Most of the US External Territories lie within the tropics. This means warm and humid weather, with some islands moderated by cooling ‘trade’ winds that gently blow in from the ocean. Generally, you can expect temperatures of between 70°F and 90°F year round, and pleasantly warm seas.
As tropical locations, the US External Territories experience two distinct seasons, known as the ‘dry’ season and the ‘wet’ season. The dry season occupies the first half of the year, from January or February until June or July. The dry season experiences slightly cooler temperatures than the wet season, but it can still rain at any time. The wet season runs from June or July until the end of year and is when the air is much more humid and short and sharp rainfall occurs.
The wet season coincides with the hurricane or tropical cyclone season, which varies in length and time depending on the destination, although you can expect storms from July through to November. Some destinations are more prone to receiving direct hits than others.
Best Time to Visit US External Territories
The best time to visit the US External Territories is during the dry season. As the name may suggest, the wet season has a much higher chance of rain and coincides with the hurricane season, which has the potential to wreak havoc with travel plans, infrastructure, and flight schedules.
The dry season has been historically the more popular time to visit the US External Territories, and in many places, including in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, it is considered the high season. Due to their proximity to the US, particularly during Christmas and Easter breaks, these islands can become busy and as a result, accommodation prices can sharply rise.
It is best to book accommodation as far in advance as possible during high season in order to secure the best deal. For a better deal, you could arrive during the ‘shoulder’ season, late November or early May, when hotel prices are significantly lower yet weather conditions are still favorable.
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