Humidity?

Cactuslady, I would never tell you I ever stopped sweating - but the first month was kind of bad, then you sort of adapt. Maybe you should plan to arrive when the Christmas winds are blowing and work yourself into the heat?

When you step off the plane you might think someone threw a hot wet blanket over your face - but you really will acclimate. I'm from Arkansas, where it is horribly humid in the summers.....I felt melt-y for about 4 weeks - then the hot flashes and sweat had nothing to do with the islands, but more with my age....and let's don't go there....

Most people find it more comfortable, unless they are at a higher elevation, to have AC at night....or lucky enough to be right on the water.....it seems there is always a gentle breeze blowing, which is misleading when you are on the beach and get that first sunburn - ouch!

We came from Phoenix, and with the exception of August, September, some afternoons before a big rain, and right now, I don't find the humidity too bad. 🙂 Actually, you really do get used to it.. it takes a lot for me to say "Damn, it is humid today!!" Or maybe I am just used to having a sheen on my forehead all of the time. Either way, coming from the pizza oven of Phoenix, I adapted.

It affects everyone differently. Some people adapt easily, while other take longer. It took me about a year not to be bathed in sweat when I went outside especially in the hotter months (May thru Nov IMO). The last place I lived before coming here was extremely hot but zero humidity. If you are pretty sure you are going to have trouble just be prepared. Like Becky said come in winter if you can, if not, just stay in the shade during the hottest part of the day til you acclimate. Plan on having a a/c and prepare for your wapa bill. 🙂

Cactuslady,
It depends on where you are on the island. I just came back to Phoenix area after a month on STX. The humidity in my condo ( don't know how accurate the guage was) ranged from 82% to 92%. But with the sea breeze and temp at 70's to low 80's it was very comfortable.
If you are inland with no breeze, it can feel humid.
We have been there in August, working in the condo, and just used fans. When we first got there, we had the A/C on for two hours, and have not had it on since. We looked at each other and said that if is the worst it gets, it's not that bad. there again we had the sea breeze. Yes there were a few hours that it was a little uncomfortable, but not enough to turn on the A/C.
Betty is right. Our neighbors in the condo above ran their A/C all day, all year long. Their bills were over $600 / mo. ours were $100 / mo. I know it's not as bad as Louieville, KY or for that matter then Phx in August. In Phx when the humidity is high, we don't have a cool breeze, only hot wind.

When I lived in Palm desert, I ran my Air conditioner during all of the hot months. That is a way of life in the desert. You go from AC house to AC car to AC office to AC store. the dash in between is like a furnace.

In the Virgin Islands the temperature is much lower (80 vs 105),but the humidity is higher. During most of the year the trade winds blow and make it much more comfortable. During December to March it is even "somewhat" cool at night. During the hot months (often August through October) it can be more uncomfortable and more humid. Nights do not cool off as much without the trade winds.

I prefer the weather in the Virgin islands. The temperature is in the low to high eighties (+80 f) ALL OF THE TIME. We depend on overhead fans for our comfort. The cost of electricity is high and running the AC like we did in the desert is only for the wealthy. If you can afford to run your AC during uncomfortable times, you will be much happier in the tropics. BUT... You might even find that you do not need the extra cooling.

I find that I do not like the highly air conditioned buildings. When I go into a store where the temp is turned down to the 70s to accommodate the tourists, I find myself shivering from the cold. I can't guarantee that you will easily adjust to the higher humidity, but I am told it is much nicer than a Midwest or eastern summer night.

Thanks for all your thoughts. I'm hoping the breeze helps out and my skin adjusts.
I never had air conditioning until Arizona, but down here in Pima County we think Phoenix is humid.
Is the East End significantly less humid like they say?
I just read some posts about the high heat and humidity on STT. Is that because the population center is on the south side so there's less breeze? Is STX/Christiansted and the rest of the north coast better?
If all else fails, maybe I can pay for the A/C with the money I'll save on hand lotion. 😉

You get used to the humidity. I used to like to sleep in un heated rooms in the winter (Chicago) and kept the AC at 74 in the summer. I have adjusted to the temperatures down here. Last year I ran my AC at night 15 times during October and November. (Off Island in September). Fans will get you through most nights.

My feeling iif you need AC all the time living in the tropics probably wasn't a good life style choice.

Jim

We come from Kentucky where summers are humid with no breeze. Ric needed A/C from march til November. On STX we don't have A/C at all and most nights he does fine. We live on a hill with good breezes and I'd say there were only 10 or so nights last year when we were uncomforable. On those nights we bring in another, standing fan and he suffers through.

Compared to the desert, you will notice the air. However, you will also notice that you aren't slathering moisturizer on your face and lotion on your hands every two seconds. When I go to Phoenix, I feel like a little raisin with my life force being sucked out. LOL!