Table of Contents

17 Top St. Thomas Packing List Items for 2024 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

What to pack for St. Thomas
seen in: national geographic, cnn, travel + leisure, new york times
the guardian, lonely planet, usa today, forbes
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St. Thomas belongs to the U.S. Virgin Islands and sits in the Caribbean Sea. It’s the chief island of that region, and it’s volcanic. But this shouldn’t scare you. Tourists have been walking the beaches of St. Thomas ever since outsiders learned about the surrounding blue water. About a million people visit St. Thomas every year, and we can understand why.

The weather is the same consistently year-round on this amazing island paradise, which is typically somewhere between 75˚ – 90˚ Fahrenheit. Weather like this requires specific packing, so we put together a list of what you should bring and what you should definitely need leave behind.

See our product selection criteria and guidelines here.

What to Pack for St. Thomas – 17 Essentials

  • 1. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

    Just like any other island, St. Thomas is surrounded by water. You can expect to spend a lot of time swimming, scuba diving, kayaking, and more. A quick dry towel like this one comes in handy when you plan on being wet a lot.

    travel towel

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 2. Universal Waterproof Phone Case

    If there’s one thing that can’t handle being wet, it’s your smartphone. Am I right? And we can almost guarantee that ruining your phone while visiting an island will be a hassle. Get this phone case, and you’ll be able to take all the pictures you want without worry.

    Universa Waterproof

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

    If you’re visiting St. Thomas for a day on a cruise stop, this isn’t for you. If you are spending some serious time on the island, a virtual private network (VPN) will come in handy. It’s all the protection you need when using public Wi-Fi networks and want your browsing to be private.

    Virtual Private Network (VPN)

    View NordVPN.com Options ➜

  • 4. Neck Wallet

    How often do you lose something that’s hanging around your neck? A neck wallet like this one offers a durable carrier for precious documents, identification, and other valuable items like credit cards and cash. Plus, it lays flat on your chest, so you always feel it there and can wear it underneath your shirt.

    Neck Wallet

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 5. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

    Imagine you and your family are visiting the St. Thomas Sea Sanctuary, and you all see a school of dolphins. You reach for your phone to get a photo, and the battery is dead. How frustrating is that? This portable charger is small, inexpensive, and carries enough charge to keep you going through the day.

    charger

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 6. Cooling Towel

    While the weather is considered perfect by travelers, hot days can get the best of you, especially if you’re active. Hiking, snorkeling, and sightseeing under the blazing sun can get a person overheated. This cooling towel is a perfect addition to your packing list because it can help you drop your temperature quickly.

    cooling towel

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 7. Hanging Toiletry Bag

    No matter where you are traveling from, you’re going to have to get on a plane or boat to get there. That’s why we suggest organizing well and packing as little as you can. This hanging toiletry bag will help you condense, and you don’t have to remove anything. That way, you always know where your things are, and you avoid clutter.

    Hanging Toiletry Bag

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 8. Universal Travel Adapter

    Some travelers get to St. Thomas on a cruise ship and stay for a day. Others rent homes on the island so they can stretch out and enjoy the local culture. If you plan on staying there for some time, bring a travel adapter to make sure your devices are always charged. You don’t need one if you’re living in the United States. But, if you’re living elsewhere, you may need one.

    Power Adaptor

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 9. LifeStraw Water Bottle

    When staying in St. Thomas, you’ll be out and about a great deal. That much activity is dehydrating, so it’s smart to keep water on you at all times. The LifeStraw Water Bottle filters out all the bad stuff, so you have fresh drinkable water. By doing this, you save money and do your part to lessen our carbon footprint.

    LifeStraw Water Bottle

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 10. Packing Cubes

    We suggested packing light, but if you’re planning on staying for a week or more, there’s no getting around the number of items you want to bring. These packing cubes are stackable and a fun way to organize all the belongings you and your family need for a good time on the island. You can even research sending them ahead.

