Rain on Vacation? These Are the Best Things to Do in St. John When It’s Raining
- Captain Sara
- Feb 11
- 4 min read
Don’t Cancel Your Day Just Yet ☔🌴
If you’re visiting St. John and wake up to raindrops instead of sunshine, don’t panic – this island still delivers magic, even in the rain. Showers here are often brief, localized, and followed by that fresh, just-rained glow that makes the greens greener and the blues bluer.
A rainy day on St. John isn’t a washout, it’s an invitation to slow down, get a little adventurous, and see the island from a different (and honestly underrated) perspective.
Here’s how to make the most of a rainy day on St. John, whether you’re on land or out on the water.
First Things First: Island Rain 101
Before we dive in, a quick reality check: rain on St. John rarely lasts all day. More often than not, it’s a passing shower that drifts through one side of the island while the other side stays sunny. Translation? Flexibility is your superpower.
What to Do If It Rains on Your Boat Trip 🚤
Good news: rain doesn’t automatically mean your boat day is ruined – far from it.
Your captain will always do their best to navigate around isolated showers when possible. Thanks to St. John’s microclimates, that rain cloud you see might never actually reach you.
And if it does?
Snorkeling in the Rain Isn’t Bad at All
Once you’re in the water, a little rain hardly matters. Snorkeling in light rain can actually be peaceful: fewer boats, fewer people, and the marine life doesn’t run for cover. And have you ever seen raindrops from below the surface? It’s a magical perspective few get to enjoy.
Pro Tip: Bring a “Towel Buddy”
This is a seasoned island traveler trick. Pair up with a friend and share one towel while the boat is moving, it helps shield you from wind and rain. Later, when you’re ready to dry off, you’ll be very happy to have a second dry towel waiting for you.
Pack a Lightweight Rain Jacket
A thin raincoat or windbreaker goes a long way. It keeps you warm while cruising between spots and takes up almost no space in your bag. Bonus points if it dries fast.
Bottom line: a little rain rarely stops a great boat day – it just adds a story.
Embrace the Rain: Hike to the Reef Bay Waterfall 💧🌿
If it’s raining, this is your sign to lean into it.
Rain brings the Reef Bay waterfall to life; after steady rainfall, the waterfall at the end of the trail is flowing, dramatic, and absolutely worth the trek.
A Few Important Safety Tips:
The trail will be slippery – take your time and wear shoes with good traction.
Bring a full change of dry clothes for after the hike.
Leave flip flops in your car so you can swap into them post-hike.
Pack water and snacks, even if it’s overcast.
Yes, you’ll get muddy. Yes, you’ll probably get rained on. And yes, it’s one of those unforgettable St. John experiences people talk about long after their trip is over.
More Things to Do in St. John When It’s Raining 🌧️
Rainy days are a great excuse to experience a different side of the island, one that’s slower, more flexible, and often even more memorable.
Covered Beach Pavilions: Rain-Adjacent Beach Time
Hawksnest Beach and Trunk Bay are two of the best places to ride out a passing shower without packing it in.
Hawksnest Beach has two covered pavilions, making it easy to stash your bags, towels, and snacks while the rain moves through.
Trunk Bay features one large covered pavilion where you can wait out showers, keep gear dry, or enjoy a rain-adjacent picnic.
The views are still incredible, the water stays warm, and the air temperature is often downright pleasant after a shower. When the rain passes – as it usually does – you’re already in one of the island’s most beautiful spots.
Explore Cruz Bay Shops & Galleries
Duck into the shops around Cruz Bay where you’ll find local art, handmade jewelry, island apparel, and souvenirs you won’t see anywhere else. Rainy afternoons are quieter, which means more time to browse and chat with shop owners.
Visit the Annaberg Sugar Plantation Ruins
A little rain adds atmosphere to this historic site. The stone ruins feel dramatic under cloudy skies, and the views over Leinster Bay are still stunning, just watch your footing on wet stone.
Scenic Drives & Overlooks
If hiking feels too ambitious in the rain, hop in the car and explore St. John’s winding roads. Pull over at scenic overlooks between showers, cloudy skies often mean moody views and great photos.
The Takeaway – Things to Do in St. John When It’s Raining 🌧️
If you find yourself on St. John when the skies open up, don’t let it put a damper on your adventure. From covered pavilions at Hawksnest and Trunk Bay to snorkeling in light showers and chasing waterfalls, there are still plenty of things to do in St. John when it’s raining.
Take your time, explore at your own pace, and let the weather guide a different kind of experience. Whether it’s a rain-adjacent beach picnic, wandering local shops, or enjoying villa downtime with games and ocean views, you’ll find that rainy days can be some of the most memorable.
Even a little rain can turn an ordinary day into an island story worth telling – sometimes the best moments happen when you just go with the flow.
📸 All photos courtesy of Sara Lee Richter 📸
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