STJ in September and October

[Jan&MikeVa]

Hi all
We're considering a trip down in late September to early October. Other than the hurricane issue and restaurant closings can anyone share thoughts on this time of year?
It's the soonest we can get away this year, we don't want to wait until December, and our 35th Anniversary is in September

Thanks in advance!

[Pia]

September is my FAVORITE month
Depending on when in October you could encounter our big "cistern filling rains"
Hope this helps
Pia

[mbw1024]

our first trip was early Oct. and still my favorite. will return at this time some day but timing just hasn't played out that way.

[msgcolleen]

We always go the first week in Oct. and the weather gods have been very nice to us then.

But, in Oct. 2008, right after we returned home, hurricane Omar brushed by and an earthquake!

Maybe we'll see you in 6 months!!

[catbat]

Just make sure you book travel insurance in case you have to cancel or shorten your trip due to weather (and check its limitations carefully). Otherwise, come and enjoy a quiet, less expensive island vacation!

[BirdsofParadise]

We have been to STJ during the spring and summer and this year we will be there from 6-15 Oct. Your gonna get wet in the water so whats a little rain gonna hurt? Any day on the rock is better than ten good days anywhere else! AARRRRGGGGHHHHH

[catbat]

Your gonna get wet in the water so whats a little rain gonna hurt?

Weeeeell.... when a serious storm comes through, they shut down the ports -- you could have the adventure of being stuck on STT or STJ, paying extra for accommodations, while you wait for them to reopen so you can get on with arriving/leaving.

In 2008, it rained for a week solid in September (unrelated to any named storms), well before Hurricane Omar showed up the next month. I felt really bad for anyone who booked their vacation for that week. It's also not pleasant or necessarily safe to swim in the ocean right after we have heavy rains due to runoff and bacteria levels -- DPNR will test the water to clear the bays as safe for swimming, but it sometimes takes a day or two for them to get out here and do it. ("Bacteria?" you ask. Think about all those cute donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens, cows, pigs... Think about the fact that they poop all over our picturesque hillsides. Now think about what happens what happens when it rains on those hillsides... giardia is not an ice-cream flavor, folks!)

Lastly, if you rent one of those teeny-tiny Toyota Yarises or other non-4WD vehicle in STT and bring it over on the ferry, it's not safe for you to drive on a steep uphill when the roads are wet. Honky Hill (between Trunk and Peter Bay) is out; so is Jacobs Ladder (to the south shore), Lavender Hill (in town), and anything on the East End. And maybe your driveway, if you stay in certain villas. If you are coming during storm season, a 4WD vehicle is the only safe bet.

That said, it's unusual to have so much rain in September, more usual for October to be wet. Still, booking travel to/from the islands during this period is a gamble.

[waterguy]

My favorite time to be on island just make sure you by trip insiance from this site

[Jan&MikeVa]

Good to be back on board and hear from some old friends. Yes, trip insurance for sure! The time of year, plus 80 & 90 year old Mom's living alone.
Thanks for the great advice, we're just about ready to DO IT

[LMG]

October has been, by far, my favorite month so far. Trip insurance, yes. Go go go!