In a nutshell, the most ideal time of the year to travel to the British Virgin Islands is late spring to mid-summer if you are after warm-enough temperatures to enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and other outdoor activities comfortably. As for the average high temperatures in the British Virgin Islands, they range from 29.4oC (85oF) in winter to around 32oC (90oF) in the summer. These refer to daytime temperatures, though. During the night, the temperatures drop to about 22oC (72oF), which is still comfortable enough for strolling and walking around. Nevertheless, it may not be ideal for swimming due to the cold northern currents and trade winds that make the water of the sea feel a bit chilly.
According to the Central Statistics Office, the best time to visit the British Virgin Islands is between January and March because it provides northeastern travellers a nice escape from the cold winter temperatures, while the further increase in temperature in March makes the British Virgin Islands a superb option for USA spring breakers and other types of vacationers. Nevertheless, the most crowded months for tourism are July and June, followed by May, which is when the flights and hotel prices are the most expensive (unless you have booked these well in advance).
As for the least popular period to travel to the British Virgin Islands (always according to the Central Statistics Office), that would be from August through October. August is when the country starts to experience its first heavy rains that intensify the further we move towards September and October, which is also the peak of the hurricane season. For this reason, cruises and overnight vacations plummet, as expected. On the flip side, it is the cheapest period for accommodation, entertainment, and other aspects of living on the island.
That would be the period between September and November, which is when the British Virgin Islands receive more than 127mm (5 inches) of rainfall on average per month. Officially, though, the hurricane season in the Caribbean, which also affects the British Virgin Islands, is from June through November.
The dry season in the British Virgin Islands runs from January through March when the island receives less than 50mm (2 inches) of rain on average per month. No wonder it is the most popular period to visit the British Virgin Islands.
1. Price-Wise
The most cost-effective time of the year to travel to the British Virgin Islands is between the months of March and May, which come right before the hurricane season that starts in June and ends in November. Due to the added risk of bad weather, though, it is strongly advised to get yourself watertight travel insurance if you want to come to the country for relatively cheaper prices.
2. Weather-wise
The period between December and February offers the best weather, making the British Virgin Islands a pleasant escape from the frosty winter landscapes of other countries. With breezes ranging from 15-25 knots and temperatures flirting with 30oC (86oF), you have the ideal climate for snorkelling, swimming, sailing, sunbathing, sailing, and having fun at the white-sand beaches under the palm trees with a refreshing cocktail in hand.
3. Culture-wise
For those that want to combine relaxing vacations with authentic British Virgin Islands experiences, the months between March and August are perfect, although there are multiple festivals and events throughout the year. Among the biggest local celebrations are the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival in March, as well as the Caribbean Arts & Crafts Festival, followed by the Wreck Week in May (expect a lively celebration of all underwater sports), and the Emancipation Festival in July and August, when the island bursts with street performances, dancing, music, and colour.
4. Crowd-wise
In general, April, June, and July are less crowded than January, February, and March. At the same time, they average between 50-76mm (2-3 inches) of rain per month and also have slightly warmer temperatures by a few degrees.
