Tortola Weather.

It’s often said that you should pay no attention whatsoever to the Tortola Weather forecast  because it always says that it’s going to rain.  If you went to a weather forecast every day for a month you'd get the impression the sun never shone!  This is because the British Virgin Islands are in the Tropics and during any single 24 hour period, it will probably rain somewhere on the island – although there’s a good chance it won’t rain on you.  It’s not unusual for it to be raining in one area with bright sunshine just down the road.

One of the really appreciated aspects of Tortola weather is that the seasons don’t have those sharp changes you find elsewhere.  This means that temperatures only very rarely fall below 77°F (25°C) during the winter or rise much above 90°F (32°C) in the summer months.  This tropical location also means that there is very little difference in the number of daylight hours throughout the year.  In addition, nighttime temperatures will probably only fall by about 10°F (6°C).  The rainfall in the BVI averages about 40 inches each year, with the wettest months generally from September to December.

The winter season in Tortola is classified as being between December through March, and whilst the North Americans and Europeans might be suffering from winter’s icy blasts, Tortola will be experiencing temperatures between 72 and 82°F (22 and 28°C) and wonderfully consistent trade winds of between 15 and 20 knots.  The stable weather patterns can be affected by high pressure systems in the North Atlantic, resulting in what the locals call the Christmas Winds of over 20 knots.  Generally, though, the trade winds, which once helped the clipper ships cross the Atlantic, provide perfect wind for the island’s sailing activities.

The Spring season, from April through June, brings with it a slight moderation of the trade winds and a similar rise in daily temperatures.  The island begins to take on its characteristic green lushness now and, as the wave action is reduced, it’s a perfect time for snorkeling.  You’ll have about a 20% chance of some showers during Spring but there are many people who will tell you it’s the very best time to visit – the winter tourists have gone and the summer ones not yet arrived and the days are generally just perfect.

Summer, from July through September, Tortola weather sees both the highest temperatures and also rainfall beginning to gradually increase.  Summer winds tend to go in an ESE direction, at something between 10 to 12 knots, providing gentle breezes for water enthusiasts.  September is often the warmest month and daytime highs can reach 95°F (35°C), although the nights are generally still comfortable.  If it does get too hot, then heading inland to the shady groves and higher altitudes can help take the edge off the heat somewhat by offering cooler temperatures.  

The hurricane season, of course, is from June to September but the Caribbean is a large area and the chances of a direct hit are not very high – and nowadays there is always plenty of prior notice.  They are by no means a common occurrence on Tortola.

Autumn, in October and November, will see winds between 10 and 20 knots, generally from the east, providing excellent sailing conditions and some of those short, sharp showers that leave you not quite sure whether to run for cover or just let it refresh you before the sun returns to dry you off.

Tortola, therefore, can provide you with warm sunshine, pleasant breezes and unfeasibly blue skies whatever time of the year you decide to visit.

 But make sure you bring plenty of sun block.

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