Weather in the British Virgin Islands

Tucked away in the paradisiacal Caribbean, the British Virgin Islands are part of the Virgin Islands archipelago. The archipelago includes the US Virgin Islands and the Spanish Virgin Islands (a territory of Puerto Rico), and act as a natural border between the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. The tropical climate is typical of most Caribbean islands, temperatures rarely drop below 20°C (68°F) year-round and there are two main seasons, the rainy and dry seasons, as well as a shoulder season. 

The rainy season roughly coincides with the hurricane season, the most dangerous time being from July to October. This is one of the hottest and wettest periods, often between 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F) with regular, heavy showers. 

The dry season is from mid-December to Mid-April and it is the liveliest time of year, as Americans and Europeans escape their cold hometowns. Dry season is the coolest time of year, yet it remains in the mid-20s (75°F) and the sun is constantly shining. 

The shoulder season, from April to June, is an ideal time to come for hot, dry weather, quiet resorts and discounted rates. The weather remains in the mid-20s (75°F) and only May has significant rainfall. Many people prefer to come at this time of year for some high quality rest and relaxation.

Tourism is one of two major industries on the islands, so the economy is built on providing high quality travel services. While there are only a few grand hotel resorts on the island, the thriving sailing and yachting culture is the biggest attraction, and water sports are also very popular. 

When is the best time to go to the British Virgin Islands?

The best time of year is the shoulder season, from April to June. The weather is hot, there is little rain, and, best of all, the prices are low because there are few crowds. 

Most travellers come in February and escape the Northern Hemisphere’s winter, but hotel prices are sometimes 50 percent more expensive than other times of year because of the numbers. Nonetheless, if price is not the biggest issue, then this is definitely the best time of year to come for a lively island buzz. 

What to pack for a holiday in the British Virgin Islands

There is no need for much more than a few swimming shorts, cotton shorts, T-shirts and a light long sleeved top. A light covering, like a sarong, will be useful for protection from the sun and bring plenty of sunscreen, a pair of sunglasses and hats. Sandals are best, and closed toed shoes should be light, breathable and amphibian; many choose to walk barefoot most of the time. A jersey or windbreaker might be useful in peak season, as there are some chilly winter winds at times. 

Bring a loose fitting collared or golf shirt or two because some dinners or restaurants may require smart clothing. Medication is hard to come by on the islands, so bring along the necessary painkillers, insect repellent, etc. 

Climate and weather in the British Virgin Islands in January

Average temperature in the British Virgin Islands in January: 21°C to 28°C (70°F to 82°F) 
Sea temperature in the British Virgin Islands in January: 26°C (79°F)
Average rainfall in the British Virgin Islands in January: 70mm (2.8in)

Climate and weather in the British Virgin Islands in February

Average temperature in the British Virgin Islands in February: 21°C to 28°C (70°F to 82°F) 
Sea temperature in the British Virgin Islands in February: 26°C (79°F)
Average rainfall in the British Virgin Islands in February: 55mm (2.2in) 
Note: February is the busiest month of the year, hotel prices will be high, but it also has a great holiday atmosphere. 

Climate and weather in the British Virgin Islands in March 

Average temperature in the British Virgin Islands in March: 21°C to 28°C (70°F to 82°F)
Sea temperature in the British Virgin Islands in March: 26°C (79°F)
Average rainfall in the British Virgin Islands in March: 55mm (2.2in)
Events in the British Virgin Islands in March: It’s Spring Break in the Caribbean! Sailors come for one of the many regattas, including the Dark & Stormy Regatta, the Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous, as well as the long-running Spring Regatta. 

Climate and weather in the British Virgin Islands in April

Average temperature in the British Virgin Islands in April: 22°C to 29°C (72°F to 84°F)
Sea temperature in the British Virgin Islands in April: 26°C (79°F)
Average rainfall in the British Virgin Islands in April: 88mm (3.5in)
Events in the British Virgin Islands in April: Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays and Virgin Gorda has an Easter Festival on the go. Jazz fans will enjoy the Jazz on the Hill festival and be on the lookout for full moon parties because there are many at this time of year.

