When to Go

High season coincides with that on most other Caribbean islands, from December through April or May; before and after that time, rates can drop by as much as 25% to 50%, depending on the resort.

St. Thomas's International Rolex Regatta in March is a big draw. April is also a great time to visit St. Thomas, as the island comes alive for Carnival. The celebrations—steel-drum music, colorful costumes, and dancing in the streets—culminate on the last weekend of the month. The blue marlin sportfishing tournaments are in July and August off St. Thomas, and there are dolphinfish and wahoo tournaments off both St. Thomas and St. Croix in the spring and fall, respectively. The St. Croix Half Ironman Triathlon attracts international-class athletes as well as amateurs every May. In February and March, the St. Croix Landmarks Society House Tours give you a chance to peek inside many historic homes that aren't usually open to the public.

There aren't too many big events on St. John, but the St. John Festival, held from late May to early July, tends to bring many people there as well as to the other two islands.