Beaches & Islands · Best Dec–Apr
British Virgin Islands packing list for families
A BVI trip usually means boats, dinghy landings, and a lot of time in the water. Here is how our family packs to keep things light, dry, and easy to carry.
Photo by Dietmar Lichota on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on British Virgin Islands
- The BVI are best seen by boat, whether that is a crewed charter or day trips from your resort. Soft bags stow easily on boats, and hard suitcases often do not.
- The Baths on Virgin Gorda mean scrambling through boulders and shallow pools. Water shoes and a small dry bag keep hands free for helping little ones.
- Many families connect through St. Thomas and take a ferry over, which adds a customs stop. Keep passports, a printed ferry confirmation, and snacks together in one easy-to-reach pouch.
Best timeDec–Apr
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar
PassportYes
Your packing edit
British Virgin Islands
This time of year
Check off what you already have. Tap "Add" on anything you still need, then send your whole list to your cart in one click.
Carry-on9
Carry-on suitcase per personOur pick
Packing cubes, one color per personOur pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Soft-sided duffel bagEasier to stow on charter boats and ferries.
Clothing4
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Shoes2
Sandals
Water shoesOur pickThe Baths trail has boulders, ladders, and rocky pools.
Beach & pool9
Swimsuits2 per person
UPF rash guardsOur pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysOur pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
Lightweight beach tote
Goggles
Roll-top dry bagDinghy rides to shore are often wet landings.
Little ones4
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineOur pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Health & toiletries5
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Bug spray
Hanging toiletry bag
Motion-sickness bandsFerry crossings and sailing days can be choppy.
Documents & tech2
Portable phone chargerOur pick
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
The outfit edit
Nautical
White, navy, signal red, sand
For the grown-ups
- Stripes and white denim
- An outfit for formal night
- A warm layer for windy decks
For the kids
- Swimsuits for every day
- Something dressy for formal night
- A hoodie for the evenings
For photos
- Navy and white with a red accent
- Sail-away on deck
Month by month
British Virgin Islands weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 83°F 28°C | Dry season with steady trade winds, ideal for sailing | Humpback whales passing through the islands Full Moon parties at Trellis Bay on Beef Island |
| February | 83°F 28°C | Dry season with steady trade winds, ideal for sailing | Humpback whales passing through the islands Full Moon parties at Trellis Bay on Beef Island |
| March | 84°F 29°C | Dry season with steady trade winds, ideal for sailing | BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival on Tortola Humpback whales passing through the islands Full Moon parties at Trellis Bay on Beef Island |
| April | 85°F 29°C | Dry season with steady trade winds, ideal for sailing | BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival on Tortola Humpback whales passing through the islands Full Moon parties at Trellis Bay on Beef Island |
| May | 86°F 30°C | Warm with lighter winds and calmer anchorages | Full Moon parties at Trellis Bay on Beef Island |
| June | 88°F 31°C | Warm with lighter winds and calmer anchorages | Full Moon parties at Trellis Bay on Beef Island |
| July | 88°F 31°C | Hot with passing showers; hurricane season underway | BVI Emancipation Festival, with events from late July into early August Full Moon parties at Trellis Bay on Beef Island |
| August | 89°F 32°C | Hot with passing showers; hurricane season underway | BVI Emancipation Festival, with events from late July into early August Full Moon parties at Trellis Bay on Beef Island |
| September | 89°F 32°C | Peak hurricane risk; some resorts and charter companies slow down or close | Full Moon parties at Trellis Bay on Beef Island |
| October | 88°F 31°C | Peak hurricane risk; some resorts and charter companies slow down or close | Full Moon parties at Trellis Bay on Beef Island |
| November | 86°F 30°C | Peak hurricane risk; some resorts and charter companies slow down or close | Full Moon parties at Trellis Bay on Beef Island |
| December | 84°F 29°C | Dry season with steady trade winds, ideal for sailing | Full Moon parties at Trellis Bay on Beef Island |
Questions families ask
British Virgin Islands with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit British Virgin Islands with kids?
The best time is Dec–Apr. Dry season with steady trade winds, ideal for sailing
What's the weather like in British Virgin Islands?
Typical daytime highs range from about 83°F (28°C) in January to about 89°F (32°C) in August. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for British Virgin Islands?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for British Virgin Islands?
None. British Virgin Islands uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for British Virgin Islands with kids?
The BVI are best seen by boat, whether that is a crewed charter or day trips from your resort. Soft bags stow easily on boats, and hard suitcases often do not.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.