    Packing Cubes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 11. Daypack

    There will be days when you head out and don’t come back until well after dark. On those days you’re going to need a great backpack to keep things like your water and extra socks if you’re hiking. This daypack is waterproof and offers a ton of compartments to keep everything you need neatly organized.

    Daypack

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 12. Windproof Travel Umbrella

    Even though the rainiest time in St. Thomas is from August until January, it never rains there more than twelve days in a month. So, the odds that you’ll experience a storm is small, but it’s always good to be prepared. Plus, this easy-to-pack umbrella offers protection from the sun.

    Windproof Travel Umbrella

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 13. Travel Insurance for St. Thomas

    Things happen, and plans change. Travel insurance will give you the peace of mind you need to make all the reservations you want. TravelInsurance.com offers a variety of plans with affordable rates, which you can get easily on their website by comparing options from top companies.

    travelinsurance.com

    Compare policies at TravelInsurance.com ➜

  • 14. Luggage Locks

    Luggage locks are essential when traveling internationally. Your luggage will pass through many hands. Make sure only airport officials can access your belongings with a pair of these TSA-approved luggage locks. They’re lightweight yet super durable, making them perfect for travel.

  • 15. Sunscreen

    Sunshine is a wonderful thing and offers wonderful benefits to our health. But too much of it can also do damage to our bodies and we need to protect ourselves. This sunscreen by Sun Bum offers protection for two hours. It’s loaded with vitamin E, water resistant, and reef friendly. So, you’ll be helping yourself without harming the environment.

    Sunscreen

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 16. After Sun Cream

    All of us have forgotten to reapply our sunscreen and found ourselves with burned skin. If that happens, you’ll be glad you had this organic cooling after sun spray. It’s mad with aloe vera and other essential oils like chamomile and peppermint. You don’t have to wait until you burn to use it either. It’s perfect after a day in the sun.

    After Sun Cream

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 17. Dive Map

    Diving is one of the most popular activities on St. Thomas. If this is something you plan on doing, we highly recommend getting this detailed dive map. It lists the location of all the bays and shipwrecks. There’s enough on this map to keep diving enthusiasts busy for months on end. On the other side there are images of all the fish you’ll see when diving.

    Dive Map

    View on Amazon.com ➜

What to Wear in St. Thomas

St. Thomas is consistently between the high seventies and high eighties all year long, which dictates the items you’ll choose to pack. We have a full list of what clothing items not to bring with you on your trip, so this section is going to focus on what you should bring. But before you start throwing stuff into your suitcase, there are some things you need to consider.

What kind of activities do you plan on doing when visiting St. Thomas? There’s so much to do you want to be sure you have the right clothing for all of it. There is limited room when you’re packing, especially if you have kids and a spouse to think of as well. We put together these lists of clothing items we think you’ll need while there.

What to Wear in St. Thomas
What Should Women Wear in St. Thomas?- (Click to expand)

Below is a sample women’s clothing list.(All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

Women Sundress
Women Cute Sandals
Women Sun Hat
Women Shorts
Women Tank Tops
Women Bathing Suit
Women Bikini
Bathing Suit Cover Up
Women Costume Jewelry
Women Hiking Shoes
Sun Protection Shirt
Women Pajamas
Women Flip Flops
Women Walking Shoes
Women Skirts

While you’re in St. Thomas you want to look good, but you don’t want to be uncomfortable either, which is why we suggest knowing what you want to do. If you’re spending most of your time at the beach, then you’ll want to bring more than one bathing suit. If you’re going hiking don’t forget the sun protection shirt and hiking shoes.

St. Thomas also has a vibrant nightlife with bustling restaurants and clubs with dance floors waiting for you and your friends. That’s when you’ll need that fun little flowered dress and cute heels. Items that are a must are sunglasses, flip-flops, and a cute cover-up.

