AboutSusie Rano Expertise I've lived in St.Thomas for nearly 20 years. I can answer tourist-related questions regarding this island and may be able to help with questions regarding St.John too.
Experience lived on St.Thomas for almost 20 years
Education/Credentials lived on St.Thomas for nearly 20 years
Question QUESTION: We are thinking about going down in August (the second week) for next year and I was wondering what the chances are of a hurricane? Also, on average what is the tempature? And my last question is we are going to St. Thomas, on average how much is the food and drinks?
ANSWER: Hi Rachel-
Hurricane season starts June 1st and officially ends Thanksgiving. We have had a hurricane hit as early as July (Bertha-several years back). Most hurricanes and storms hit in September but August is certainly a possibility for a strike. We get many visitors via air and cruise ship during the hurricane season. This is due to lowered air fares, hotel rates, and cruise ship rates, reflective of the hurricane possibility.
Temperatures during August usually range from 87-90 during the day, and 78-82 at night. Restaurant prices vary from lower end (entrees between $10-15), and go higher, depending on what you're looking for. I suggest you go check out www.vinow.com for restaurant ideas. You didn't mention your desired price range. Drinks are generally cheap on the island. Many places offer happy hour- $1-2 for a beer/$2-3 well drink. Of course prices will be higher for food and drink, at whichever hotel you choose.
I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any further questions.
Regards,
Susie
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks Susie for getting back with me so quickly. We are actually going down on a Timeshare and staying at a resort, but plan on leaving there are going around shopping and so on. I am nervous about hurricane season so I wanted to know the chances of one, if they are high? Also, since you have been there for 20 years, how many on average have you seen take place in August?
This trip is for our honeymoon so we should be able to bring about $1,000 or so for the week (only having to pay for meals and/or drinks, shopping, etc.). We aren't looking for expensive places to eat, just simple bars and common restaurants.
Answer Hi Rachel-
As I mentioned, there's no guarantee as to whether a hurricane will hit in August or not. We've had one hit in early July, and most hit in September. We've also had one hit after Thanksgiving. August is smack in the middle of hurricane season. We still get thousands of tourists visiting between July and November, taking advantage of lowered rates.
Let me know where it is you are planning to stay and if you are going to have a car rental for the week. That will help me in knowing where to suggest for inexpensive dining options.
