Off the top of my head I would say that you won't have a problem on the North side with just ceiling fans. The North Side is much cooler by several degrees than the South Side for the most part and also the East End. I wouldn't fuss. At this time of year my friends on the North Side have comforters on their beds! Cheers.

That time of year is definitely the beginning of summer. Have you been here before? Do you react well to the humidity? Are you coming from a cold northern climate like the upper midwest or from somewhere like florida? I always tell my family to get a/c and to get that in writing in their reservations. Before I moved here I never did well without it. The mosiqutos are big here and you cant always count on the breezes.

La: I stand by my post!

"Dweller" says that, "That time of year is definitely the beginning of summer."

With all due respect, "Dweller," I have to say hogwash, We're talking here about North Side STT April 29th through May 6th.

"Summer" doesn't even begin to start here overall until late June/early July when the trades START to die down, with "start" being the operative word.

Trust some Northside residents will chip in here. La - have no fears! Cheers,

We're staying in Mahogany Run and I'm wondering if that's the North Side of the island.

Also, considering where we're staying, will we get the sunrise or the sunset?

I stand by my post as well. These are tourists not year round residents who will probably be more comfortable with a/c as summer nears. Especially to sleep at night. It all depends on your comfort level. To each his own.

Dear La:

I find that people who are concerned about A/C should just make sure they get it. You can always "not" use it if you find it unnecessary. I work in hospitality, and there is always someone in the party who hates the lack of A/C in spite of the willingness of the actual renter to forego it. If that feature is not listed in the amenities, it is safe to assume that it is not available, so do ask.

The feeling of moisture on the skin is one that takes getting used to for quite a few persons, and there's no need to have a beautiful vacation diminished because of physical discomfort while at your villa/cottage.

Keep in mind that with A/C, the cost of rental might go up, as electrical use is increased. Also, usually only the BEDROOMS will have air-conditioning, not the "great room" (living room), dining room, bathrooms nor some other common areas unless indicated. Central air is very rare; with the traffic between the pool and living room, doors are often left open,. With most island homes being built to take advantage of natural tradewinds, breezes are used to cool these spaces, unless you see it in writing otherwise.

We ask our guests not to turn their air-conditioning units down to icy-cold settings, as the units can ice up, resulting in NO cooling at all, service calls from staff, and possible fees for visits brought about by such carelessness. A/C units are generally pre-set to comfortable levels, and if that's not cold enough for you, call the management office before fiddling with the controls or if the unit(s) don't appear to be working. Many people leave the A/C blasting with doors to the outside open, and conservation is the key when you live on an island. We always hope that our visitors are cognizant of this, and are not wasteful. Just like everywhere else, our electric bills are already sky-high. Owners who keep receiving outrageous bills raise their rates!

A sealed, centrally climate controlled environment is best sought at a hotel, not at most cottages and villas. I always feel so badly for people who are upset with the fact that their entire rental home is not air-conditioned because they work hard for their vacations and deserve a great experience. Island life being what it is with occasional flying termite swarms (they do not schedule these with us, trust me!), nightly no-see-um marauders, and mosquito buffets, you should go for a home with A/C in the bedrooms at least, so that you can sleep without worrying about insects. Warning, those termites will squeeze through your screens in search of your lights, so you may do well to turn on your A/C and shut up your windows. Nothing can be done, and we residents are used to the onslaughts - I am sure they're quite horrifying to the unaware. I get at least one a year where I live, which is on the north side.

It does not get "hot" here until late June or July - as can be expected, the warmer months see fewer cooling tradewinds, but most homes on the northside (unless breezes are blocked by vegetation) are cooler year 'round than homes in many other places. Higher elevations also usually enjoy nicer breezes.

Hope this helps!

Speaking as a tourist that lives in MD which is very humid in the summer/spring/fall, we used the AC the whole time we were there in Dec. It was very warm that week. Of course your age may also determine the use of AC....some of us have our own personal heaters if you know what I mean 🙂

A.Davis,
Great post, I too, feel that you should at least have the option of a/c. I know of guests that have left a villa as it was too hot and they had no a/c! That villa was on the North side of the island, BUT on the southside of Peterborg Peninsula, SO they still got that afternoon sun which as we all know, can make for an uncomfortable evening!!!
La,
It is beginning to warm up here, granted it isn't summer just yet, but we have noticed our bedroom is holding the heat to the point that we cannot go in til it has cooled off a bit! Heck, I even went in the pool the other day!!!! 🙂 We too, are on the Northside!
Another point is that maybe the cottage could be tucked into the hill side, this too, would block the air flow not to mention the lay out of the cottage! Just make sure you are happy with your decision, if you decide to book it, then accept the fact that you may be a bit warm. Hopefully you have a pool to cool off in! 🙂

I've not stayed on STT but spent a week on STJ Dec. and Jan. I would not stay in a place that does not at least have ac in the bedrooms. I live in Houston, and we are used to heat and humidity, but after a day in the sun, it is nice to have the option of ac while you sleep. It also seems to help with mosquitoes if they happen to be really bad.

Connie:

I would consider Mahogany Run on the North East side. As for sunrise/sunset......if I'm not mistaken you will be going sometime in the May/June time frame? If so you will have a beautiful sunrise because of the position of the sun. I'm at Point Pleasant and in the month of June the sun rises right in front of my slidding glass doors....what a sight!

As for air conditioning.....we spent the month of January on STT and didn't use our A/C. The Christmas Winds were strong this year. From April through October we use the A/C.

F.I.

If you are staying at Mahogany Run I would get A/C. I live her on the South Side and never use A/C but I show condos for a living and have shown several at Mahogany Run. Many don't have the cross ventilation and the are built such that they don't take advantage of the breeze. I would get A/C.

Thanks everybody. One of the best things in life is to see a sunrise. I just love it. Plus, I'm up really early to enjoy it.

Our Villa says we have AC, so I'm assuming that there is AC in the house. Even if it's just the BR's, I'm ok with that.

And yes Islander, we go May 12th-May 19th. So, the countdown is in..so excited! I'll start packing in about 2 weeks!!

Connie:

We leave Friday.......bareboating in the BVIs for a week then STT for 6 days.

F.I.

Wow Future...bareboating must be so much fun...you're very lucky.

Take notes and give us a huge trip report when you get back.