Climate and weather in the British Virgin Islands in May

Average temperature in the British Virgin Islands in May: 23°C to 29°C (73°F to 84°F)
Sea temperature in the British Virgin Islands in May: 27°C (80°F)
Average rainfall in the British Virgin Islands in May: 130mm (5.1in) 
Events in the British Virgin Islands in May: Cinco de Mayo celebrations along with the full moon, are two great reasons to join the beach parties on the various islands this spring. 

Climate and weather in the British Virgin Islands in June

Average temperature in the British Virgin Islands in June: 24°C to 30°C (24°F to 30°F)
Sea temperature in the British Virgin Islands in June: 28°C (82°F)
Average rainfall in the British Virgin Islands in June: 70mm (2.8in)
Events in the British Virgin Islands in June: Caribbean and European nations compete in the BVI Twilight Invitational annual athletics meet. 

Climate and weather in the British Virgin Islands in July

Average temperature in the British Virgin Islands in July: 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F)
Sea temperature in the British Virgin Islands in July: 28°C (82°F)
Average rainfall in the British Virgin Islands in July: 85mm (3.3in) 
Events in the British Virgin Islands in July: The BVI Emancipation Festival runs from the end of July into August and features some of the most popular and exciting Caribbean and international artists. The Guy Eldrigde Memorial & Manhattan Trophy is a major sailing event this summer and watch out for high swells and heavy rain. 
Note: This is peak hurricane season, so check satellite weather reports regularly. 

Climate and weather in the British Virgin Islands in August

Average temperature in the British Virgin Islands in August: 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F)
Sea temperature in the British Virgin Islands in August: 28°C (82°F)
Average rainfall in the British Virgin Islands in August: 125mm (4.9in)
Events in the British Virgin Islands in August: The Emancipation Festival continues from July and there will be grand parades and parties during this month. 
Note: This is peak hurricane season, so check satellite weather reports regularly.

Climate and weather in the British Virgin Islands in September

Average temperature in the British Virgin Islands in September: 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F)
Sea temperature in the British Virgin Islands in September: 29°C (84°F)
Average rainfall in the British Virgin Islands in September: 145mm (5.7in)
Note: This is peak hurricane season, so check satellite weather reports regularly.

Climate and weather in the British Virgin Islands in October

Average temperature in the British Virgin Islands in October: 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F) 
Sea temperature in the British Virgin Islands in October: 29°C (84°F)
Average rainfall in the British Virgin Islands in October: 160mm (6.3in)
Note: This is peak hurricane season, so check satellite weather reports regularly.

Climate and weather in the British Virgin Islands in November

Average temperature in the British Virgin Islands in November:  23°C to 29°C (73°F to 84°F) 
Sea temperature in the British Virgin Islands in November: 28°C (82°F)
Average rainfall in the British Virgin Islands in November: 160mm (6.3in)
Events in the British Virgin Islands in November: The Pete Sheals Memorial Match Race and Peg Leg’s Round Tortola Race are two popular sailing events in the Caribbean. The Anegada Lobster Festival is a gourmet food festival for everyone who wishes to sample the flavours of the region.
Notes: This is peak hurricane season, so check satellite weather reports regularly.

Climate and weather in the British Virgin Islands in December

Average temperatures in the British Virgin Islands in December: 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F)
Sea temperature in the British Virgin Islands in December: 27°C (80°F)
Average rainfall in the British Virgin Islands in December: 120mm (4.7in) 
Events in the British Virgin Islands in December: There are large thanksgiving celebrations heralding the end of the hurricane season and Christmas parades and events will be in full swing. The North Sound Lighted Boat Parade is a great event for sailors and land lovers alike. 
Note: While this is the end of peak hurricane season, keep up-to-date with weather reports regularly nonetheless.