Geographical location
Short for BVI by abbreviationfinder, the British Virgin Islands, which form a British overseas territory, are located about 100 kilometers east of Puerto Rico and cover a total area of around 150 km².
The British Virgin Islands include a total of 60 islands and reefs, 16 of which are inhabited. Due to the close links between the economy and the US Virgin Islands, the predominant currency is the US dollar.
According to a 2010 census, the BVI Islands have around 28,000 inhabitants. The capital Roadtown is located on Tortola, which, along with Jost Van Dyke, Anegada and Virgin Gorda, is one of the largest islands in the archipelago.
Except for Anegada, all of the British Virgin Islands are of volcanic origin. The flora and fauna correspond to that of a tropical island. There are more than 30 species of orchids, various palm trees and, due to the poor soil and low rainfall, also aloe and cacti on the islands.
The highest point in the British Virgin Islands is Mount Sage on Tortola, its peak is 523 meters above sea level. The islands are politically ruled by the British Crown, represented by a governor. However, the Virgin Islands have their own constitution and prime minister.
Climate in the British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands, which form a British overseas territory, are located about 100 kilometers east of Puerto Rico and cover a total area of around 150 km².
The British Virgin Islands include a total of 60 islands and reefs, 16 of which are inhabited. Due to the close links between the economy and the US Virgin Islands, the predominant currency is the US dollar.
According to a 2010 census, the BVI Islands have around 28,000 inhabitants. The capital Roadtown is located on Tortola, which, along with Jost Van Dyke, Anegada and Virgin Gorda, is one of the largest islands in the archipelago.
Except for Anegada, all of the British Virgin Islands are of volcanic origin. The flora and fauna correspond to that of a tropical island. There are more than 30 species of orchids, various palm trees and, due to the poor soil and low rainfall, also aloe and cacti on the islands.
The highest point in the British Virgin Islands is Mount Sage on Tortola, its peak is 523 meters above sea level. The islands are politically ruled by the British Crown, represented by a governor. However, the Virgin Islands have their own constitution and prime minister.
When is the best time to visit the Virgin Islands?
The British Virgin Islands are easy to travel to all year round due to their location in the subtropics with very constant weather. The main tourist season begins around the week before Christmas and ends around a week after Easter. Hurricane Irma recently showed that the Virgin Islands are in the catchment area of tropical cyclones. The hurricane season officially begins in early June and ends in November, with the riskiest months usually being September and October.
If you want to avoid this risk, the period December to May is particularly recommended as the best travel time for the British Virgin Islands. The temperatures are now pleasantly mild, the water temperatures are all year round at a bathing temperature of 26 to 29 ° C. In addition, you will be spoiled by a great climate and many hours of sunshine at this travel time!
Temperatures, rainfall in Virgin Gorda (British Virgin Islands)
| Jan | Feb | March | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Daytime temperature | 26 ° C | 27 ° C | 28 ° C | 29 ° C | 29 ° C | 30 ° C | 31 ° C | 31 ° C | 30 ° C | 29 ° C | 28 ° C | 27 ° C |
| Night temperature | 20 ° C | 19 ° C | 20 ° C | 21 ° C | 22 ° C | 23 ° C | 23 ° C | 23 ° C | 23 ° C | 22 ° C | 22 ° C | 21 ° C |
| Water temperature | 27 ° C | 26 ° C | 26 ° C | 27 ° C | 27 ° C | 28 ° C | 28 ° C | 29 ° C | 29 ° C | 29 ° C | 28 ° C | 28 ° C |
| Precipitation in mm | 74 | 63 | 55 | 85 | 117 | 71 | 83 | 112 | 156 | 133 | 179 | 112 |
| Sunrise | 6:50 | 6:45 | 6:25 | 6:00 | 5:45 | 5:40 | 5:50 | 6:00 | 6:05 | 6:10 | 6:25 | 6:40 |
| Sunset | 18:00 | 18:20 | 18:25 | 18:35 | 18:45 | 18:55 | 19:00 | 18:45 | 18:20 | 17:55 | 17:40 | 17:45 |
Temperatures
The average annual temperature in Virgin Gorda is 25.2 ° C. For comparison: Munich reaches an average of 8.6 ° C, in Berlin it is 9.6 ° C. The warmest month is July (27 ° C), coldest month of January with mean values of 23 ° C. The maximum water temperature in Virgin Gorda is 29 ° C. Comfortable bathing is possible at these temperatures. All months have a water temperature of at least 21 ° C and are therefore suitable for a beach holiday.
Precipitation
The annual precipitation is 1239 mm. For comparison: In Munich, 967 mm, in Berlin 570 mm, precipitation is measured annually. The November is considered the rainy season, since in this month are expected to more than 175 mm of rainfall. You cannot expect snow in any month in Virgin Gorda.
Sights and attractions
One of the most popular destinations is Great Camanoe Island, which is home to the islands youngest national park, which includes a saltwater lagoon and Cam Bay. There is no hotel, shop or restaurant on the island, so you have to take food with you. Anyone who wants to anchor there needs a permit. This island is home to seventeen houses, a tennis court and a harbor.
The four islands of Guana Island, Little Thatch Island, Mosquito Island and Necker Island are privately owned and can be rented in whole or in part. Visits by uninvited people are not welcome. Known as Treasure Island, Norman Island is a popular destination for sailors. On this southernmost island there are two bars and two restaurants and a shop. This island is great for snorkeling and diving.
For the more adventurous there are caves to explore there. The highest point is Mount Sage with 521 meters and is located on Tortola and is located in the Sage National Park and worth a hiking trip. In addition to snorkeling and diving, Tortola also offers swimming with dolphins, which is very popular. There are no major shopping centers on either island. This gives the islands, together with the rum produced on the archipelago, a cozy Caribbean atmosphere.
