St. Thomas vs St. John: Is St. Thomas or St. John Better for You?

If you're interested in vacationing in the US Virgin Islands, then chances are that either St. Thomas or St. John has come up. Why? They are both covered by beautiful beaches, and picturesque locations. St. Thomas versus St. John is full of fun activities to enjoy. How then can one decide where to go? Well, let's get into more details.

St. Thomas is located in the Caribbean and has a land area of 32 square meters. With a population of almost 43,000 people, it is home to numerous historical sites and numerous resorts.

St. John is the smallest of the US Virgin Islands with a land area of about 20 square meters, and a population of roughly 4000 people. Often referred to as the “Beverly Hills of the Caribbean”, over half of its landmass makes up Virgin Islands National Park. Its forests shelter resident and migratory birds such as hummingbirds and warblers.

While St John has no airport, the island is located about four miles away from the capital of the Virgin Islands in St Thomas which makes it accessible by boat.

Keep reading for the best time to visit St. Thomas and St. John and all the fun activities to engage in.

Beach in st John.

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Best Time to Visit St. Thomas and St. John

St Thomas has an average temperature of between 72°F to 90°F. Depending on the time of the year, it could be hot, windy, or cool. The average yearly precipitation here is about 3.2 inches per year, and while April to October is hotter in St Thomas, it is much cooler between November to March. Most people frequent here around the cooler months, as a lot of the activities are better enjoyed then.

St. John has an average temperature ranging between 73°F to 89°F, similar to St Thomas. However, there is higher precipitation during the hurricane season — June to December — and lower precipitation during the drier season from January to May. There is also more rainfall from September to November. The best time to visit St Thomas and St John is when it's less likely to rain from December to April; the weather would be cool enough for the vacation feel that you need. On the best time to visit, there's no clear winner in St. Thomas vs St. John.

Couple in st Thomas.

St. Thomas vs St. John: Average Hotel Price

If you're confused about hotel pricing in St. Thomas or St. John, here's a guide for you.

In St. Thomas, hotels range from 90 dollars to 200 dollars. Usually, hotels and transportation are cheaper in September because of higher rainfall and wetter days around this time. However, this weather presents a problem because while visitors want to enjoy the available discounts, there are fewer things to do in the rainy season. As a result, the majority end up coming around November to January when things are more expensive.

For St. John, hotel prices range from 146 dollars to 600 dollars. While it is pricier than St. Thomas, a hack is to book hotels a couple of months before your stay to get the best deals. The higher price of hotels and resorts in St John is because it's a popular spot for lovers, with the Cruz Bay which is also known as "Love City" being located there.

As regards hotel pricing for St. Thomas versus St. John, the clear winner is St. Thomas, even though you might choose to pay extra for the allure of St. John.

Things to Do in St. Thomas and St. John

St. Thomas and St. John have a whole lot of activities and adventure to offer. You could explore great depths by scuba-diving in St. Thomas in what many know as one of the clearest waters in the world while looking at the beautiful coral reefs and penetrating shipwrecks underwater. If you do not know how to scuba dive, there are instructors available to teach you.

For St. John, a list of things to do include:

Taking a hike by yourself or with a group of people along Cinnamon Bay Beach trail.
Relax at the Salt Pond Bay at the south of the island.
Go horseback riding alone or with a group of people at Carolina Corral and behold the beautiful views of Tortola and Hurricane Hills.
Explore the Virgin Islands National Park and see over 800 species of plants and remnants of the colonial sugar plantations.
Visit the Elaine Ione Sprauve Library and Museum and take in the history and culture of St John. The books also offer an extensive research on the Caribbean if you are looking.

Beautiful resort in st John.

Conclusion: Which is Better St. Thomas or St. John

We hope the question of which is better St. Thomas or St. John has been answered with this guide.

Overall, St. Thomas is considerably cheaper and more affordable compared to the pricey St. John. It also possesses more attractions, adventure, and an unbeatable nighttime scene. There's also a larger variety of hotels, and so, it is busier and more developed than St. John. However, If you're looking for a quieter place for a holiday, St. John is your go-to. It is also better for couples who are looking for a quiet gateway from the bustle of real life.

For us, we'd pick St Thomas if we had the chance. Who doesn't love adventure on a budget?

FAQ

What is nicer St John's or St Thomas?

St. Thomas and St. John are both beautiful islands in the US Virgin Islands. St. Thomas is the more popular and developed island, while St. John is more natural and laid-back. Both islands have stunning beaches, but St. John's beaches are generally considered to be more beautiful. St. Thomas has more activities and nightlife options, while St. John is more relaxing and quiet. Ultimately, it depends on what you are looking for in a vacation - St. Thomas is great for those who want to be more active and explore, while St. John is ideal for those who want to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the island.

Are the beaches better in St Thomas or St John?

Most people would say that St. John has the better beaches. St. Thomas does have some beautiful beaches, but they can be crowded and there is often seaweed present. St. John's beaches are more secluded and the water is typically clearer.

Is snorkeling better in St John or St Thomas?

It really depends on what you're looking for in a snorkeling destination. If you want to see a lot of fish, St John is the better choice. If you're interested in exploring shipwrecks, St Thomas is the better choice.

Is the weather better in St. Thomas or St. John?

There is no definitive answer to this question as the weather can vary greatly depending on the time of year and other factors. However, in general, St. Thomas tends to have more consistent temperatures and less rainfall than St. John. So if you're looking for good weather, St. Thomas may be the better choice.

Is St. Thomas more expensive than St. John?

Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule and you can find bargains on St. Thomas just as you can find expensive options on St. John. It really depends on your budget and what you're looking for. In general, though, St. Thomas is going to be more expensive than St. John.