Hi, thinking about going to Vieques, San Juan, Culebra for the first time in August. Was wondering:

- how hot would it be? If it is high temperature but breezy it's fine. We're hoping to escape the stinking heat at home – hot, humid, no breeze and in certain areas it smells
- is mosquitoes a problem that time of the year? If there are mosquitoes, how bad?
- Does PR/Vieques tend to be a big hurricane target?
- I assume the summer/August would be low season without a ton of tourists. But someone mentioned to me it is cruise ship season in the caribbean. Does it affect PR as much as the other more popular cruise stops?

We want to go somewhere not very touristy, no casinos, no chain hotels, no mcdonald's, no screaming kids so we can just relax and explore lesurely. We don't want to go too far from home (nyc) or spend too much money. Will Vieques fit our criteria?

Thanks for your input!

Vieques fits the bill for your description, but I've been two years in a row in March, and there's not enough money in the world to make me consider August! March temps are in the high 80s. It is pretty humid.

Anywhere in the Caribbean, there's not a significant degree of difference between any month of the year. Yes, August is in offficial hurricane season but unless you are unlucky enough to get impacted, who cares? Re Vieques, there are plenty of breezes and beautiful beaches at any time of year. Also, while cruise ships go in and out of San Juan (and not as many in the summer), none go to Vieques. It's extraordinarily untouristed and a remarkable destination. Yes, it would definitely fit your criteria.

Hi flatfeet,

I, too, agree that Vieques fits the bill. We were there in July of last year and it was hot, humid and breezy but tolerable for us as we're from the midwest so I guess hot is a relative term for people. We didn't have a/c in the villa and learned not to use it in the jeep and actually were more comfortable not going back and forth with a/c to no a/c.

The beaches are spectacular and the whole vibe of the island is so much fun. And not a lot of tourists -- just lots of wild horses and roosters!

Hurricane Dennis was approaching the day before we left but just skirted by . The waves were huge the day before on a beach that before was so calm and quiet. I guess its just a crap shoot on whether you'll get in the way of one or not. Can't say that it will keep me from traveling unless something specific was on the way before my trip.

I would do it. And depending on how long you are there, pop over to Culebra. We missed it this trip but saw an article in Caribbean Travel and Life a few issues ago.

Sheila

I agree with Beachgirl, it is hot and humid, but bearable depending on your tolerance for heat!
We also went last July, and were fine. My problem was that I got burned on the first day at the beach(I know better, too) and since I was uncomfortable with the sunburn, it made the temps seem hotter and more unbearable.
There are lots of breezes, VERY quiet beaches this time of year. Many beaches are tree lined, so you can sit in the shade.
Culebra is nice, Flamenco Beach is beautiful. There are taxi's waiting to take you there. There are lots of food stands at the beach with wonderful local cooking.
There is not a lot to do there, it does force you to relax!
Mamacita's is a great little restaurant with great food and atmosphere, decent portions and prices. (Good Bushwackers too)!
Have fun

Thanks everyone for your input. Will seriously consider Vieques and Culebra and will just watch the weather report closely. Just saw R/T fare NYC-SJU for $218 in August, can't beat that!