bon100

Our family of 6 has been tossing around ideas for next summer's vaction, and we were wondering how the Carribean is for vacationing in the summertime? Is it just too hot for us Yankees there in June/July?

virginia

most islands don't range more than a few degrees in temp at any point in the year. we yanks supposedly don't care to go in our summer cause its nice here, not cause its too hot there. prices are lower, islands less crowded and hurricane season will not have started. all in all an excellent time to go.
now if you give us some idea what kind of island you are seeking ... what your family likes to do someone can surely give you some specific ideas.

A_Traveller

June/July is an excellent time to visit the Caribbean - rates are usually lower than Peak Season, beaches are uncrowded and most of the resorts and restaurants are still open. As for the weather, there's actually not too much difference in daytime temperatures in the Caribbean between summer and winter. Depending on which island you'll find temps in the mid-to-high 80's F. with it getting only a few degress warmer the further south you go. You will encounter high humidity and the strong overhead sun will make if feel a little warmer. There are apt to be the ubiquitious tropical rain showers on many islands in summer. These usually last anywhere from 3 to 30 minutes, are widely scattered, very localized and occur usually in the late afternoons or early evening - rarely do they have an adverse affect on anyone's activities. You can check out average temperatures, average highs, average lows, number of precipitation days, etc. for just about any island at: www.weatherbase.com

iamq

I just returned from two weeks on St. John and I think it was a spectacular time to visit. The villa we rented was $1400 a week compared to $2100 in high season

The weather, while hot and humid, was not unbearable. It was exactly what I had hoped for. I like it hot, especially when the ocean water is so warm you can float all day in it. The clouds and breezes tempered the hot sun on most days. We had a few tropical waves that passed through that brought some pretty heavy rain a few days. but it was fine.

The water conditions were GREAT! The waters on the north shore beaches were mostly calm with wonderful visibility for the many hours of snorkeling we did. The beaches were not crowded and congested. Would I go to St. John again in June/July? Yep!

-Bill

bon100

Ok thanks everyone, this sounds promising. Now I'd like your ideas for choosing which island to go to. We're vacationing with four kids, ages 18-10, all boys. We love nature, hiking, snorkelling, and seeing unspoiled places. Not interested in night life or partying, obviously. Would prefer a place where there is some fun things to do with the kids, although they would love just swimming and snorkelling all day.

bon100

ps. I forgot to menion that we have been to Jamaica (didn't like it much, but the people are great) and Nassau, (we liked it, but didn't get to see much outside of the resort).

A_Traveller

If snorkeling is a high priority consider going to either St. Thomas or St. John in the US Virgin Islands or Tortola or Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. All four offer access to some of the best "off-beach" snorkeling in the Caribbean. St. Thomas is the most built up of the islands suggested and you'll find lots of shopping, every type of watersport imaginable and plenty of restaurants and beaches. St. John is a bit more upscale and quieter and there's less "things" to do but you'll find excellent hiking opportunities as 2/3's of the island is a National Park.

Tortola offers some nice shopping for the adults, lots of watersports for the boys ad access to sailing, snorkeling, hiking and exploring. Virgin Gorda is quieter than Tortola lacks any real shopping but there's loads of hiking trails, uncrowded beaches, fantastic off-beach snorkeling, sailing, boating, windsurfing and other activities that will keep the boys busy.

beachgirl86

We just got back from Anguilla today, and we will absolutely continue to travel to the Caribbean in the summer. It's warm, but not unbearable. The ocean swimming was amazing!

iw

We just returned from St. Kitts/Nevis/St. Martin today and it was much more tolerable there, than here in Va. Less humidity and temps in the 80's. I am miserable right now. My upstairs temp reads at 93 and I believe the unit was struck during a storm while we were away. Of course, tomorrow is a holiday!!!!! We saw tons of families on vac. while on each island and you should be fine!

iw

beachgirl....If you read this, would you recommend Anguilla again? Are there things to do??? We have heard that one can see and do it all in 3 days. I would love your opinion since I am already planning the next trip. Thanks.

beachgirl86

iw: I would absolutely recommend Anguilla. It was amazing. The beaches were wonderful, we stayed on Shoal Bay East. It was undoubtedly the clearest, cleanest, and most turquoise water I have ever seen. Perfect and beautiful!

There isn't a lot to do in the traditional sense. We went to Aruba 2 months ago, and it was totally different. Anguilla is about the beaches and swimming, the restaurants, and talking with the locals. It was a wonderful experience. There was no shopping or casinos, etc...But it was magic in terms of relaxation and tranquility!

How was your trip? Was it easy to go to all 3 islands? We are thinking that next summer we would like to island hop through a few islands in the Caribbean...how much time did you spend on each island?

bon100

Thanks again for the info on the islands, it gives me a good place to start researching travel deals, airfares etc. US Virgin Isl. looking good because of the ease of entry (no need to get passports for the kids) and the national park access. I've heard that accomodations there are more expensive. Does anyone have any suggestions on where to stay? We don't require 5* just a nice place that welcomes kids, clean, good service, good location a plus.

iw

beachgirl...my reports are now posted so check them out. I agree that Aruba is a different experience and not one that I care for. We don't shop much and tend to hang with locals or on our porch/balcony after dinner anyway. Anguilla sound nice. I would not recommend our time frame for 3 islands....5days,4days, 4 days.....that includes travel time. Too much at stake with summer storms and delays. I would pick two islands or a minimum of 5 days on each island. That's just me, though. We had a lot of fun and got to experience 3 different cultures.

A_Traveller

to bon100 - you are a bit misinformed regarding passport requirements. Since you are planning to travel to the Caribbean after December 31, 2006 you will need passports to get back into the USA. That also applies to people returning from the USVI's.

For more details go here:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

GoTravel

I just got back from St. Martin and the BVIs and the weather there is much more pleasant than it is here in South Carolina.

Statia

GoTravel, you were on St. Maarten and didn't tell me!

bon100

Thanks, A Traveller, for the info. I didn't know about the re-entry regs. I was thinking its probably a good idea to get their passports anyway, never know when we'll need them.

JimC

I suggest renting a villa on St. John as an economical option (both in terms of lodging and some meals at home). If you plan on June or July I recommend AC in the bedrooms.

GoTravel

Yes, I had a looonnnngggg layover. Love the airport tho, Carribean Sun flew in the employees, opened the gate, boarded us, and boarded themselves and off we flew.

Don't leave STX for New Jersey! LOL!

jacketwatch

I luv the Carib. in the summer. Its hot but the warmest temps we've ever had in the summer were in Marco island FLA. Very hot and humid. The Carib. islands always have a breeze so you will be fine I think. Actually somme of the best snorkeling to be found is in Cozumel. The reef is world famous. Other places to consider are Dominica, Puerto Rico which has a rain forest to explore and Bonaire which is a divers paradise.