St. Croix in August: Weather & Travel Tips

If you're considering a Caribbean getaway, St. Croix in August offers the perfect mix of beautiful scenery, cultural experiences, and laid-back vibes. While this time of year comes with a few considerations, like hot weather and the potential for storms, it’s also a great time to enjoy fewer crowds and more affordable accommodations and activities.

Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or solo, St. Croix is well worth visiting during August. Below, you'll find everything you need to know about the weather, travel tips, and the best things to do this time of year.

St. Croix Weather in August

St. Croix weather in August is typically hot, humid, and sunny with occasional rain showers. The average high temperature during the day is 87°F, and evenings are usually in the high 70s. While August is a part of the rainy season with an average rainfall of 4.5 inches, showers are typically brief and followed by sunshine, keeping your plans mostly uninterrupted.

August also falls within the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June through November. While major storms aren’t guaranteed, it’s best to monitor forecasts and consider travel insurance just in case.

Is August a good time to visit the Virgin Islands?

August is a great time to visit the Virgin Islands if you're looking for lower prices and fewer tourists. 

You'll likely find discounted rates on hotels and tours, and beaches will be less crowded than during the high season in winter. Just keep in mind that some businesses may have limited hours, and the weather is hot during this time.

What’s St. Croix like in August?

St. Croix in August is even quieter and slower-paced than usual. Locals often take time to recharge during this time of year, which adds to the relaxed vibe.

That said, you can still enjoy the island’s natural beauty and fun activities in August. From snorkeling and kayaking to exploring local food and art, there’s a lot to see and do.

Travel Considerations for August

Before booking your trip to St. Croix in August, it’s helpful to be aware of a few seasonal factors.

• Hurricane season - August is part of hurricane season, so keep an eye on the forecast. Consider booking refundable accommodations and getting travel insurance to help protect your plans.

• Hot weather - Expect high humidity and temperatures in the upper 80s. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons.

• Off-season hours - Some restaurants and shops may have shorter hours or be temporarily closed. That said, many places will still be open during your visit.

• Get a rental car - No matter when you visit St. Croix, it’s best to rent a car to explore the island. Most areas aren’t walkable and taxis are pricey — plus, it may be more challenging to get a taxi during the slow season.

• Respect locals - Whether you visit in August or any other time of year, be mindful and respectful of locals. Even though St. Croix is a vacation destination, many people live here full-time. Greeting locals goes a long way!

  
  

Things to Do in St. Croix in August

One of the best parts about St. Croix is how many things there are to do, whether you’re planning a relaxing or adventurous vacation. We recommend mixing it up with a few activities to make the most of your experience!

Hang Out at the Beach

With fewer tourists in August, you can enjoy an especially peaceful day at the beach. Some areas might even be mostly secluded. There are beaches throughout the island, all of which offer clear-blue water and beautiful scenery.

Cane Bay and Rainbow Beach are among the best and most popular beaches. These are both great for snorkeling and hanging out at nearby beach bars. Cramer Park and Shoys Beach are quieter beaches, perfect for relaxing and swimming.

Take a Kayaking Trip

Enjoy a memorable experience kayaking through the scenic Salt River Bay National Historical Park with Virgin Kayak Tours. In August, the mangroves are lush and vibrant, and sunset or bioluminescent bay tours are especially magical. 

The easy-to-use Hobie pedal kayaks make kayaking fun and accessible, even for beginners. You can relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about paddling. 

Virgin Kayak Tours

Go Snorkeling

St. Croix is one of the best places for snorkeling. It’s also the perfect way to cool off during August’s heat! 

While you can snorkel at most beaches on St. Croix, we love snorkeling at the Frederiksted Pier and Dorsch Beach. You can rent snorkeling or diving gear from Cane Bay Dive Shop, which is nearby in Frederiksted.

Take an Excursion

There are so many fun excursions on St. Croix for a memorable experience, whether you want a relaxing or adventurous experience.

Take a boat tour to Buck Island with Big Beards Adventure Tours, an ATV tour in the rainforest with Gecko’s Island Adventure, or a guided fishing trip with Silver Kings Fishing. 

Go Hiking

There are so many incredible places to hike on St. Croix, but make sure to do it in the morning or early evening to beat the heat. 

Some of the best hikes on St. Croix are:

• Annaly Tide Pools - Take a scenic, moderately challenging 4-mile roundtrip hike to tide pools where you can cool off and hang out. This is one of St. Croix’s most popular outdoor adventures.

• Jack and Isaac Bay Preserve - This 3.6-mile trail offers a peaceful escape to a secluded beach, ideal for snorkeling or simply relaxing. It’s a relatively easy hike, and you can shorten it if you’re looking for a more low-key adventure.

• Goat Hill - For stunning panoramic views of St. Croix and the ocean, this 3.5-mile hike is worth the climb. It’s moderately challenging and one of the best ways to take in the island’s natural beauty from above.

• Hams Bluff Lighthouse - A short but rewarding 0.8-mile hike takes you to a historic lighthouse. While the hike is straight uphill, it’s relatively quick and offers stunning ocean views at the top.

Experience the Culture

There are many cultural experiences and historical sites to appreciate in St. Croix year-round. Some of our favorites include:

• Columbus Landing - This beach at Salt River Bay National Park is known as the site where Christopher Columbus and his crew set foot during his second voyage in 1493. It was originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Taino and Carib, and is where the first recorded armed conflict between Europeans and Native Americans took place. 

• Fort Christiansvaern - This historical landmark covers over seven acres on the Christiansted waterfront. It's the best preserved of the remaining Danish-built forts in the Virgin Islands. There's also a visitor center and unique Danish colonial military architecture. 

• Caribbean Museum Center for The Arts - As the only art museum on St. Croix, CMC Arts is the perfect place to experience the Caribbean’ rich cultural and artistic heritage. There are various exhibits featuring local artists and regular events.

• Virgin Island Food Tours - Experience St. Croix’s food like a local with a guided food tour. Taste authentic cuisine with vibrant flavors while hearing stories about St. Croix’s delicious food scene.

Fort Christiansvaern

Enjoy the Nightlife

While St. Croix’s nightlife isn’t the most lively, there are still a lot of fun things to do at night.

Start your night watching the sunset at any beach on the west end of the island or with Lyric Sails. After dinner, take an evening kayak tour or go to Divi Carina Bay for a night at the casino. There are also several fun late-night bars, including Common Cents Pub and Shupe’s on the Boardwalk.

St. Croix in August: Conclusion

St. Croix is one of the best places to enjoy a vacation in August if you're okay with the hot weather and prepared for potential storms. It's a great time for a quieter vibe and more affordable accommodations.

If you’re ready to start planning your Caribbean getaway, book a kayak tour with Virgin Kayak Tours.