What Should Men Wear in St. Thomas?- (Click to expand)

Below is a sample men’s clothing list.(All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

Men Shorts
Men Shirts
Men Tanks
Men T-shirt
Men Flip Flops
Men Water Shoes
Men Hiking Shoes
Men Sun Hat
Men Underwear
Men Pajamas
Men Cap
Men Watch
Men Socks
Men Belt

Men should follow the same rules when it comes to packing their clothes. Know the activities you want to do. If you’re into clubs and restaurants, bring some nice shorts and a short sleeve button-down shirt. For the most part, pack shorts, t-shirts, and tank tops.

We highly recommend bringing two or three pairs of swimming trunks if you’re staying for longer than a week and don’t forget a pair of comfortable shoes. A good sun hat or cap will also come in handy on those days when the sun is getting to be a little too much.

Packing for the Seasons in St. Thomas

Summer – June, July, August

In the summer, St. Thomas is beautiful, and you won’t need much more than a couple of bathing suits or swimming trunks, tank tops, and a pair of flip-flops because you’ll likely spend most of your time at the beach or pool. But a fun sundress and some shorts will also come in handy during this time of year.
Summer Season

Fall – September, October, November

The weather on St. Thomas in the fall is nearly identical to the weather that you’ll find in the summer. That’s why we suggest doubling up on those shorts, tops, and sandals. You won’t need cool weather clothing on this island.

Winter – December, January, February

Winter months in December, January, and February are typically in the low 80s in St. Thomas. Some destinations require coats, hats, and gloves, but not this place. Bring just as many pairs of shorts, tanks, and bathing suits as you would in the summer. Be ready to enjoy the beach and the pools as the weather is warm and comfortable this time of year.
Winter Season

Spring – March, April, May

You’ve probably already guessed what we’re going to suggest for spring. Because the weather is pretty much the same all year long in St. Thomas. So, bring plenty of bikinis, cover-ups, and flip-flops for those long lazy days at the beach.

Dressing appropriately for the activity– (Click to expand)

Beach/Boating: When visiting St. Thomas, you’ll want to spend most of your time in the gorgeous blue waters surrounding the island. This can be putting your feet in the water on the beach or renting a boat for the day. For any water-related activities, all you need is a swimming suit, cover up, and flip flops. Don’t forget the sunglasses!

Hiking: Another fun activity to do while vacationing in St. Thomas is hiking. There are some lovely trails with spectacular views. For this type of outing, you’ll need those hiking shoes, socks, shorts, and tank tops, because it will still be hot. You could wear trunks underneath if you need to jump in the ocean.

Sightseeing: St. Thomas has a thriving downtown area with duty-free shops on Main Street. You can also pay a visit to Blackbeard’s Castle and Fort Christian. You can wear a cute sundress, or shorts and a tank top. Just be sure to wear a good pair of walking sandals so your feet don’t suffer.

Out on the Town: Like other destination islands, St. Thomas has a robust nightlife with bars and restaurants for you to enjoy. The weather is still going to be warm, so a sundress or nice shirt with a pair of shorts will be fine. Honestly, you can go to most places in your bathing suit or swimming trunks, but sometimes it’s nice to dress up a bit.

Diving/Snorkeling: Spending time underwater is a popular activity when visiting St. Thomas because it’s a fantastic way to view unwater life. Besides the snorkeling gear or a diving certification, all you need to pack is a wetsuit, bathing suit, flip flops, and a good drying towel. Don’t forget the sunglasses for when you’re above water, so your eyes can adjust well.

What NOT to Bring to St. Thomas

  • 1.DON’T Bring Expensive Jewelry

    Diamonds and pearls are lovely, but island life is pretty casual, and most people are dressed way down. Everyday jewelry like rings and silver bracelets will work best. Plus, this a great opportunity to treat yourself to some fun new costume jewelry for sale on the island!

  • 2.DON’T Bring Heavy Books

    If you’re a seasoned traveler, you know that less is more. Lugging heavy bags around an airport is the antithesis of fun, which is what a vacation is supposed to be. Bring a Kindle or tablet of your choice. With a device, you can bring an entire library for your week on the beach.

