My lovely wife and I are in the beginning stages of planning a 10th anniversary trip to the Caribbean in October, 2013 (our first trip to the Caribbean) and we're strongly leaning on St. John, finding it to be a nice balance between beaches, activities, and seclusion.
Are we crazy for considering the Caribbean in October? I know it's hurricane season, but will most of the restaurants, hotels/villas and things to do in St. John be open during that time? We want to travel during the low season due to budget considerations (and because we're not real fond of large crowds), but should we be considering another time, or will there still be plenty to do (or not do as the case may be) in October?
Thanks! This is a lovely travel community you have on Fodors.
St. John in October?
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September and October are the "slowest" months on any Caribbean island and that holds true for St. John. It's the time of year when there are very few tourists visiting the island so many of the resorts/hotels/restaurants are either closed or if they are open may have limited hours and reduced staffs. It's the time of the year when many "locals" go off island for their vacation. While you'll still find "things to do" and places to eat, your selections will be limited. If you could hold off until November or early December (before December 15), most of the resorts, restaurants and business will be gearing up for "High Season" but you'll still benefit from Low Season rates (except if you go during Thanksgiving Week)
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My husband and I have been going to St. John every October since 2002. Our anniversary falls in the beginning of October, but rather go to St. John towards the end of October since more restaurants are open.
We did hit a hurricane out of all the years we have been going, but usually like the above poster said, crowds are minimal, weather is great and the water is quite warm. I wouldn't stop you from going in October, but I would recommend purchasing traveler's insurance that covers trip interruption due to hurricanes. Any additional questions I'd be happy to help!
I wrote about our last October trip here:
susannj.travellerspoint.com