March in St. Thomas is deep in the dry season. The trade winds blow steadily from the east at 15 to 20 km/h (9 to 12 mph) and keep the air comfortable on the beaches. Rainfall sits near the calendar-year low, with January the only month that comes close. You might go 4 or 5 days without a cloud dark enough to produce a shower. When rain does appear, it blows through in 10 to 15 minutes and leaves the air feeling rinsed. The water is clear. Visibility on the reefs near Coki Beach can reach 20 meters during settled stretches.
That said, March also brings the peak of cruise ship traffic and the start of spring break. From roughly March 10 onward, Charlotte Amalie's waterfront fills with day-trippers by mid-morning. On the busiest days, 4 or 5 ships dock between Havensight and Crown Bay, and the duty-free shops along Dronningens Gade get shoulder-to-shoulder by 11 a.m. Magens Bay absorbs much of the overflow. Red Hook and the east end stay noticeably calmer throughout the month.
The final weekend of March typically hosts the St. Thomas International Regatta, one of the Caribbean's established competitive sailing events. Crews from across the region converge on the harbor, and the waterfront restaurants in Frenchtown hum with post-race conversation. Transfer Day on March 31 marks the anniversary of the 1917 handover from Denmark to the United States, a territorial holiday that closes government offices and some shops but leaves tourist infrastructure running as usual.
Why visit in March
- March ranks among the driest months on the calendar, with brief afternoon showers that rarely interrupt a full beach day
- Consistent easterly trade winds keep temperatures comfortable and suppress mosquito activity on the windward beaches
- Ocean clarity reaches its annual peak, providing excellent conditions for reef snorkeling at sites around the island and neighboring St. John
- No passport required for U.S. citizens, which makes it one of the simplest Caribbean destinations to reach on short notice
Worth knowing
- Spring break crowds arrive from mid-March, filling the north shore beaches and Charlotte Amalie's shopping district from late morning to mid-afternoon
- Heavy cruise ship traffic during March deposits thousands of day-trippers into the downtown waterfront on peak port days
- Accommodation and rental car rates sit well above the annual average due to the convergence of dry-season demand and spring break
- UV index consistently reaches the very high category, strong enough to burn unprotected fair skin quickly
Best for
Think twice if
March sits comfortably in the dry season, with a narrow gap between daytime and nighttime temperatures. The persistent easterly breeze prevents the air from feeling stagnant despite the tropical latitude. Rain days produce short, warm showers that clear quickly enough to salvage a beach afternoon. Nights feel balmy rather than cool, and you will likely sleep with windows open or a fan on.
Seasonal caution
- UV index regularly reaches 10 to 11 throughout March, well into the very high category. Apply reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen every 90 minutes and reapply immediately after swimming. Fair-skinned visitors can burn in under 15 minutes without protection, even on partly cloudy days.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26 | 25 | 33 |
| Feb | 26 | 24 | 72 |
| Mar | 26 | 24 | 32 |
| Apr | 26 | 25 | 65 |
| May | 27 | 26 | 78 |
| Jun | 28 | 26 | 73 |
| Jul | 28 | 26 | 88 |
| Aug | 29 | 27 | 133 |
| Sep | 29 | 27 | 117 |
| Oct | 29 | 27 | 145 |
| Nov | 28 | 26 | 116 |
| Dec | 27 | 25 | 50 |
Holidays and festivals in March
Public holidays
- Maundy Thursday(Holy Thursday)25 March 2027
- Good Friday(Good Friday)26 March 2027
- Easter Monday(Easter Monday)29 March 2027
- Transfer Day(Transfer Day)31 March 2027
Headline events
St. Thomas International Regatta
Final weekend of March, typically Friday through Sunday
A 3-day competitive sailing event that draws crews from across the Caribbean and the U.S. East Coast. Multiple classes race in the waters south of Charlotte Amalie, and the shoreside scene fills Frenchtown with spectators. The regatta has run for decades and remains one of the premier stops on the Caribbean racing circuit.