  • 3.DON’T Bring Unnecessary Clothing

    As we’ve said, it’s always warm and sunny in St. Thomas, which is why is a popular destination spot year-round, so you won’t need clothes to keep you warm. Also, try to plan your clothing in advance and only bring what you need. If you have access to laundry, that’s even better. Packing lightly is the dream so eliminate excessive clothing.

  • 4.DON’T Bring Unnecessary Electronics

    Tablets and smartphones are must-haves when visiting St. Thomas, but you can leave the laptop and work phones at home. When visiting the islands, it’s time for relaxation, and electronics should be put aside unless you’re reading or taking a photo. Emails, video conferences, and Zoom meetings can wait until you get home.

  • 5.DON’T Bring Uncomfortable Shoes

    Plan on doing a lot of walking when you’re in St. Thomas, so the shoes in your closet that constantly give you blisters should be left where they are. You can still bring a cute pair of heels if you’re going clubbing, but we’ve given you a ton of samples of cute sandals and flip-flops, which are more suitable for island life.

  • 6.DON’T Bring Bulky Towels

    Bath and beach towels and bulky and take up valuable packing space. A travel towel will get the job done and takes up a fraction of the space. Plus, they dry so much faster and are odor and sand-resistant.

What NOT to Wear in St. Thomas – (Click to expand)

When you’re in St. Thomas, you can leave the pants and jeans behind. Maybe have a pair in your suitcase if it’s going to be cold when you get back, but you won’t need anything to keep you warm. The sun and location will do that for you. Sweaters, hoodies, jackets, and all that stuff can be left behind.

FAQs about Visiting St. Thomas

  • 1. Is St. Thomas part of the United States?

    St. Thomas is part of a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea. With St. John, Water Island, Hassel Island, and Saint Croix, they make up the United States Virgin Islands, which is a constituent district of the States.

  • 2. Is it safe to travel to St. Thomas?

    Is it safe to travel to St. Thomas?

    St. Thomas has been a destination for travelers since the late 1600s, and, besides the time when the pirates ran rampant over the island, St. Thomas is known to be a safe place to visit. A good portion of the population lives in poverty, and their economy relies heavily on tourism. They want you to feel safe when visiting but protect yourself from pickpockets.

  • 3. What are the best attractions in St. Thomas?

    There is so much to do when it comes to the ocean we don’t even know where to begin. You can do a sunset snorkeling tour, rent a luxury yacht, hit Blackbeard’s castle, or ride a catamaran in Turtle Cove. A fun activity is to take an illuminated night kayaking trip.

  • 4. Is St. Thomas expensive?

    Is St. Thomas expensive?

    St. Thomas can be a bit pricey because everything is imported, including the food. But there are ways of saving money, like hitting happy hours and staying in hostels or cheaper hotels. Instead of cabbing it to the beach, you can walk, and you can eat a small local stand instead of pricey restaurants. There are affordable options for most things. You just need to plan ahead to make sure you know where the affordable options are.

  • 5. What kind of food is native to St. Thomas?

    This area of the Caribbean is known for stewed oxtail, saltfish, Johnny cakes, kallaloo soup, and conch. You can eat lobster and a bevy of seafood while there because it’s all fresh. You won’t be disappointed with the fare they have to offer tourists.

  • 6. Should I stay at an all-inclusive place in St. Thomas?

    Should I stay at an all-inclusive place in St. Thomas?

    This depends on what type of experience you’re looking for. All-inclusive places offer you everything right there on the grounds, so you never have to leave, which is convenient. The downside to this is you don’t really get to experience the local culture, and it doesn’t put much money into the island’s economic system. It’s a personal choice.

  • 7. Can I drink the water in St. Thomas?

    Yes. They use seawater to create tap water in St. Thomas, which is a former Dutch Antilles Island. Their systems are tested and meet the high-quality standards of the World Health Organization.