STJ in September or October

alw1977 · Post by **alw1977** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 8:58 am

Hi everyone -

We're looking at using some FF miles for the fall timeframe. I've been to the Caribbean during hurricane season, so I certainly understand the risks one takes. Are September and October pleasant months on STJ provided you don't get tangled in bad weather? When do most restaurant closures take place?

Are the seas still flat like in the summer and the snorkeling still good? I've heard comments from November visitors about rougher water and so-so snorkeling during November. I don't know when the change occurs. I'm one of those weird people who actually doesn't like the Caribbean as much during the North American winter months. Water is too cold and rough and the winds are too strong for my liking.

Pia · Post by **Pia** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 9:59 am

I love STJ in September - my favorite month

It is quiet in September and the ocean is warm, warm, warm, flat and great snorkeling but it is the peak month for hurricanes and more restaurants are closed than in October (check out Ruth's link to see what was closed when in 2007)

In October you can run the risk of rain - alot of rain but again no guarantee it might be perfect. October and November are our "rainiest" months (we like to think of them as cistern filling rains

) One year we had 10 days straight of rain in October and another year approx 7 days of straight rain in November - it's the risk you take (I know, I know we've had almost a week of rain this December due to Olga but that is unusual in December)

So for me September is the best choice if you take out trip insurance

Pia

alw1977 · Post by **alw1977** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 10:34 am

Thanks for the information. That's interesting. If I'm understanding correctly, we run the biggest risk of a hurricane in September, but absent that occurence, we have a better chance of good weather in September than October?

Works for me. I spent six nights in St. Martin back in October 2004 and we had a 50% rainout. We still had a great time, but it's always more fun without rain!

Pia · Post by **Pia** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 11:19 am

Yes, that has been my experience but we all know we can't control the weather

I only have a 3 year full time record to go on, maybe Ronnie can help out more - calling Ronnie

Here is a great link so you can see the average temps/rainfall etc.

http://www.vinow.com/usvi/weather.php#rain

Pia

Lulu76 · Post by **Lulu76** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 12:25 pm

We went for a week in early October, and aside from our arrival day it was beautiful weather. Not everything is open, but the seas are calm and there aren't a lot of people. I liked it, but it was hard with my work commitments, so next year is looking like November instead.

RD · Post by RD » Mon Dec 17, 2007 12:44 pm

We were down in late September/early October in 2005 and late October in 2006. Both trips were great! The only issue with going later in October is that some of your favorite restaurants might be closed. Other than that, there were no crowds, the water was warm and calm and the drinks were cold!

RD

Chet · Post by **Chet** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 6:12 pm

Mrs. Random and I have the same birthday - Oct 1. Since she's a bit younger does that make her a trophy bride?

We have been "gifting" a trip to the islands since 1994 - St Maarten the first year, then Bas Terre on St Martin for a couple years, STT one year, and now we're hooked on STJ. September and early October have been great times on STJ. Only once have we experienced a tropical depression, and it lasted 2.5 days. Yes, some restaurants and shops are closed. If you are looking uncrowded beaches, villa time, and beautiful weather, then September is the time of year.

Oct 27 and 28 this year were cool and rainy. On Saturday night we turned on the gas fireplace at Sol Inclination. The hike up the trail/road on Sunday was ok, but we slogged through a pouring rain on the way down. The rest of the week was good.

A note to the discerning - pools are solar heated and rain makes the water a little chilly.

alw1977 · Post by **alw1977** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 11:52 am

Thanks everyone. Looks like we may try for September, depending on FF availability for that timeframe at the end of this month. Once we pass that hurdle, I get to shop for accomodations. That's the fun part.

StJohnRuth · Post by **StJohnRuth** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 6:06 pm

More restaurants will be closed in September than October.
-Ruth

alw1977 · Post by **alw1977** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 12:16 pm

Thanks Ruth - I consulted the restaurant closures for 2007 and you're right about September. As long as Sun Dog, Asolare and The Beach Bar (this one is key) are open, we're satisfied. We can't pick our dates until my BIL and his new fiancee pick their wedding date... I'm going to nudge at Christmas to get them on the stick.

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