Our Highlights for St. Thomas
St. Thomas is known for its stunning beaches.
The clear, calm waters offer ideal conditions for snorkeling, diving and windsurfing.
On Saint Thomas, you can shop at great prices, duty-free — a true paradise for shopping enthusiasts. The capital has plenty of stores with jewelry, clothing and gift ideas that invite extended shopping sprees.
Weather and Climate of St. Thomas
The island has a tropical, moderately humid climate. Constant trade winds keep temperatures pleasant year-round between 25 and 33°C.
There is no clearly defined rainy season — rain can occur throughout the year. The wettest months are August through December and May. January to March are drier. A rainy day usually means less than 2.5 mm — a brief shower at night or early morning. Annual precipitation averages about 1,000 mm.
From November to March, daytime highs reach 29-30°C with nighttime lows of 22-23°C. June to September brings highs two to three degrees warmer.
Water temperatures stay warm year-round: 26°C in winter, 28.5°C in summer.
The Virgin Islands are occasionally struck by hurricanes.
Entry Requirements for St. Thomas
Note: Entry requirements may change at short notice. Please check with the relevant authorities.
EU tourists need a passport valid for at least six months. US entry requirements apply:
Since January 12, 2009, visa-free travelers must register via ESTA at esta.cbp.dhs.gov at least 72 hours before departure.
Registration costs approx. 40 USD and is valid for 2 years.
Go to ESTA
Getting to St. Thomas
Cyril E. King airport is one of the busiest in the eastern Caribbean, about 3 km east of Charlotte Amalie. International flights arrive from the US and Caribbean. No direct flights from Europe — connect through Miami, Atlanta or New York.
Buses run regularly from the airport to the city.
Ferries operate between St. Croix and St. Thomas from Charlotte Amalie harbor (approx. 90 min, about 50 USD).
St. Thomas is a popular cruise ship port of call.
Where is Saint Thomas?
St. Thomas is one of the main islands of the US Virgin Islands, along with St. Croix and St. John, surrounded by about 50 smaller, mostly uninhabited islands.
The group belongs to the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean, east of Puerto Rico.
The capital Charlotte Amalie is on the south side.
The History of St. Thomas
- Saint Thomas was settled by indigenous peoples as early as 1500 BC.
- Christopher Columbus discovered the island in 1493.
- In 1666, Denmark occupied the island; from 1685-1693 it hosted a Brandenburg-Prussian colonial settlement.
- Pirates like Blackbeard and Bluebeard found shelter in its bays. The age of piracy ended in 1829.
- In 1839, it became a base for the British Royal Mail Steam Packet Company.
- In 1917, the USA purchased the island with Saint John and Saint Croix for 25 million dollars.
Several hurricanes have struck in recent decades: Hugo (1989), Luis and Marilyn (1995).
Charlotte Amalie — Shopping & Attractions
Charlotte Amalie is one of the Caribbean's top shopping destinations. As a duty-free zone, it offers great prices on jewelry, watches, spirits and electronics.
Attractions:
- 99 Steps: Historic Danish colonial staircase with panoramic harbor views at the top
- Fort Christian: Oldest building in the Virgin Islands (1672), now a museum
- Blackbeard's Castle: Historic observation tower with pirate lore
- Synagogue of St. Thomas: Second-oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere (1833)
The Most Beautiful Beaches on St. Thomas
- Magens Bay: One of the world's most beautiful beaches — a crescent bay with calm, clear water. Entry approx. 5 USD
- Sapphire Beach: Ideal for snorkeling with colorful coral right at shore
- Coki Beach: Small but lively with snorkel/dive rental. Next door: Coral World Ocean Park
- Lindquist Beach: Quiet natural beach on the east side
