Cheapest Time to Visit St. Thomas in 2024/2025

St. Thomas, a gem in the U.S. Virgin Islands, offers stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and exciting travel activities. Known for its turquoise waters and lush landscapes, this tropical paradise is a popular destination year-round. However, savvy travelers know that timing their visit right can significantly impact their budget.

By understanding the island’s peak seasons, weather patterns, and local events, visitors can plan an affordable trip without sacrificing St. Thomas’s rich experiences. Read on to discover the best strategies for enjoying St. Thomas on a budget.

Cheapest Time to Go to St Thomas in 2024

Generally, the cheapest time to travel to St. Thomas is during the shoulder seasons, which are the periods between the peak tourist seasons. In the Caribbean, this means:

• Mid-April to June: After the spring break, crowds have died down and before the summer rush begins. You can expect pleasant weather with a lower chance of rain showers.
• September to November (excluding Thanksgiving week): Hurricane season technically runs from June to November, but the likelihood of a major storm is low in September and October. Prices plummet during this time, and you might even score some great deals on last-minute packages.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the cheapest times to visit St. Thomas throughout the year:

• Most affordable: August to November (excluding Thanksgiving week) – This is the low season in St. Thomas, which means the absolute cheapest flights and hotel rates. However, it’s also hurricane season, so there’s a chance of rain and wind.
• Shoulder season: Mid-April to June and September to November (excluding Thanksgiving week)—During these shoulder seasons, you’ll find good deals on flights and accommodations. The weather is usually pleasant, with less rain than the peak summer months.

Pros & Cons of Visiting St. Thomas During the Cheapest Time

Pros of Visiting St. Thomas During the Cheapest Time

• Significant Savings: Flights and accommodations will be at their absolute lowest prices during this time. You can potentially stretch your travel budget further and enjoy more activities or a longer stay.
• Fewer Crowds: With fewer tourists around, you’ll have a more relaxed experience. Popular attractions and beaches may feel less congested.
• Potential for Unique Experiences: You might witness local festivals or cultural events that don’t happen during peak tourist season.

Cons of Visiting St. Thomas During the Cheapest Time

• Hurricane Season: This is the biggest drawback. There’s a chance of encountering tropical storms or hurricanes, which could disrupt your travel plans and potentially cause property damage or power outages.
• Unpredictable Weather: Even if you avoid a hurricane, you might experience more rain showers and higher humidity compared to other times of year.
• Limited Availability: Some restaurants and shops may have reduced hours or closed during the low season.

Average Prices of Vacation to St. Thomas

The average price of a vacation to St. Thomas can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Travel Style: Budget, mid-range, or luxury
• Time of Year: Peak season (December-March) or shoulder seasons (April-June, September-November) vs. low season (August-November excluding Thanksgiving)
• Length of Stay: A weekend getaway will obviously cost less than a two-week trip.
• Number of Travelers: Traveling solo or with a group will impact accommodation and activity costs.

Here’s a general breakdown of the average costs for a vacation to St. Thomas:

• Budget Traveler (One Week): $1,528 per person
• Mid-Range Traveler (One Week): $3,055 per person
• Luxury Traveler (One Week): Prices can vary greatly depending on the level of luxury, but expect to pay upwards of $5,000 per person.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what you can expect to spend on your St. Thomas vacation:

1. Accommodation: Budget ($100-$200 per night), Mid-Range ($200-$400 per night), Luxury ($400+ per night)
2. Flights: Prices will vary depending on your origin city and time of year, but expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,500 for a round trip.
3. Food: Budget ($50-$75 per day), Mid-Range ($75-$150 per day), Luxury ($150+ per day)
4. Activities: Prices vary depending on the activity, but expect to pay around $50-$100 per day for excursions and attractions.

Cheapest Things to Do in St. Thomas in 2024

Here are 7 of the cheapest things you can do on a trip to St. Thomas:

1. Hit the Beach: St. Thomas boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, and luckily, enjoying them is completely free! Pack a picnic lunch, bring your beach gear, and spend the day soaking up the sun, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, and working on your tan. Some of the most popular free beaches include Magens Bay, Coki Point Beach, and Sapphire Beach.
2. Explore Charlotte Amalie: The capital of St. Thomas, Charlotte Amalie, is a charming town with a rich history. Wander the narrow streets lined with colorful Danish colonial buildings, do some window shopping at the duty-free shops, or people-watch at a sidewalk cafe. Be sure to check out some of the town’s historical landmarks, such as Fort Christian and the Government House.
3. Go Snorkeling (with your own gear): The coral reefs teeming with colorful fish just offshore are some of St. Thomas’ biggest attractions. If you have your own snorkel gear, you can explore the underwater world for free at many locations around the island. Some popular snorkeling spots include Coki Point Beach, Honeymoon Beach, and Coral World Ocean Park (admission is required to enter the park itself, but there’s a nice little snorkeling beach outside the entrance for free).
4. Hike the Skytsborg Trail: This moderate 1.5-mile trail offers stunning panoramic views of Charlotte Amalie Harbor and the surrounding islands. It’s a great way to get some exercise and fresh air, and it’s completely free.
5. Visit Blackbeard’s Castle: This historic landmark is perched high on a hill overlooking Charlotte Amalie. A Danish governor built the castle in the 17th century and named it after the infamous pirate Blackbeard, who is said to have used it as a lookout. There’s a small admission fee to enter the castle itself, but you can enjoy the panoramic views from outside for free.
6. Take a Self-Guided Walking Tour: There are many interesting things to see and learn in St. Thomas, and you can explore them at your own pace with a self-guided walking tour. Pick up a walking map from the visitor center or download one from the internet, and set off to discover the island’s history and culture.
7. Relax in a Public Park: St. Thomas has several lovely public parks where you can relax, have a picnic lunch, or go for a stroll. Emancipation Garden is a popular spot located in Charlotte Amalie, and there are also several beachfront parks with playgrounds and picnic areas.

Additional Tips for Visiting St. Thomas on a Budget

• Consider Alternative Accommodations: Instead of staying in a traditional hotel, explore budget-friendly options like hostels, guesthouses, or vacation rentals. Hostels offer dorm rooms at a fraction of the price of a hotel room, while guesthouses often provide a more local experience with a homey feel. Vacation rentals can be a good option for groups or families, as they often have kitchens, saving you money on eating out.
• Pack Your Own Groceries and Drinks: Groceries can be expensive on St. Thomas, especially imported items. If you’re staying in a place with a kitchen, consider packing some staples like coffee, oatmeal, pasta, and snacks from home to save money on meals. You can also purchase drinks and refillable water bottles at the local grocery store to avoid buying overpriced beverages at restaurants and attractions.
• Embrace Public Transportation: Renting a car can be a significant expense on your trip. St. Thomas has a decent public bus system called the VITRANSPO that can get you around the island to many popular destinations. Taxis are readily available, but they can be expensive. Consider splitting fares with other travelers or using ride-sharing apps if available.
• Seek Out Free Activities: There are many free or low-cost activities to enjoy on St. Thomas. Relax on the beach, explore historic sites like Fort Christian for free admission, or go hiking on one of the island’s many trails. Check local listings for free cultural events or festivals happening during your visit.
• Look for Deals and Discounts: Many restaurants and attractions offer discounts on certain days or times. Happy hour specials, lunch menus, and combo packages can help you save money on dining. Research online for discount coupons or deals before your trip.
• Cook Some Meals at Home: Eating out every meal can quickly drain your budget. If you’re staying in a place with a kitchen, take advantage of it and prepare some meals yourself. Visit the local farmers market or grocery store for fresh ingredients to create delicious and affordable meals.