British Virgin Island travel can be enjoyed year round, as the temperatures in this Caribbean archipelago are friendly throughout the year. On most days, the daytime temperatures hover in the 80s, with nighttime temps dropping into the 70s. Humidity is something to consider, but if you're hanging out on the coast, cooling sea breezes help to keep things comfortable. In terms of weather, it's less about temperatures and more about rainfall in the British Virgin Islands. Winter is generally the dry season, and is also the best time to go to BVI. Since the peak winter season can see considerable crowds, however, those who want to enjoy an increased amount of tranquility will likely prefer a spring, summer, or fall trip to BVI.

While winter is considered to be the dry season in the Virgin Islands, rain can occur at any time. As such, it's a good idea to bring a light, waterproof jacket along when traveling to the British Virgin Islands. Thankfully, the tropical showers don't last very long, which means that visitors can expect to enjoy plenty of warm sunshine. A hurricane is probably the biggest issue to consider when making your British Virgin Island travel plans. Hurricane season in the Caribbean lasts from June to November, and the Virgin Islands are known to get hit with relative regularity. Anyone traveling to the islands during hurricane season will want to keep abreast of the weather activity. These days, staying on top of the weather is relatively easy, though it's still a good idea to get trip cancellation insurance if you decide to take your trip to BVI during the hurricane season.

It's not hard to understand why winter is the peak season for British Virgin Island travel. The cold temperatures in the northern hemisphere cause many northerners to seek out some fun in the sun, and the hotels take advantage of the increased tourism demands. Most of the hotels and vacation rentals in the islands raise their rates during the winter months, and flights are typically more expensive as well. As such, budget-minded travelers will find the off season to be the best time to go to BVI.

British Virgin Islands Map

Taking a trip to BVI in the off season can be a good idea for various reasons. In addition to securing cheaper flights and hotel rates, those who engage in spring, summer, or fall travel can also expect fewer crowds at the beaches, shops, restaurants, and swimming pools. Once the off season sets in, the pace of life is even more relaxed than it is during the winter season. This can make it easier to appreciate the culture. It is important to note, however, that many hotels close down during the off season. Various restaurants are also known to close during the slower months, at least when business is really slow.

For some travelers, the best time to go to BVI is when a certain event or festival is going on. There are a bunch of fun festivals that visitors can enjoy on a British Virgin Islands vacation, and they include the rather raucous New Years parties that are held at places such as Great Harbour and Trellis Bay. Great Harbour can be found on the island of Jost Van Dyke, and it hosts the most renowned New Years celebrations. Many of the annual BVI festivals feature food, drinks, and live music, and they can be great for meeting locals and fellow travelers. If you can't make it to the British Virgin Islands for one of the annual festivals, a number of beach bars and hotels throughout the archipelago offer lively weekly bashes.

If you are having trouble deciding when to go to the BVI, the good news is that there really isn't a bad time to visit. It essentially comes down to little more than costs and crowds. Even during the winter months, escaping the crowds is easy in the British Virgin Islands, and most of the beaches remain relatively deserted. There may be no finer place in the world to get away from it all, and it's easy to see why many travelers come back year after year.