First timers' honeymoon in September

[ludwigbayer]

Hi everyone!

I've been reading a lot on this wonderful forum, and figured I'd say hello.
We rented a nice villa for a bit more than a week, and really look forward to some R&R after all the stress.

I did have a few questions that weren't immediately clear to me from my readings:
September is, of course, off season - what's still open around this time, and what things should we look out for?
I've heard bad things about mosquitoes for example, which in other tropical places are quite seasonal. Is that the case here as well?

Can't wait!

 

[JEK]

Welcome to the Forum and congratulations on the wedding and honeymoon! September is the lowest of low months with all the hotels closed, and thus their restaurants closed. Many of the other island restaurants will be closed as this is when the locals get away for vacation. You will not starve as a few are perpetually open, but the choices will be limited. As this is the peak month for hurricanes, I would find good trip insurance in case you have to cancel for a storm. Hate to sound negative, but those are the facts. I'll search around and see if I can give you better answer on what might be open.

 

[kent1994]

Is it too late to change your wedding date...

 

[stbartshopper]

We disagree with all the gloom and doom. The beaches, sunsets, inexpensive bottles of libations and your barbecue at the Villa will all be open for business. Go forth!

 

[kent1994]

Where have you been Hop?

 

[JEK]

Here's a thread form a few years ago:

https://www.sbhonline.com/forums/th...s-and-closings?p=656608&viewfull=1#post656608

 

[cec1]

When in September will you be there? I spend time on the island early in September each year & love the weather and ambiance of its tropical, unhurried pace at this time of year. There are a good number of restaurants open . . . you won't be without choices. Mosquitoes . . . there's no unusual swarm of them that descends for September -- in fact, no "swarm," only the usual annoying critters. In the final analysis, I think the question boils down to what you want. If you're looking for island activity that will fulfill a fantasy of an "active lifestyle," September probably isn't for you unless you're comfortable in your ability to enjoy quiet, relaxed living (hiking, running, swimming, reading, napping, eating, enjoying some wine & cocktails, appreciating your partner) without the artificial stimulus of lively social surroundings. In the proverbial "bottom line," I'd say that if you're worried that it's not the right time for you to visit SBH, then you should find another destination in which you'll have more confidence.

 

[Dennis]

In the proverbial "bottom line," I'd say that if you're worried that it's not the right time for you to visit SBH, then you should find another destination in which you'll have more confidence.

Dennis,

He's already booked.

I'm sure he (they) will be fine.

 

[SherylB]

Hi everyone!

I've been reading a lot on this wonderful forum, and figured I'd say hello.
We rented a nice villa for a bit more than a week, and really look forward to some R&R after all the stress.

I did have a few questions that weren't immediately clear to me from my readings:
September is, of course, off season - what's still open around this time, and what things should we look out for?
I've heard bad things about mosquitoes for example, which in other tropical places are quite seasonal. Is that the case here as well?

Can't wait!

Aw Ludwig, I can totally relate to that September anniversary! My husband and I first went to St Barth in May 1998. We got married on September 2, 2000 - we hadn't gone back to St Barth since but decided to go back for our 10th anniversary. I knew September was smack dab in the middle of hurricane season but we pushed on - St Barth has often been spared from storms veering away. Unfortunately 2010 was not one of those fortunate times - we originally were booked to leave on Sept 6th - but Hurricane Earl had moved through, and then the paths of Fiona and Gaston were uncertain.

So we postponed to the first week of October - and yep, Hurricane Otto arrived. Now by the time it arrived on SBH it had weakened to a tropical storm - but still dumped more than a foot of rain.

Believe me, I don't mean to cause any alarm and cause you to second-guess your plans. These storms are fickle and 9 times out of 10 don't affect SBH at all. But I do agree with JEK to ensure you have trip insurance. That will give you more peace of mind.

AND you will find much closed in September - as others have said you won't starve but options will be limited - you really will have much of the island to yourselves so take FULL advantage! Imagine the footprints of just the two of you on the beaches.

