Beaches & Islands · Best Dec–Apr
St. Thomas and St. John packing list for families
The US Virgin Islands are an easy Caribbean trip for American families, but sunscreen rules, ferry days, and rocky trails all shape what you bring. Here is how our family packs for St. Thomas and St. John.
Photo by Karl Callwood on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on St. Thomas & St. John
- US citizens do not need a passport here, but you clear US Customs before flying home. Bring a government ID for adults and a passport or birth certificate for each child to keep things simple.
- The Virgin Islands now restrict sunscreens with oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene. Mineral sunscreen is the easy answer, and I buy it before we leave so we are not hunting for it at the shop.
- Cars drive on the left, the roads on St. John are steep and winding, and the ferry from Red Hook to Cruz Bay is part of most days. I keep a motion-sickness plan ready for kids who get queasy.
Best timeDec–Apr
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar
PassportNot for US citizens
Your packing edit
St. Thomas & St. John
This time of year
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Carry-on17
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Clothing13
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Swim cover-ups
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Shoes4
Sandals
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Water shoesSome beaches and national park trails are rocky.
Beach & pool15
Swimsuits2 per person
UPF rash guardsKristina's pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysKristina's pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
Lightweight beach tote
Goggles
Sand toys that nest flat
Pool float or swim vest for little swimmers
Waterproof phone pouch
After-sun aloe
Sand-free beach towel
Kids' snorkel mask setKristina's pickTrunk Bay and Maho Bay are easy places to snorkel with turtles.
Roll-top dry bagKeeps phones and towels dry on ferries and boat days.
Little ones12
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Little things20
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Kids' sunglasses
Wet bag for swimsuits
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Health & toiletries20
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Bug spray
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Motion-sickness bandsFerry crossings and St. John's hilly roads can unsettle little stomachs.
Documents & tech15
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
The outfit edit
Island whites
White, sand, sea glass, coral
For photos
- Everyone in white and one pop of coral
- Shoot at golden hour on the sand
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
St. Thomas & St. John weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 83°F 28°C | Dry season with steady trade winds and sunny days | Humpback whales migrating past the islands |
| February | 83°F 28°C | Dry season with steady trade winds and sunny days | Humpback whales migrating past the islands |
| March | 84°F 29°C | Dry season with steady trade winds and sunny days | Humpback whales migrating past the islands |
| April | 85°F 29°C | Dry season with steady trade winds and sunny days | Humpback whales migrating past the islands Virgin Islands Carnival on St. Thomas, with parades and a food fair |
| May | 86°F 30°C | Warm with lighter winds and occasional showers | Virgin Islands Carnival on St. Thomas, with parades and a food fair |
| June | 88°F 31°C | Warm with lighter winds and occasional showers | |
| July | 88°F 31°C | Hot with passing showers; hurricane season underway | St. John Festival, wrapping up with fireworks around July 4 |
| August | 89°F 32°C | Hot with passing showers; hurricane season underway | |
| September | 89°F 32°C | Peak hurricane risk and the rainiest stretch; some businesses slow down | |
| October | 88°F 31°C | Peak hurricane risk and the rainiest stretch; some businesses slow down | |
| November | 86°F 30°C | Peak hurricane risk and the rainiest stretch; some businesses slow down | |
| December | 84°F 29°C | Dry season with steady trade winds and sunny days | Holiday season with festive lights in Charlotte Amalie and Cruz Bay |
Questions families ask
St. Thomas & St. John with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit St. Thomas & St. John with kids?
The best time is Dec–Apr. Dry season with steady trade winds and sunny days
What's the weather like in St. Thomas & St. John?
Typical daytime highs range from about 83°F (28°C) in January to about 89°F (32°C) in August. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for St. Thomas & St. John?
US citizens don't need a passport, but bring a government ID for adults.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for St. Thomas & St. John?
None. St. Thomas & St. John uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for St. Thomas & St. John with kids?
US citizens do not need a passport here, but you clear US Customs before flying home. Bring a government ID for adults and a passport or birth certificate for each child to keep things simple.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.