Nevis
Nevis is for travelers who want a quiet island with beaches, old estate inns and a volcanic peak to climb.
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Nevis is a small, nearly round volcanic island in the Leeward Islands of the Eastern Caribbean, and part of the federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Charlestown, the capital, sits on the west coast. Nevis Peak rises in the middle of the island, and its lower slopes were once covered in sugar plantations, several of which are now inns. In 1787 Horatio Nelson, later Admiral Lord Nelson, married Frances Nisbet on the island.
Nevis suits travelers who want beaches, historic estate houses and a slow pace. Walks on Nevis Peak and past the older plantations fill the slower days, and the island is small enough to drive across in under an hour. The dry season, roughly December to April, is the most comfortable time to visit. Plan at least three nights, or a week if you want time for hiking and the beaches. The ferry from Saint Kitts makes a day trip possible, but a longer stay suits the island better.
Nevis in five
- Take the ferry from Basseterre to CharlestownFerries cross from Basseterre on St Kitts to Charlestown on Nevis in about 45 minutes. Check the operator's current schedule before you plan a day trip.St Kitts & Nevis
- Carry East Caribbean dollars and small notesThe East Caribbean dollar (XCD) is the local currency, and US dollars are widely accepted. Keep small notes for taxis and market stalls.Money and costs
- Set up an eSIM before you landDownload offline maps before you land, since the signal can drop on the steep inland roads.Phones and eSIM
- Drive on the left and check the permitTraffic keeps to the left. Ask your rental company which local driving permit you need and where to get it before you drive.Getting around
- Book travel insurance for storm seasonStorms are most likely from June to November. Check that your policy covers cancellations and delays caused by a named storm.Travel insurance
Need to know
- Currency
- East Caribbean dollar (XCD)
- Entry
- Visa-free for many passports; check your nationality before you book
- Emergency
- 911 for police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- A service charge may be added to bills; check before you pay
- Time
- UTC-4, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Festival
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryDry, breezy
- FebruaryDry, busy
- MarchDry, warm
- AprilDry, warm
- MayWarm, rain begins
- JuneHurricane season
- JulyHurricane season
- AugustPeak storm risk
- SeptemberPeak storm risk
- OctoberStorm risk
- NovemberRain, storm risk
- DecemberDry season starts
Festivals: Jul Culturama · Aug Culturama
Right now in Nevis
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
29
- Feels like
- 31°
- Humidity
- 71%
- Wind
- 21 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 48%
Charlestown
08:22 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today31°28°48%Monday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 48%.
- Tue30°27°62%Tuesday: Thunderstorms. High 30°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 62%.
- Wed31°27°17%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 17%.
- Thu31°26°22%Thursday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 22%.
- Fri30°24°51%Friday: Rain. High 30°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 51%.
- Sat30°24°59%Saturday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 59%.
- Sun29°25°49%Sunday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 49%.
Updated 06:05 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 2.7 XCD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Every year
- Jul–AugCulturamaNevis
Day trips by train
- Basseterre, St Kittsabout 45 min by ferryThe capital of St Kitts, reached on the ferry crossing from Charlestown.Read the guide
- Brimstone Hill Fortress, St Kittsabout 30 min by car from BasseterreA UNESCO-listed fort on a steep hill above the coast.
- Romney Manor, St Kittsabout 30 min by car from BasseterreGardens and a batik workshop at a historic estate near the island's centre.
Before you go to Nevis
Rules for Nevis, checked
- Check visa and entry rules for your passport with the government of St Kitts and Nevis before you book flights.
- Traffic drives on the left. Confirm the local driving permit rule with your rental company before you drive off.
- Dress modestly when you visit churches and government buildings.
Plan around Nevis
Beach, town and guesthouse options across the island
Read the guideGetting around NevisRental cars, taxis and the ferry from St Kitts
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, cards and what a day usually costs
Read the guideVisas and entryEntry rules by passport before you book
Read the guideCharlestown guideThe island's capital and its waterfront
Read the guideSt Kitts & Nevis guideThe federation, the ferry and the other island
Read the guideNevis FAQ
Is Nevis worth visiting?
Yes, if you want a quiet island with beaches, a volcanic peak and a small capital. It is smaller than St Kitts, and Charlestown is compact enough to walk.
How many days do you need on Nevis?
Two to three days cover the beaches, a drive around the island and Charlestown. Add a day if you plan to hike Nevis Peak.
Do I need a visa for Nevis?
Many passports enter visa-free for short stays, but not all. Check the entry rules for your nationality with the government of St Kitts and Nevis before you book.
How do I get from St Kitts to Nevis?
Take the ferry from Basseterre to Charlestown, which takes about 45 minutes. Check the operator's current schedule before you plan the day.
Can you visit Nevis as a day trip from St Kitts?
Yes. The crossing takes about 45 minutes each way, which leaves time for Charlestown and one beach. Stay a night if you want the evening.
What is the best time to visit Nevis?
December to April is the dry season and the most comfortable time to visit. June to November is hurricane season, so check storm cover before you book.