Visiting St. Thomas in December: Everything You Need To Know
Searching for what is it like to visit St. Thomas in December? Discover everything you need to know about the weather, demand, pricing, and the best things to do.
Thinking about visiting St. Thomas in December? This is when the island shifts from fall rains into a brighter, drier season. Expect sunny skies, inviting waters, and festive energy.
Here's your December guide for the island—from climate and tourism demand to daylight hours and best experiences.
St. Thomas Weather in December
December brings warm days, sparkling seas, and improving weather reliability:
Temperature
Averages range between a warm 85 °F (29 °C) during the day and comfortable 75 °F (24 °C) at night.
Rainfall & Trend
Rainfall declines compared to the fall—starting the month near 2.4 inches, dropping to about 1.1 inches by month’s end. Other sources report a moderate total of around 3 inches, typical for this transitional season.
Humidity & Climate
December marks more pleasant humidity and a significant improvement in weather consistency—ranking among the best months to visit.
Water Temperature
The sea remains luxuriously warm year‑round—great for swimming and snorkeling.
December Weather Summary
December ushers in tropical comfort—milder skies, bright sunshine, and fewer showers.
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Sunrise & Sunset in December
- Daylight Hours: In December, St. Thomas averages around 11 hours of daylight.
- Sunrise Time: Shifts from approximately 6:35 AM at the beginning of the month to about 6:51 AM by the end.
- Sunset Time: Moves from around 5:42 PM early in the month to 5:49 PM toward the end.
Bright, breezy days provide the perfect backdrop for sunrise strolls and extended beach time.
December is Peak Season in St. Thomas
Tourism Demand & Pricing
December kicks off the peak tourism season, alongside January through April. Expect lively island energy, especially around holidays and St. Thomas Carnival season.
Value & Vibe
While crowds and prices rise, early December can offer a balance—a festive atmosphere without the full rush.
Best Things To Do in December
With sunlit mornings and festive anticipation, December is rich with activities and island charm:
Beach Life & Water Fun
Soak up the sun at iconic spots like Magens Bay, Sapphire Beach, or Secret Harbour Beach—ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.
Cultural & Festive Celebrations
The island comes alive with Carnival events, parades, Christmas markets, and music—adding warmth and cultural flair.
Duty‑Free Shopping & Town Exploration
Charlotte Amalie buzzes with shopping, historic architecture, and unique step streets—perfect for daytime wandering.
Indoor Options for Iffy Weather
Visit Coral World Ocean Park, local museums, or cozy up with island cuisine when a passing shower rolls in.
Scenic Views & Golden Sunsets
Drive to lookouts like Paradise Point or stroll along Charlotte Amalie harbor—December's lighting makes these even more spectacular.
Here's a visual snapshot illustrating sargassum seaweed washed ashore on a St. Thomas beach—the view shows clumps accumulated along the shore, a scenario that can occur particularly during active seaweed periods.
Sargassum on St. Thomas in December
Overview & Seasonality
- December typically sees low levels of sargassum. The sargassum season in the Caribbean generally runs from March through October, coinciding with warmer water temperatures.
- By December, warm conditions have shifted, and sargassum blooms naturally decline across the region.
Beach Impact & Geography
- On rare occasions during early December, minor sargassum arrivals may still occur—such as documented instances around Magens Bay, where small amounts have washed ashore.
- Beaches with eastern exposure (facing prevailing currents) are typically more prone to any residual seaweed—however, those along the north or west shore remain largely unaffected.
- Reports from nearby St. John indicate that easterly-facing bays (e.g., Friis Bay, Haulover) are the primary accumulation zones—while popular tourist beaches remain clean.
Local Mitigation
- Local hotels and municipalities tend to remove sargassum quickly, especially from prime beaches—this proactive response usually prevents lingering patches from becoming an issue.
Sargassum Overview
| Seasonality | December sees minimal sargassum activity |
| Affected Areas | Rarely impacts major beaches; if present, eastern bays are most impacted |
| Beach Conditions | North and west-facing beaches remain largely clean |
| Local Action | Rapid cleanup by resorts helps maintain beach appeal |
In December, you're highly unlikely to encounter significant sargassum on St. Thomas. While sporadic strands may appear—especially on eastern shores—most beaches, particularly on the north and west, remain pristine. Ongoing cleanup efforts also keep beaches visitor-friendly through the holiday season and beyond.
Sapphire Beach Live Cam
Check the live camera for Sapphire Beach below before heading out for the day, and you will know what to expect when you arrive.
Sapphire Beach Live Cam
December Highlights
| Category | December in St. Thomas Highlights |
|---|---|
| Weather | Warm, pleasant, low rainfall—ideal beach conditions |
| Crowds & Pricing | High season—festive yet potentially early deals |
| Daylight | ~11 hours—great for beach time and sightseeing |
| Top Activities | Beaches, sun, culture, shopping, marine zones |
| Pro Tip | Book early for holidays; start days with beach before indoor plans |
Summary of Visiting St. Thomas In December
Pros
- Warmest sea and comfortable tropical weather with minimal rain.
- Festive atmosphere, lively cultural events, and lively crowds.
- Full access to beaches, activities, and shopping hubs.
Cons
- Increased crowds and prices—especially during holidays.
- Some venues may close early post-holidays.
Kylie Jones