WHEN TO TRAVEL TO THE U.S. Virgin Islands

Location

Climate

High season: December to March

High season is from December to March and corresponds to the period when the islands see the greatest number of visitors. During this period, the climate is ideal: temperatures are pleasant and rain is rare. Water sports such as scuba diving, sailing and kayaking are particularly popular. On the other hand, accommodation and flight prices can be higher due to high demand.

Carnaval de Saint-Thomas

One of the highlights of the high season is undoubtedly the Carnaval de Saint-Thomasusually held between February and April. This colorful festival celebrates Caribbean culture with float parades, concerts and dance performances. The U.S. Virgin Islands are renowned for their Carnival, and this is the perfect opportunity to discover local traditions and rich cultural heritage.

Low season: April to November

The low season runs from April to November.. Temperatures remain pleasant, but rainfall is more frequent. There's also the risk of hurricanes between June and October. However, there are several advantages to this period: accommodation and flight prices are generally lower, and there are fewer tourists on site, so you can enjoy the beaches and sights more.

Saint-Thomas Blue Marlin Festival

In July, the Saint-Thomas Blue Marlin FestivalA must for sport fishing enthusiasts. The competition attracts participants from all over the world, who come to try their luck at catching the biggest blue marlin possible. Entertainment and parties are also organized around this event, which is an integral part of the local culture.

Public holidays and other cultural events

The U.S. Virgin Islands has many holidays and cultural events throughout the year. Here is a non-exhaustive list of the main celebrations:

• New Year's Day (January 1) New Year's Eve: New Year's Eve festivities usually continue into the following day, with parades and fireworks.
• Three Kings Day (January 6) Christmas: this Christian festival commemorates the visit of the three wise men to the infant Jesus. Masses and parades are organized for the occasion.
• Discovery Day (March 31) This day celebrates the discovery of the Virgin Islands by Christopher Columbus in 1493. Cultural events, such as traditional dances and historical re-enactments, are organized on the various islands.
• American Independence (July 4) The U.S. Virgin Islands: although located outside the U.S. mainland, the U.S. Virgin Islands also celebrate the American national holiday with fireworks and concerts.

Demographics of the U.S. Virgin Islands

According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the population of the U.S. Virgin Islands was around 106,000 in 2020. However, there has been a significant decline in the population in recent years, notably due to Hurricane Irma, which hit the archipelago in September 2017. The majority of Virgin Islands residents are of African-American origin (76%), while people of European origin account for around 15% of the population. Other ethnic origins present in the territory include Native Americans, Asians and Hispanics.

Birth and death rates

The birth rate in the U.S. Virgin Islands is relatively low, at around 10 births per 1,000 inhabitants in 2020. The mortality rate is slightly higher, at 11 deaths per 1,000 inhabitants in the same year. This demographic situation can be explained in part by the aging of the population and the emigration of young people to the continental United States.

Immigration to the U.S. Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands attracts a large number of immigrants every year, mainly from neighboring Caribbean and Central American countries. The main reasons for immigration are employment, study and family reunification.

Most popular visas

In the U.S. Virgin Islands, different types of visa are available for foreigners wishing to settle here. Among the most popular visas are :

• B-1/B-2 visa For temporary visitors on business (B-1) or tourism/medical (B-2).
• F-1 visa issued to international students wishing to pursue their studies in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
• H-2A visa granted to temporary agricultural workers.
• H-2B visa for temporary non-agricultural workers.

It is important to note that obtaining a visa does not automatically guarantee the right to reside in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The relevant authorities may refuse entry for various reasons, such as national security or public health.

International tourism figures for the U.S. Virgin Islands

The tourism sector is a key pillar of the US Virgin Islands economy, accounting for around 30% of the territory's gross domestic product (GDP). In 2019, the archipelago welcomed nearly 2.7 million international visitors, the vast majority of them from UNITED STATES continental.