Many people go during that time, but should be prepared to quickly leave the islands if a hurricane threatens. Currency in both the U.S. and British Virgins is U.S. dollars. Some resorts accept personal checks, so we take a few of those too. However, some resorts automatically add a service charge to their rates. In this case, you have no obligation to tip extra.
Some people do tip individual staff members who do something extra, and sports instructors.
If you scuba dive or do a day trip, it's always appropriate to tip the divemasters or tour leaders. One of the best ways to see Tortola and Virgin Gorda is to either hire a driver for a few hours or the day, or rent a car and drive yourself. This is just opposite of driving in the U.S. and takes a little getting used to. The first time we ever drove in a British island, my hubby pulled out on the road and was fiddling around with the windshield wipers. After that little incident, he stayed on the left side of the road.