British Virgin Islands Natural Environment

BVI is located in the northern part of the archipelago forming the Leeward Islands in the eastern section of the Caribbeans. The total area is 153 sq km (60 sq miles).  There are over fifty islands, rocks and cays in the group, only sixteen of which are inhabited.  The main islands are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke.  The largest island is Tortola.

The territory is situated approximately 100km (62 miles) east of Puerto Rico, adjoining the US Virgin Islands.  The coordinates are 18 30 N, 64 30 W.  The islands are mostly volcanic in origin and is mountainous, the highest point being Sage Mountain on Tortola at 550 m (1.800 ft).  The exception is Anegada, which is  formed of coral and limestone and is the lowest lying.

The capital is Road Town on Tortola.

BVI has a subtropical climate, which is rather hot and humid, but is tempered by trade winds from the Atlantic.  The temperature at night tends to be cooler.  The weather is rather constant throughout the year with little variation between the seasons.  Rainfall is low, varying slightly from island to island.  The hurricane season falls in the months from June to November.