Best things to do in March
Snorkeling at Coki Beach
water sportsCoki Beach on the northeast shore sits adjacent to Coral World Ocean Park and offers one of the most accessible reef entries on the island. The reef starts within 10 meters of the sand, and parrotfish, blue tang, and sergeant majors are common residents in the shallow sections.
March's low rainfall and calm seas produce the year's best underwater visibility. Summer swells and rain runoff degrade conditions significantly by July.Booking tipArrive before 9:30 a.m. to claim space on the sand. Cruise ship excursion groups start filling the beach by 10.
Day trip to Virgin Islands National Park on St. John
outdoor explorationA 20-minute ferry from Red Hook reaches Cruz Bay on St. John, where the national park covers roughly two-thirds of the island. Trunk Bay's underwater snorkel trail and the Reef Bay Trail are standout options for a day visit. The Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument, established in 2001, protects some of the healthiest reef formations in the region.
Calm seas make the ferry crossing smooth and reliable. The trails are dry and firm rather than muddy, and the park's beaches share the same excellent March visibility.Booking tipTake the earliest ferry, usually around 6:30 a.m., to beat the midday crowds at Trunk Bay. Return on a mid-afternoon boat before the rush.
Watch the St. Thomas International Regatta
spectator eventSpectators can follow the races from elevated vantage points around Charlotte Amalie or join a spectator boat on the racecourse. The shoreside scene at the host venue brings together sailors, locals, and visitors in one of the year's liveliest weekends.
The Regatta runs once a year during a single weekend in March. Outside this window, the competitive fleet disperses across the Caribbean.Booking tipArrange a spectator boat through a charter operator in Red Hook or Frenchtown by mid-March if you want to watch from the water.
Kayaking Mangrove Lagoon
water sportsThe Mangrove Lagoon marine sanctuary on the southeast shore has calm, protected waters winding through red mangrove roots. Juvenile fish, rays, and the occasional sea turtle shelter in the shallows beneath the canopy.
Dry-season clarity makes the water translucent enough to spot marine life from the kayak. Summer rains stir up sediment and cut visibility.Booking tipGuided tours run mornings only. Book 3 to 5 days ahead during spring break weeks.
Sunset at Drake's Seat
viewpointThis roadside overlook on the north side of Crown Mountain offers a panoramic view of Magens Bay and the British Virgin Islands in the distance. The elevation catches the trade winds, and the vantage point sits above the tree canopy.
March's drier atmosphere produces fewer clouds at sunset than the summer months. The sun drops over the water at an angle that lights up the bay below.Walking the 99 Steps and Blackbeard's Castle
historic siteThe 99 Steps, a steep brick-and-stone staircase built by the Danes in the 1700s, climb from the lower streets of Charlotte Amalie to Government Hill. At the top, Blackbeard's Castle stands as a National Historic Landmark with views of the harbor and the ships below.
Dry March weather keeps the stone steps less slippery than in the rainy months. Morning temperatures make the climb comfortable before the midday warmth builds.Booking tipGo before 10 a.m. to avoid both the heat and the cruise ship excursion groups that arrive later.
Coral World Ocean Park
attractionAn oceanside marine park near Coki Beach with an underwater observatory tower, a sea lion pool, and touch tanks. The park also runs a Sea Trek helmet-diving program on the adjacent reef.
March's calm, clear water makes the Sea Trek walks especially rewarding, with visibility that the summer months rarely match.Booking tipBook Sea Trek sessions at least a week in advance during spring break. Walk-up availability drops sharply once school holidays begin.
What to eat in March
In season: fruit
Sugar apple
The knobby green sweetsop ripens during the dry season in the USVI. Street vendors along the Waterfront Highway in Charlotte Amalie sell them by the bag, and the custardy white flesh tastes like vanilla crossed with pear.
Passion fruit
The fruit tends to ripen during the drier months in the Virgin Islands. Fresh-squeezed juice appears at vendors along Veterans Drive and across the island, tart and fragrant in a way bottled concentrates never match.
