Great Saint James

Island Private island in the US Virgin Islands, hilly terrain

Main image

Great Saint James is a small private island in the United States Virgin Islands located off the eastern end of Saint Thomas. The island is privately developed with residential structures, docks and cleared areas that are not open to the public.

The island gained international attention because it was owned by Jeffrey Epstein until his death in 2019 and was associated with his private properties in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Access to the island has been restricted and it is not operated as a public destination.

Geographically the island lies close to Little Saint James and is part of the territory administered as the U.S. Virgin Islands, positioned off the east end of the island of Saint Thomas.

  • Ownership history: Remained private property and was owned by financier Jeffrey Epstein until his death in 2019
Great Saint James
18.3097, -64.8288

How to Get to Great Saint James #

Great Saint James is a private island off Saint Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands). There is no regular public ferry service to the island; access requires a private boat from Charlotte Amalie, Red Hook or other Saint Thomas harbors, and landing/visits may be restricted - obtain permission before attempting to go ashore.

Tips for Visiting Great Saint James #

  • Do not plan to land or expect visitor facilities-Great Saint James is privately owned and access is restricted; treat it as off-limits unless you have explicit permission from the owners.
  • If you're on a charter or sightseeing boat around St. Thomas, view the island from the water for photos and keep your distance to respect private-property rules and local regulations.

Best Time to Visit Great Saint James #

The best time to visit Great Saint James and surrounding U.S. Virgin Islands is in the dry season (December-April) for the most reliable weather and calmer seas.

Dry season (best overall)
December-April · 24-30 °C
Sunny, drier weather ideal for beach and boat activities; this is the busiest time across the Caribbean.
Wet/hurricane season
June-November · 25-31 °C
Higher chance of tropical storms, heavier rains and rougher seas - travel and services can be disrupted and visitor numbers are lower.

Weather & Climate near Great Saint James #

Climate

Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 21°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1120 mm/year), wettest in October.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
21°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm).

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
21° 29°

Weather

58 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
21° 29°

Weather

44 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
22° 29°

Weather

55 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
22° 30°

Weather

77 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
23° 30°

Weather

119 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 24°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).

Comfort

28°
Feels Like Warm
28°C
Temperature
25° 31°

Weather

70 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is hot with highs of 32°C and lows of 25°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).

Comfort

28°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
25° 32°

Weather

82 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is the hottest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 25°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm).

Comfort

28°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
25° 32°

Weather

115 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is hot with highs of 32°C and lows of 24°C. Significant rainfall (139 mm).

Comfort

28°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
24° 32°

Weather

139 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 24°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (140 mm).

Comfort

28°
Feels Like Warm
28°C
Temperature
24° 31°

Weather

140 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
23° 30°

Weather

130 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
22° 29°

Weather

91 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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