There's not much better than a Caribbean vacation in winter. With fun events and incredible weather, December is one of the best times to visit St. Croix!
In this article, we’ll discuss what it’s like on St. Croix in December, including weather trends and activities like holiday festivities and kayaking adventures. We’ll also share helpful tips for traveling to the US Virgin Islands and St. Croix accommodations.
December Weather in St. Croix
In December, St. Croix’s average high is 82°F, and the average low is 72°F. The weather is mostly sunny, with rainfall about ten days during the month. Most often, rain showers don’t last long.
Where to Stay in St. Croix
There are distinct parts of the island, which are all great places to stay, but they each offer a unique experience.
Frederiksted - A small town on the west side of the island, where many locals live, with beautiful beaches, unique shops, and good restaurants and bars
Cane Bay - The north shore stretch, which is farther from many attractions, but has a fun beach and a few restaurants and bars within walking distance
Christiansted - The largest town on St. Croix, with a lot to see and do and the most popular areas being downtown and the boardwalk
East island - Often considered the nicer and quieter part of the island with fewer activities but not far from Christiansted town
St. Croix Hotels, Resorts, and Vacation Rentals
There are many accommodation options in St. Croix, including these reputable hotels and resorts:
Victoria House - A charming hotel in a historic building in Frederiksted
The Fred - An adults-only hotel with a pool, spa, and beach access in Frederiksted
Sand Castle on the Beach - An oceanfront hotel with an on-site restaurant and pool in Frederiksted
Carambola Beach Resort - A resort with a private beach, pool, restaurant, bar, and fitness center between Frederiksted and Cane Bay
The Waves - A beachside boutique hotel in Cane Bay
Company House Hotel - A newly updated, historic hotel close to many shops and restaurants in Christiandsted
Sugar Apple Bed and Breakfast - A quaint boutique hotel within walking distance of the boardwalk in Christiansted
The Buccaneer Hotel - An upscale hotel and resort with a restaurant, spa, tennis courts, and golf course just outside of Christiansted’s downtown area
Grapetree Bay Hotel - A renovated 1960s hotel with a restaurant, bar, and pool on the East side of St. Croix
Be mindful that St. Croix’s resorts aren’t all-inclusive. If you want a more resort-friendly vacation experience, St. Thomas may be a better option.
You can also find many Airbnbs and other vacation rentals throughout the island.
Things to Do on St. Croix in December
December is one of the most fun months on St. Croix, with so many things to do, including festive activities and celebrations. You can also enjoy the warm weather and sunshine on St. Croix in December.
Experience St. Croix Crucian Carnival
St. Croix’s carnival is one of the most fun and festive experiences on the island. The event starts in December and runs for several weeks into January.
There are various events throughout the carnival, most of which take place in Frederiksted. There’s an official Festival Village with rides, food trucks, and other vendors. There are also pageants and a popular children’s and adult’s parade with dancing troupes, steel pan bands, fire dancers, and more.
Note: While some carnival events start in December, parades are usually in early January.
Attend Local Festive Events
In addition to carnival, there are many other local events that take place throughout December. No matter when you visit St. Croix, you’ll likely find an event to attend during your stay to celebrate the local culture and holiday season.
Some of the most popular events on St. Croix in December include:
Art Thursday - Streets in downtown Christiansted are closed to vehicles, and local art galleries and jewelry shops stay open late and offer specials from 5 to 8 PM on Thursdays
Christmas Spoken Here - A holiday festival at the Botanical Garden with Crucian food, local goods, and pictures with Santa
Christmas Boat Parade - A large boat parade in the Christiansted Harbor followed by fireworks and local vendors lining the streets
Hang out on the Beach
One of the best parts of a vacation on St. Croix in December is that the winter winds bring a nice breeze for pleasant days on the beach.
With so many beaches on the island, there are many options, whether you’re looking to relax or enjoy beach activities.
Dorsch in Frederiksted and Mermaid at the Buccaneer Resort are some of the best beaches for relaxing, strolling, and hanging out. Cane Bay and Hotel on the Cay, a short boat ride from the Christiansted Boardwalk, are fun snorkeling beaches.
Kayak the Salt River Bay
Appreciate St. Croix’s scenic views and unique history while kayaking through Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve.
Virgin Kayak Tours offers various tour options, all of which offer a fun and relaxing adventure. Best of all, the kayaks are foot-pedaled making it easy for any level kayaker to explore the bay.
Choose from the following tours for a unique experience:
Historical & Ecological Day Tour - Take a daytime kayaking trip and enjoy the peaceful Salt River Bay while learning about local history and ecology
Bioluminescence Kayak Tour - See the magical bioluminescence in St. Croix’s super glow biobay
Sunset & Moonlight Tour - Appreciate the tranquil bay during sunset and moonrise, learn about the history, and see fascinating ecological features
If you prefer a self-guided tour, you can also rent kayaks and explore the bay on your own.
What is there to do in St. Croix on Christmas?
While much of St. Croix is quiet on Christmas, you can enjoy a holiday meal and spend time at the beach or hiking.
Dining - Restaurants that offer a special holiday menu on Christmas include Beach Side Cafe and Grapetree Hotel.
Hiking - Enjoy a Christmas day hike at Jack and Isaacs Bay at Point Udall on the East side of St. Crox or to Hams Bluff Lighthouse on the West side of the island. Both hikes offer incredible views.
Going to the beach - All beaches on St. Croix are open to the public year-round, even on Christmas day. Many locals and visitors enjoy spending the holiday on the beach!
St. Croix Travel Tips
As you plan your December vacation on St. Croix, here are some travel tips to keep in mind:
Book a rental car - Although the island is small, it’s very spread out. We recommend getting a rental car so you can explore and enjoy all that St. Croix offers.
Rules are different on the roads - Cars drive on the left side of the road on St. Croix and drivers may beep their horn as a way to let others go or to say thank you.
Be mindful of power outages - The US Virgin Islands often has power outages, although they don’t usually last long.
Book your trip as soon as possible - Winter is St. Croix’s busy season, so reserve your rental car and accommodations as soon as possible.
Greetings go a long way - You’ll find that many people will greet you with a good morning, good afternoon, or good night. A friendly greeting back is an easy way to show kindness and connect with the community.
We hope you found this article helpful and are excited about visiting St. Croix in December! If you’re ready to start planning fun activities, book your kayaking trip with Virgin Kayak Tours.