Cheers to you both!

Sheryl

 

[tim]

"So we postponed to the first week of October - and yep, Hurricane Otto arrived. Now by the time it arrived on SBH it had weakened to a tropical storm - but still dumped more than a foot of rain."

Are we talking about our fun night at Le Repaire, when I almost didn't make it home to Vitet?

 

[SherylB]

"So we postponed to the first week of October - and yep, Hurricane Otto arrived. Now by the time it arrived on SBH it had weakened to a tropical storm - but still dumped more than a foot of rain."

Are we talking about our fun night at Le Repaire, when I almost didn't make it home to Vitet?

YES Tim, that was the night! After we met up, Rob and I drove back by the "low" road and he said we were dangerously close to flooding the transmission (or something like that). SO MUCH rainfall already. And if memory serves me right that was a Monday when we met up? Cause that was just the start of it and I recall it being Thursday before we actually ventured out again beyond the Marche U and DVD rental place two doors down.

But on a positive note, it was the first night I met you Tim, as well as Diana and Rosemond! I'm glad that the times we've met up since then have been under much more favourable conditions!

 

[tim]

That was a grand evening! Not only did I enjoy the company, but I also discovered that my little Terios could go through 2 feet of water on the island's flat roads and keep on chugging up the hill to Vitet. I also discovered on the following morning that fools like me(due to a family urgency) will take the ferry to SXM in any sea condition when absolutely necessary. That was one boat ride I"ll never forget!

 

[cassidain]

This is from Sept 2013.



If they're open this September you definitely wouldn't starve and you would be able to dine very well indeed.

 

[cassidain]

And from Sept 2014:

 

[Islander]

Ludwig, welcome!

September is quiet for visitors, but active for locals. It is time for the children to return to school, therefore there's some activity on the island. Because of that, some restaurants are open and many shops also. It is true that hotels are closed and it's usually the time when tourism-related workers take their annual break away from the island (those who don't have children going to school ;-).....)

Weather: yes, it's hurricane season and history has shown that big storms can hit the island in those dates (I'm thinking Hurricane Luis, Sept 5th, 1995). If no storm is on the horizon, expect warm and humid days with occasional rain showers. There is little wind (usually), so the sea can be flat (an unusual thing around here) creating great opportunities for water sports (scuba diving, snorkeling, water skiing).

The quietness of September is enjoyable for many. It creates a special "summer atmosphere" when locals enjoy a slower pace, parking suddenly becomes available in Gustavia and the typical "St Baaaarths crowd" is not around.

It's also the time to get perfect light and make great pictures....

Enjoy.

 

[cassidain]

Le Piment and Le Bouchon should be open (were last Sept)

 

[davesmom]

Ludwig, congratulations!! This is supposed to be an El Nino year with fewer hurricanes, so here's hoping all is calm for your happy celebration. SBH is good anytime of year..as long as Marché U is open, you can enjoy every French specialty with tons of divine wine and goodies. Best wishes for a wonderful week!! DM

 

[stbartslover]

As a veteran of many September/October trips it can be fine as others have said depending on the weather, along with a laid back romantic vibe. The sea is often flatter then and the snorkeling can be wonderful.
Everyplace that is open will be SO happy to have you.

Sheryl's (Chazzy) early October trip to our villa years ago: I remember calling with the rain pounding in the background and her telling me the roof was fine but they could not go outside.

 

[ludwigbayer]

Thank you all for your responses.

Can't say this doesn't make me a bit uneasy about it all...
I'm sure we'll still have a great time, though I'm a bit more of a loner than my fiancee, who generally looks for some hustle and bustle.

With shops and restaurants closed, I'm guessing our activities are going to be limited as well (tours, boats, etc.)?

 

[tim]

I've spent many a September and October in St. Barth. We're not trying to scare you off, just want you to be aware of mother nature. Storms are very rare, severe storms extremely so.