St. Thomas
Pair a visit to Charlotte Amalie’s historic harbor district with beach days, snorkeling, and drives across a hilly Caribbean island.
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St. Thomas is an island in the US Virgin Islands, with Charlotte Amalie as its main town. The town wraps around a deep harbor, and its streets reflect the island’s Danish colonial past. Walk through Charlotte Amalie to see its architecture and historic streets, head uphill for harbor views, or spend time at beaches and snorkeling spots around the island. A visit can pair time in town with a day by the water.
St. Thomas suits travelers who want beaches alongside a port town and historic sights. The island’s hills affect travel between places, so allow time for routes across the island. The dry season runs roughly from December through April. A few days can cover Charlotte Amalie and nearby beaches; stay longer if you want more time along the coast. You can also take a passenger ferry to St. John, but check the operator’s schedule when planning your trip.
St. Thomas in five
- Drive on the leftVehicles keep left in the US Virgin Islands, even though road signs and most cars are American. Take extra care at intersections and when leaving the airport.
- Carry US dollarsThe US dollar is the currency, and card acceptance can vary at small businesses. Keep cash for taxis, markets and other small purchases.
- Check entry rules for your passportSt. Thomas is a US territory, but entry requirements depend on your citizenship and travel route. Check the US Virgin Islands guidance before you travel.Visas and entry
- Allow for ferry time to St. JohnPassenger ferries connect St. Thomas with St. John, but schedules and fares can change. Check the current operator timetable before planning a connection.
- Save 911Call 911 for police, fire or medical emergencies in the US Virgin Islands.
Things to do in St. Thomas
See all attractions in St. Thomas
Need to know
- Currency
- US dollar (USD)
- Entry
- Entry rules depend on citizenship and travel route
- Emergency
- 911 police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- About 15-20% at restaurants
- Time
- UTC-4, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryDry season
- FebruaryDry season
- MarchDry, quieter
- AprilDry, warm
- MayWarm, humid
- JuneRain increases
- JulyHurricane season
- AugustHurricane season
- SeptemberHurricane risk
- OctoberRain eases
- NovemberDry season starts
- DecemberDry, busy
Right now in St. Thomas
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
29
- Feels like
- 33°
- Humidity
- 72%
- Wind
- 29 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 61%
Charlotte Amalie
04:37 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today30°28°61%Monday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 61%.
- Tue29°28°41%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 41%.
- Wed29°27°40%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 40%.
- Thu29°26°45%Thursday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 45%.
- Fri28°26°80%Friday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 80%.
- Sat28°26°69%Saturday: Rain. High 28°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 69%.
- Sun29°27°45%Sunday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 45%.
Updated 01:18 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- St. Johnabout 20 to 45 min by ferryGo for Virgin Islands National Park, beaches and hiking; check ferry times before setting out.
- Water Islandabout 10 min by ferryTake a short ferry ride for Honeymoon Beach and a quieter day away from Charlotte Amalie.
- Cruz Bayabout 20 to 45 min by ferryVisit St. John’s main town for restaurants and shops before exploring the island.
Before you go to St. Thomas
Rules for St. Thomas, checked
- Check US Virgin Islands entry requirements for your passport and route before travel.Source
- Expect an agricultural inspection when traveling from the US Virgin Islands to the mainland; check current USDA rules for what you can bring.Source
- Drive on the left and keep left on the road, including when turning.
Plan around St. Thomas
Practical planning for the islands
Read the guideGetting aroundPlan transport between the airport, town and ferry terminals
Read the guideVisas and entryCheck entry requirements for your passport and route
Read the guideMoney and costsPlan cash, cards and your trip budget
Read the guideWhere to stayChoose a base for your St. Thomas trip
Read the guideSt. Thomas FAQ
Do I need a passport to go to St. Thomas?
It depends on your citizenship and route. US citizens traveling directly from the US mainland do not need a passport to enter the US Virgin Islands, but should check current identification requirements with their airline. Other travelers should confirm entry rules for their nationality.
What currency does St. Thomas use?
The US dollar is the local currency. Cards are common, but cash is useful for small purchases and some taxis.
Which side of the road do you drive on in St. Thomas?
Drive on the left. Most vehicles have the steering wheel on the left, so take extra care at junctions and when turning.
How do you get from St. Thomas to St. John?
Take a passenger ferry from St. Thomas to St. John. Check the current ferry operator schedule and fares before you travel, especially if you have a flight to catch.
Is Charlotte Amalie worth visiting?
Yes, if you want to explore St. Thomas’s main town, shops and historic streets. The town is also a useful base for local transport and ferry connections.
Do you tip in St. Thomas?
Tipping is customary. A tip of about 15-20% is common at restaurants; check the bill for a service charge before adding one.