Prices, experiences, and weather will vary considerably depending on the time of year you visit the Virgin Islands.

Winter (December–March) is the high season, when North Americans and Europeans come to escape cold weather back home. This coincides with the dry season in the islands, and the season of the best sailing winds and coolest, most comfortable temperatures. It is also when you will find the greatest variety of things to do and places to eat and stay; many establishments shut down and limit hours during the slow season.

During the summer (May–September) travelers will find bargains. Most hotels offer discounts of up to 40 percent during summer, and airfare tends to be less, too. It is hotter, and the winds tend to die down for sailing. Some establishments, like dive shops, museums, cultural centers, and stores, cut back their hours.

The so-called shoulder seasons between summer and winter may be the best time of all to visit the islands, especially if you’re on a budget. April and November typically enjoy pleasant weather (not too hot), lower prices (15–30 percent lower than winter rates), and fewer tourists (you’ll have the beaches to yourself). Some hotels offer discounts, too, although not as deep as those in summer.

Also take into account the hurricane season (June–November). While you should not expressly avoid traveling to the Virgin Islands in during the hurricane season, buy trip insurance if you do. Flights are usually the first thing to be canceled when a storm approaches.

If cost is no object, there is simply no better time to visit than December, January, or February when the weather is clear and sunny, the breezes blow, and there is a whole array of things to do.