St. John Trip 2009 Questions, questions.
 

I hit a milestone birthday next year, so my wife and I have decided to take a trip to celebrate. We both love snorkeling, having been to Hawaii and Grand Cayman in the past two years. We have decided on St. John for our trip. I have lurked and read lots of posts, but I would like some advice on when to visit. Options are:

Early April
Pro: Cooler
Con: shorter trip, more expensive

Late June, Early July
Pro: Cheaper, longer trip
Con: HOT

Mid October
Pro: Cooler, cheaper
Con: shorter trip, things closed (I have read) Hurricanes?


I guess I am looking for feedback and additions to my Pros/cons. My wife is a teacher, which limits our travel dates.

We LOVE snorkeling, so if experts can say when the snorkeling is better, that might (will) influence the trip decision.

Thanks in advance

Kevin from Minnesota

Personally I think your take on the weather conditions is a bit 'off". There's not an appreciable difference in average daytime temperatures throughout the entire year. The "coolest" months have average daytime temps in the low to mid 80's F. while in summer you'll fine average temperatures in the mid to high 80's F. Hardly enough to worry about. Humidity levels, however, are a bit higher in summer and the breezes are usually less in summer than winter.

Go in late June/early July - the resort rates are low, everything is still open and weather is generally quite good.

If snorkeling is your main priority consider staying at Caneel Bay if it fits your budget. The resort has 7 beaches with some very good to excellent walk-in snorkeling. Snorkeling at the other major resort on the island (the Westin) is virtually non-existant. All other accomodations are either rental villas or small hotels/inns.

Wherever you stay be sure to venture to some of the other beaches on the island more more snorkeling opportunities.

Definitely the cheaper, longer trip.

I have been to St. John multiple times in each of the months you listed and I like June the best. My personal favorite time to visit is late August when I can add in Labor Day for a little longer vacation. The pros and cons are the same as your June. I agree with Roamsaround in regards to the weather.

I like the off season best because I get more bang for my buck. The worst snorkeling I've ever had on St. John was in late January early February when the wave action really picks up and visibility is terrible. My experience has been that the snorkeling is best in August. We'll be there this August for 9 glorious days of snorkeling!

If you let us know your price range we'll be happy to share some of our favorite places to stay. I say rent a villa with a pool. I will also be posting a lenghty trip report in September about our trip. It will have detailed snorkel information. You;ll love St. John.

Mike

Well, I like to travel in off season because it is cheaper and less crowded. I ditto the others in that I would go for the late June, longer trip. I would however make sure that I had AC at that time of year.

My wife and I are both teachers. We've been to St John 3 times...all in the summer. June is just a touch cooler than July... nothing to write home about. I guess it depends on your definition of hot. We live in South Texas. So, St John was cooler for us than the temps we have to endure all summer. I'd go in the summer and stay longer...just get a villa with a/c.

Thanks everyone for the responses. Summertime it'll be. And yes, I was planning on a villa w/AC (and maybe pool). I start another thread later when I have more specific questions.