On menus now
Caribbean spiny lobster
March is the final month of the traditional lobster harvest season in USVI waters. Restaurants across Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook feature it grilled, curried, or in creole preparations before the summer closed season begins.
Wahoo
Winter and early spring bring strong wahoo catches to St. Thomas waters. Waterfront restaurants in Red Hook serve it grilled or blackened, often sourced from charter boats that unload their daily catch by mid-afternoon.
Fungi and fish
The territorial dish of the U.S. Virgin Islands pairs a stiff cornmeal-and-okra side with fresh-caught snapper or grunt. March's strong fishing season means the fish component tends to be reliably fresh and local.
What to drink
Bushwacker
A frozen cocktail of dark rum, coconut cream, Kahlua, and chocolate that became a signature of Caribbean beach bars. March's warm, dry afternoons are prime sipping conditions, and nearly every bar on the island has its own version.
Regular events in March
Transfer DayFree
A territorial holiday marking the end of Danish colonial rule in what are now the U.S. Virgin Islands. Government offices close, and a ceremony at the Legislature building in Charlotte Amalie marks the occasion. Tourist-facing businesses generally remain open.
March 31St. Patrick's Day celebrationsFree
Several bars and restaurants in Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook mark the day with themed drink specials and live music. The celebration is informal and bar-driven rather than organized as a parade or public festival.
March 17Best places this March
Magens Bay Beach
beachA long, sheltered crescent of sand on the north shore, consistently ranked among the Caribbean's finest beaches. March's calm water makes it ideal for swimming, though cruise ship tour groups arrive between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on heavy port days. Early morning visits feel like a different beach entirely.
North ShoreFrenchtown waterfront
neighborhood diningA historically French Huguenot community west of Charlotte Amalie, now home to some of the island's most respected restaurants and a working fishing pier. The atmosphere runs quieter than downtown, and March evenings are warm enough to dine outdoors comfortably.
FrenchtownCathedral of Saints Peter and Paul
historic siteFounded in 1806 and rebuilt after fires and hurricanes, this Catholic cathedral sits on a hill in Charlotte Amalie. The interior holds a painted ceiling and carved altar worth a visit, and the steps outside offer a less-photographed angle of the harbor.
Charlotte AmalieMountain Top
viewpointThe highest publicly accessible viewpoint on St. Thomas, with panoramic views that extend to the British Virgin Islands on clear days. March's dry air means fewer clouds at the horizon. The gift shop claims to have originated the banana daiquiri.
Crown MountainWater Island and Honeymoon Beach
beachThe fourth and smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, reachable by a short ferry from Crown Bay. Honeymoon Beach on its western shore stays quiet even on the heaviest cruise ship days. March's calm water and low winds make the crossing smooth.
Water IslandSt. Anne Chapel, Frenchtown
historic siteFounded in 1921, this small chapel in the heart of Frenchtown reflects the community's distinct identity. The surrounding streets still carry a character that feels separate from Charlotte Amalie proper, and March's dry weather makes the walk through the neighborhood pleasant.
FrenchtownCathedral Church of All Saints
historic siteAn Anglican cathedral in Charlotte Amalie founded in 1848, with Gothic revival architecture and a quiet interior. The courtyard garden catches the trade wind and stays cool even on warm March afternoons, a welcome break from the shopping streets a few blocks downhill.
Charlotte Amalie
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Insider tips
Safari buses, the open-air truck-style taxis, run fixed routes between Charlotte Amalie, Red Hook, and the major beaches. They carry 20 or more passengers at a per-person fare well below what a private taxi charges for the same route. Flag one down along any main road, including Veterans Drive and Route 30.
The Charlotte Amalie waterfront clears out after 3 p.m. when cruise passengers reboard their ships. If you want to browse Main Street or Dronningens Gade without shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, late afternoon is the window.
