July travel

[toni]

We went to St. John end of July of last year because for the first time we were able to have friends come along and that worked with their schedule. Normally we've gone sometime from Nov to March.

We stayed at a place over by Reef Bay-we had no a/c and we were surprisingly very comfortable-super breezy over there and no mosquito issues. It did pour like a son of a gun the first few days-serious flooding on the roads to get to the place though.

We're thinking of coming back this July. For those who have stayed on STJ then-are mosquitos an issue normally? Is a/c generally a must or would we be fine again if we're either up on Bordeaux or on a hillside.

Is the lack of breeze/mosquitos more of an issue closer to the water? Some places we're looking at are walking distance to beaches.

And lastly-if you've been over the 4th-is it worth it to schedule to come in then? What goes on? Too crowded and crazy or a lot of fun?

Thanks!

[aangione]

We usually go to STJ in July, sometimes in August. The closer you are to water, the worse the mosquitoes get. Of course, if you are higher on a mountainside, you should get some tradewinds to cool you off. If your budget does not include taxes and jeep rental, then by all means consider Sago Palms. The views are not to be beat any where on the island, and we' ve been visiting for more than 10 years. Two things to consider: the BR's are in a separate building from the main living space but the living space and all the BR's have AC if you need it. There is no TV in the BR so if you like to watch late nite TV, you have to cross over to your sleeping space. Also the road to the villa from the main road is a bit hairy!! Sago Palms is located high on the hillside overlooking the North Shore, and there is only one other house next door. When we last visited, it was undergoing construction so you should check out the status of that as well.
If you like to get to the beach in under 5 minutes, look at Casa Bueno. (more to follow)

[Puddlejumper]

Mosquitoes can be a problem anywhere on island. A lot of variables come into play. It can depend on how long it has been since the last rain, the amount of rain, wind speed and direction. You can have a mosquito bloom on Bordeaux and none to mention in Reef Bay. In general I prefer to stay away from Bordeaux because it tends to be damp most of the year. But again, there may be parts of Bordeaux that are OK, but I wouldn't know since I never stayed up there. I have seen a mosquito problem at Francis Bay and none at Salt Pond. But in general, that time of year increases the chance of mosquitos, you can't predict it though.

I would say, if you are not OK with the possibility of being a little hot, then get a/c in your villa and not risk it, you may find yourself on island with no breeze. It does not matter to me, since I go to Coral Bay to stay where a ceiling fan will do. If mosquitos are bad, I use deet. But they have to be really bad for me to use repellant on more than my lower legs.

I would not arrive on the 4th. Come before or after to avoid the craziness at the dock. If you come early, make sure you go to town to participate in Carnival festivities. It's a lot of fun and not to be missed if you are there. Lots of good local food serve from temporary booths set up across from the Post Office. Music in the ball field, the parade, and great fireworks over Cruz Bay too.

We stayed at a place over by Reef Bay-we had no a/c and we were surprisingly very comfortable-super breezy over there and no mosquito issues. It did pour like a son of a gun the first few days-serious flooding on the roads to get to the place though.

We're thinking of coming back this July. For those who have stayed on STJ then-are mosquitos an issue normally? Is a/c generally a must or would we be fine again if we're either up on Bordeaux or on a hillside.

Is the lack of breeze/mosquitos more of an issue closer to the water? Some places we're looking at are walking distance to beaches.

And lastly-if you've been over the 4th-is it worth it to schedule to come in then? What goes on? Too crowded and crazy or a lot of fun?

Thanks!

[Mary L]

I have been In July and August and I have never had a problem with mosquitoes, never even seen one. I think it depends on how much rain they get.

[Capn Dan and Ruby]

We have stayed in July and August. It is fine. Always stayed high up with a great breeze. We had mosquitos last year, but then agian there were record rainfalls last year. Other times it was good. PM greyhoundmom, They did 4th of July and had a blast!