When is the best time to sail in the BVI? Well, to answer this question, there is no right or bad period for cruising in the BVI. It is all a matter of personal preferences, as each season has its own charm and offers something different. Some sailors seek calm water and good weather, while others, festivities, crowds, etc.. In this article, you will find all the information needed to determine what period is the best for you to head to the BVI!
Weather
The BVI has a tropical climate with temperatures that vary throughout the year. You can expect relatively warm weather all year round for swimming and watersports. The rainy months usually run from September to November, and the dry months from December to February.
The Hurricane season usually begins in June and ends in late November.
During July and August, the weather is quite hot and humid, with inconsistent winds.
December-February
The British Virgin Islands is a winter destination. Between December to February, many travelers come from all over the world to explore the beauty of the BVI. During this period, the temperatures are quite moderated, and winds can blow strongly. It is the perfect weather to sail, enjoy watersports and hang out on land.
Tourist attractions are open to everyone, all the places are crowded with tourists, and the nightlife is very active. Since the BVI is a very popular place in the winter, resorts, attractions, and yacht charter rates increase. At this time of the year, you will hardly find good deals.
March – June
From late March to Mid June, the temperatures begin to increase, the crowds diminish, and rates drop drastically. At this time of the year, the water is still relatively cold, and the days grow warmer.
Also, airlines, hotels, and yacht charters offer great rates, and you will likely find good deals from Early March to May. It is a fantastic time for divers to enjoy the beautiful underwater world!
July – August
July and August are boiling and humid months. If you sail in this time, then make sure your boat is equipped with an air conditioner; otherwise, you will have some difficulties sleeping. At sunset, the temperatures cool down, which makes it a perfect time to enjoy dining outside.
Also, during these months, you can expect to have several heavy showers. You should always check the forecast weather every morning before you set sail to avoid any unpleasant surprises on your way.
Tortola is alive in August. Plenty of activities and festivals take place in Road Town. Bear in mind that apart from Tortola, most places shut down in August
September – October
Throughout this period, many tourist attractions will be closed, but not all of them! There are no crowds at all, which is ideal if you seek quiet and peace. The water temperature is excellent, but hurricanes are present. Hotels, vacation rentals, and yacht charter rates are relatively cheap as it is the low season in the BVI. Without a doubt, it is the best time to get great deals!
November – December
This time of the year is extremely pleasant. The sea is still warm from the summertime, and the hurricane season is almost over. You still can get great deals until mid-December since the crowds only arrive at Christmas time. Tourist attraction starts to open and the BVI gets decked out for the holidays!
When is the Best Time?
As I have mentioned above, it will depend on your preference!
- If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy the good weather as well as great deals, then November to December or March to Jun will be perfect for you.
- If you are looking for parties and great ambiance, then, don’t hesitate to sail in the peak season which is from December to February.
- If the Hurricanes are not a threat to you and you wish to have the whole island to yourself along with great deals, then September or October will be just fine!
- If the heat and humidity don’t bother you and you don’t need tourist attractions to enjoy, then July or August will be an excellent time for you!
What to Pack?
Just keep it simple, don’t forget that you sail to the BVI:) The weather is pleasant almost throughout the year! Bring only what is necessary, such as swimsuits, shorts, t-shirts, sunscreen, and flip-flops. If you want to know more about it, then check one of my articles about the BVI packing list.
Tips
- Bring your travel insurance with you, especially if you sail in the hurricane season!
- Pack Light!
- If you don’t know the region well, hire a skipper or buy the cruising guide to the BVI by Nancy Scott.
- Planning your itinerary will allow you to save a lot of time and hassle.
- Anchorages are quite busy during the peak season, so make sure you have a place to anchor your boat!
- Make sure to provision your boat before you set sail!
In Conclusion
You see, the best time is only a question of personal choice! Every season brings something unique and different. One thing is certain, in the BVI, you will always have plenty of opportunities to enjoy your sailing holidays thoroughly!
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Did you already sail in the BVI? What is you favored time of the year? Please, feel free to share your experience in the comment below.
Daniella has been passionate about travel, the sea, and nature for many years. As a child, she frequently traveled throughout the Mediterranean and continued with her journeys throughout her adult life.
Her experiences have created the desire within her to share her love for traveling with other passionate and adventurers who want to discover beautiful horizons and new cultures.
Thank you for all of that important information. We thought about getting to the region at around the beginning of November. According to you, it is just between seasons but still at the end of the hurricane season. What should we do? Should we wait until October or it will be okay as far as we are talking about the weather?
Hi Manor,
You are very welcome!
That’s great! I wish you to have the best time ever!
November is a rainy month, and there are still threats of hurricanes. However, it could be an excellent time to sail depending on what you are looking for. Anyway, if you decide to sail in November, you should definitely be more vigilant regarding the weather. The BVI is quite frequented at this time of the year as rates are relatively low and the weather is pleasant with some showers from time to time:) Also, know that hurricanes don’t occur every day!
I hope it helped and if you need to know further info, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I am always happy to help:)
Great information. Years ago I attended a maritime college in Maryland as I started out on a short career as a Merchant Marine. The school had a few small sailing boats that they let the students take out and use or learn to sail on.
Sadly I only managed to get out a few times and enjoy the Chesapeake. There were many students and only a few sailboats, and I never seemed to be lucky enough to get some free time when the boats were available with friends who knew what they were doing.
I spent a lot of time in the library studying, but some of my down time was spent pouring through the hundreds of magazines day dreaming about warm water cruising.
Seeing your website has sparked those old feelings. I need to plan a trip!
Hi there,
Well, it’s never too late to achieve your dream! Magazines publish beautiful pictures, which make us dreaming and taking action! Dreams make us do things we never thought we would do. Isn’t beautiful?
Life offer us everything, the only thing you have to do is take it! So when you have the opportunity to sail to the BVI, then don’t hesitate and go for it!
Thank you very much for the comment and wish you an excellent day!
Thanks for the article Daniella.
Hadn’t really considered the BVI as a travel destination before! However seems like there’s a reason to be there all year round! I hear it’s also a business friendly location too 😉
The hurricane period could be great to see as could be awesome to witness mother nature in full force too!
Hi there,
Thank you for the comment!
The BVI is a beautiful place for sailing, and have fun! If you’ve never been there, then you should give it a try!
I am sure you will love it!
I’ve never done business in the BVI, so I cannot give you my opinion on this. Maybe you should try also:) Everything is possible in this beautiful life:)
Yes, the hurricane could be fantastic to see, but I wouldn’t want to be on my boat this day:)
Thank you again for the comment and wish you a wonderful day!
Hi Daniella,
very informative, i do work in the travel industry and will get back to this website. I have often clients asking for sailing trips and i find this website providing me with most of the info i need.
have a great day
Hi Phil,
I am glad you found this website informative, thank you!
Have a wonderful day!