Driving on St. Thomas is on the left side of the road, but vehicles are left-hand drive, American-style. This catches nearly every first-time visitor off guard at the roundabouts near Red Hook. Take 10 minutes in the rental lot to get comfortable before merging onto the main roads.
For quieter snorkeling away from the cruise ship excursion crowds, the reefs off Secret Harbour on the east end see far fewer visitors than Coki Beach. March's calm conditions make this stretch accessible from shore, with comparable marine life and better chances of spotting sea turtles.
Avoid these mistakes
- Planning a beach day at Magens Bay on a heavy cruise port day without checking the schedule. The beach's character shifts during the midday window when tour buses arrive from Charlotte Amalie. The Virgin Islands Port Authority publishes the cruise calendar online.
- Failing to reapply sunscreen after 30 to 40 minutes in the water. March's intense UV can produce a painful burn on wet, unprotected skin within 20 minutes, and saltwater strips off even water-resistant formulas faster than most visitors expect.
- Renting a car without preparing for left-side driving on St. Thomas's steep, narrow roads. The switchbacks between Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook along Route 30 unsettle first-time drivers. Consider a safari bus on the first day to observe the road conditions.
- Arriving on St. Thomas with only sandals and flip-flops. The 99 Steps, the trails around Drake's Seat, and Charlotte Amalie's Government Hill streets all need footwear with grip. The stone and brick paths get slippery after even a brief shower.
Practical tips for March
Book rental cars at least 2 to 3 weeks before a March arrival. The island's fleet is limited, and spring break demand clears airport counter availability early in the month. Reserve restaurant tables in Frenchtown and Red Hook for weekend evenings, particularly during Regatta weekend. Ferry service between Red Hook and Cruz Bay on St. John runs frequently, but the late-afternoon return boats fill fast on weekend afternoons. Arrive at the dock 30 minutes before departure. Most shops in downtown Charlotte Amalie close by 5 or 6 p.m., so plan evening dining around Red Hook or the Frenchtown waterfront where restaurants stay open later. U.S. citizens need only a government-issued photo ID, not a passport. Cyril E. King Airport (STT) handles most arrivals, and March's winter flight schedule offers the widest selection of direct routes from the mainland. Solo travelers should note that St. Thomas rates 6.2 out of 10 for solo-traveler safety (see the TTDI Solo-Safety Index), so stick to well-trafficked areas and established taxi routes after dark.
FAQ
Is March a good time to visit St. Thomas?
March is one of the 2 best months to visit St. Thomas. The weather is dry and warm, the Caribbean trade winds keep the air comfortable, and underwater visibility is excellent for snorkeling. The tradeoff is peak-season pricing and U.S. spring break crowds, especially from mid-March onward. If you can travel in the first 10 days of March, you get nearly all of the weather benefits with somewhat fewer visitors.
What is the weather like in St. Thomas in March?
Expect daytime highs around 25.7°C (78°F) and nighttime lows near 24.2°C (76°F), with roughly 32mm of rain spread across 9 days. The showers tend to be brief afternoon bursts. Humidity sits around 74%, which feels moderate with the steady trade winds. Ocean temperature is about 26°C (79°F), comfortable for long swims.
Is St. Thomas crowded in March?
March is one of the most crowded months on the island, combining the tail end of winter tourist season with U.S. spring break and heavy cruise ship traffic. Charlotte Amalie can see multiple large ships on peak days. The east end around Red Hook stays calmer, and early-morning beach visits help you stay ahead of the excursion bus arrivals.
Do I need a passport to visit St. Thomas?
St. Thomas is a U.S. territory, so U.S. citizens need only a valid government-issued photo ID for the domestic flight. Non-U.S. citizens should carry whatever documentation they need to enter the United States. TSA screening applies to all flights to and from the island.
Is March part of hurricane season in St. Thomas?
Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. March falls well outside that window, and tropical storm activity in the Caribbean during March is extremely rare. It is one of the safest months for weather-related travel disruptions.
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