Why June is the best month to visit this U.S. Virgin Island

National Geographic

30-05-2025

It turns out that the grass actually is greener in St. Thomas—sea turtle grass, that is, for those traveling in June. This sweet spot, after the bustle and beats of carnival season concludes across most of the Caribbean, is both an ecologist's paradise and a deal-hunter's delight.
Canopies of fire-red flamboyant flowers blanket the island, complementing the hue of mangoes that hang lush and ripe. Nesting season starts for green sea turtles, which are drawn not only to shore to lay their eggs, but to the shallow-water grasses that serve as their feeding grounds. As summer kicks off, trade winds have died down, meaning novice swimmers, sailors, and snorkelers have calmer waters.
St. Thomas is one of the rare destinations where 'shoulder season' actually means sun-kissed shoulders, not an abundance of rain or scorching heat. It is the mid-sized sister of the other U.S. Virgin Islands—a triad that also includes St. John and St. Croix. Charlotte Amalie, on the southern side, is the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Photograph by Starcevic, Getty Images
June is the golden time to spread out a beach blanket—liberally, when the sands aren't crowded—and dine at restaurants that are easier to get into. Much of what's served will be seasonal catches like marlin, bonefish, and tarpon from the Caribbean Sea.
The Caribbean's slower season means rates at hotels (moderate and luxury alike) are up to half-off what they'd be during early spring and the holidays, making it another reason why June is the best time to visit. What to see and do
Snorkeling
It's not unusual to see Virgin Islanders pop open the trunk of their car and pull out snorkel gear for an impromptu dip—it's that easy to spot vibrant fish and marine life at any of the plentiful public beaches year-round. But in June, there are even more chances to luck out with sea turtle sightings. St. Thomas hot-spots include Secret Harbour Beach and the aptly named Turtle Cove, where leatherback, hawksbill, and green sea turtles are far from shy. Novice snorkelers will want to check out Brewers Bay, which has less coral to navigate and a sandy bottom with the sea grass that green sea turtles love to eat. Nesting season starts for green sea turtles, which are drawn to shore to lay their eggs. Photograph by Douglas Rissing, Getty Images
Charter a boat
CrewZen owner and boat captain Kevin McCartney creates custom itineraries that circumnavigate St. Thomas or go out toward the other U.S. or British Virgin Islands. McCartney often goes to Lovango Resort & Beach Club, where guests can get a day-pass for this private island between St. Thomas and St. John. His other recommendation is to go swimming or snorkeling before visiting Lime Out, a floating taco bar accessible only by boat.
Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden
Architect Patsy Breunlin has built a hilltop garden filled with the heady scent of lilies and orchids that bend in colorful splendor, ripe for leisurely walks. Wildlife includes lizards, parrots, and peacocks, and it's likely visitors will spot bananaquits, the yellow-bellied birds of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Where to shop
St. Thomas has twice the duty-free allowance of most Caribbean destinations. Each U.S. citizen (including children) can bring home up to $1,600 worth of goods without paying sales tax.
The Creative Native
The Creative Native is part art gallery, part history museum. Owner and photographer Ama Dennis, whose family has lived on the triad of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix for six generations, welcomes guests with a smile and a signature greeting: 'I don't sell art—I tell stories of the Virgin Islands.'
Fish Face
The aquatic photography is what started it all at Fish Face, an apparel, jewelry, and photography boutique in Palm Passage courtyard. Co-owners Kris Wall and Carrell "CW" Abbott left their corporate jobs to open the shop in 2008. Since then, they've expanded from Wall's colorful images of parrotfish, seahorses, and octopuses to other art and housewares from creators across the Caribbean. Where to eat and drink
Blue 11
Splurge on a seven-, nine-, or 11-course tasting menu at Blue 11, where chef David 'Benji' Benjamin spotlights what's local and fresh. Bites typically include seared red snapper atop a warm citrus salad, and wahoo with pickled green mango. Or, check out Benji's other more casual restaurant, Indigo 4, for signatures like conch chowder.
King of the Wing Festival
Although Carnival season has concluded by June, there is one celebration that remains: King of the Wing Festival (June 14, 2025). Amateur and professional cooks compete for all the sweet, savory, and spicy chicken wing glory on the island, with proceeds benefiting local charities.
de Frenchtown Bar
Plates at the casual bistro are loaded with oxtail, jerk chicken, pulled pork, or pork ribs. Every now and then cornmeal-based fungi (foon-gee) dumplings are featured, and they go quickly.
