77°F25°C | 79°F26°C | 81°F27°C | 81°F27°C | 81°F27°C | 81°F27°C | 81°F27°C | 77°F25°C | 75°F24°C |
| Rain days | 6 | 6 | 6 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 9 |
Season by season
Dry season
December–MarchThe busiest and most comfortable stretch. Highs sit at 84°F (29°C) and lows at 73–75°F (23–24°C). January through March average 6 rain days each. These numbers come from the airport, 0.6 miles (1 km) from Charlotte Amalie. Pack swimwear, light clothes and a thin layer for evening breezes.
Spring
April–MayWarmer and still pleasant. Highs reach 84–86°F (29–30°C) and lows 77–79°F (25–26°C). April averages 11 rain days and May 9, mostly quick showers. Bring quick-dry clothes and plenty of reef-safe sunscreen.
What to bring to St. Thomas
0 of 22 packed- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
Keeps phones and cards dry on boat trips to St. John and beach days.
- RAYMYLO 64 oz Insulated Water BottleWater Bottles & Hydration
A big cold bottle for 90°F (32°C) summer days and steep walks from the harbor.
- Crocs Classic ClogFootwear & Shoe Care
Quick to rinse after the beach and fine on boat decks.
- Dramamine Less Drowsy ChewablesHealth & Safety
Ferries and catamarans between islands can be bumpy.
- Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, 4 ozHealth & Safety
No-see-ums bite at dusk near the beach.
- Bearwind S40 Portable Handheld Turbo FanTech & Power
Helps when summer nights stay at 81°F (27°C).
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
Keeps your phone alive on long excursion days.
Clothing
- Swimsuits · 3
- Swimsuit cover-up · 1
- Light breathable shirts · 4
- Shorts · 2
- Rash guard · 1
- Wide-brim hat · 1
Footwear
- Sneakers with grip · 1 pairVery steep hills around the harbor
Gear
- Snorkel mask · 1
- Beach towel · 1
- Sunglasses · 1
Health and toiletries
- Reef-safe mineral sunscreenOxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene are banned
- After-sun lotion
Documents and money
- Passport or US ID
- Travel insuranceOct–Nov are the wettest months
Tech
- Phone charger and cable
Early hurricane season (June–August)
Hot. Highs hit 90°F (32°C) and lows 81°F (27°C). Rain days run 9–11 a month. The Atlantic hurricane season starts in June. Pack light, breathable clothes and a rain shell.
Hurricane season peak (September–November)
The most storm-prone months. September averages 12 rain days, October and November 13. Highs stay at 86–90°F (30–32°C). Keep plans flexible, watch forecasts and buy travel insurance.
What shoes should you pack for St. Thomas?
Sandals, water shoes and a pair with grip. The island is very hilly, and walking up from the harbor in Charlotte Amalie is steep. Water shoes help at rocky snorkel spots like Coki Point.
What do people wear in St. Thomas?
Casual island clothes. Cover up over swimwear in town and shops. Resort dinners are smart-casual. Cruise visitors usually wear shorts and sandals ashore.
Do you need reef-safe sunscreen in St. Thomas?
Yes. The U.S. Virgin Islands ban sunscreens with oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene to protect the reefs. Pack a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide, and a rash guard for long snorkels.
What plugs does St. Thomas use?
The U.S. Virgin Islands uses Type A and B sockets at 120V, the same plugs as the US and Canada. US visitors need no adapter. UK, EU and Australian visitors need one. Most phone and laptop chargers handle 120V fine.
Tours and things to do in St. Thomas
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for St. Thomas.
What should you leave at home for St. Thomas?
Chemical sunscreens, heavy layers and dressy shoes. The coolest low is 73°F (23°C), and the hills punish heels. US citizens don't need a passport for St. Thomas, but bring ID; check current rules if you're not a US citizen.
Packing for St. Thomas: questions people ask
What should I wear in St. Thomas in February?
Light clothes and swimwear. February averages a 84°F (29°C) high, a 73°F (23°C) low and 6 rain days.
Is regular sunscreen banned in St. Thomas?
Sunscreens with oxybenzone, octinoxate or octocrylene are banned. Bring a mineral, reef-safe one.
What is the rainiest month in St. Thomas?
October and November, each with 13 rain days on average.
Do I need an adapter in St. Thomas?
Not from the US or Canada. Sockets are Type A and B at 120V.
Do I need water shoes in St. Thomas?
They help at rocky snorkel spots and on boat trips to other islands.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.