Pizza Pi
St. Thomas' sailboat pizzeria is not to be missed. While the slices are divine (try the Peachy Goat with basil and a balsamic glaze), this Christmas Cove hot spot is also a floating bar with frozen cocktail-like concoctions. Locally inspired favorites include the Bushwacker, a piña colada and chocolate milkshake mashup that was invented in St. Thomas. For those who can't resist having a second—or even third—Pizza Pi has shuttle service options.
Alloro
The balmy temperatures in June are ideal for al fresco dining at Alloro. Cocktail connoisseurs don't want to miss out on the signature martini, featuring Prosecco, cointreau, citrus, and basil grown on-site. Explore like a local
Beaches
Magens Bay's smooth sands and calm waters are a crowd-pleaser, but for beachfront with more locals than tourists, visit the crystalline waters of Coki Beach. Even novice snorkelers will feel like they're swimming in an aquarium. June's calm waters make snorkeling an ideal activity on St. Thomas. Photograph by Westend61, Getty Images
Dine & Dash Food Tours
Exploring like a local is easy when you're with a local. Get a taste of six local specialties—like patés, savory empanada-like hand pies—when you travel from one end of the island to the other with Dine & Dash founder Desireè 'Dez' Wilkes. Expect food for thought along the way, with a rich history lesson that goes back as far as when Wilkes' family made their way to the area when it was still known as Danish West Indies.
She always treats guests to a cup of bush tea—an herbal concoction made with lemongrass from her grandmother's garden—but in June, guests can also expect to sip a mango smoothie during the fruit's peak season.
Shuttle to St. John
If you live on St. Thomas, St. John is your sister island and the ferry your means of transport. It's worth adventuring on a 20-minute, camera-friendly ride over to Cruz Bay, where fixed-rate taxis await to zip visitors to beaches like Trunk Bay or Oppenheimer Beach. Or travel over for The Longboard alone. Chat up the mixologists at the open-air bar during happy hour from 2-4 p.m., when specialty cocktails are just $10.
Farmers Market
Saturday mornings are for fresh fish, vegetables, and the milk of just-cut coconuts at the Farmers Market. And, for the lucky early birds, a taste of Miss Annette's 'goat water.' This slow-cooked goat stew is available many weekends, but for those who miss it, there's Blue Mango Tours. Guides, like owner Mike Motylinski, can show you where else to find this Caribbean favorite. Where to stay
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas
Each of the 180 rooms at The Ritz-Carlton have oceanfront views, meaning you're just steps from the water. Splash in the waves before making your own at the new family pool with a waterslide. Although The Ritz-Carlton is a luxury resort, there are a number of new casual additions in line with St. Thomas' island vibe, including flip-flop friendly Sails Beachside Restaurant & Bar, and Southwind grab-and-go coffee shop.
The Pink Palm Hotel
The Pink Palm's 28 rooms—decorated in rich green, sandy white, and seashell pink tones—offer up an adults-only enclave perched high on a hillside in the heart of U.S. Virgin Islands capital Charlotte Amalie. That means guests are in the center of the action for dining and nightlife, with sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea.
The Hideaway at Hull Bay
This hotel's secluded beachfront is far from a traditional hotel experience thanks to its airy, spacious cottages (eight) and villas (two). But the biodiversity spread across two acres is just as much a feast for the eyes as the foodie. Farm-to-table fare at Hideaway Dining rotates daily, with freshly harvested potatoes, eggplant, and herbs grown on-site. Or visit The Shack next door, with casual fare like fish tacos and burgers served with a side of live entertainment most nights. How to get there, and around:In June, there is direct air to Cyril E. King Airport (STT) from more than a dozen U.S. cities. Major carriers include American Airlines, JetBlue, and Delta.Taxis are fixed-rate per person, not per ride, across St. Thomas based on distance to and from popular landmarks (most prefer cash). Sedans or minivans with a driver can also be contracted with hourly rates. There are no rideshare services on St. Thomas or neighboring islands.
When to go
Summer in St. Thomas hovers around 84°F, and June averages the least rainfall of the season, with just 2.5 inches over the course of the month. Carley Thornell is a Boston-based Pulitzer Prize-winning writer who's been to 60-plus countries. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Afar, Robb Report, Skift, Global Traveler, OpenTable, USA Today, and many other publications. Her beats (and passions) include sustainability, diversity and accessibility, epicurean delights, luxury travel, and—most recently with the addition of her son—family travel.