We are planning a trip to SXM in September to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. We were frequent visitors to the island but have not been there since Irma. It appears that September is the slow season (based on the cruise schedule and peak hurricane season) and I'm wondering if stores and restaurants close. Does Phillipsburg shops stay open if cruise ships are not in port? Any information is appreciated.

It's been a while since we've been to the island in September, but it was our experience that most restaurants on the Dutch side stay open, at least most nights. Many restaurants on the French side do close for a couple of weeks during that time. As far as P'burg, stores there should be open during the week, but not on Sunday, for sure, if no ships in.

We travel from mid August to the first week of September.

There are still a few ships in port during the week, so Phillipsburg is not a complete desert.

While September 1st seems to be the start of many restaurant vacations, we still find plenty of restaurants to fill our three weeks of eating.

I would recommend contacting any particular restaurant you may want to visit so you are not disappointed to find them closed.
I still remember our first stay many years ago after I had done hours of restaurant research, only to find almost half I chosen closed for vacation.

I some ways it is always nice to be "forced' to try somewhere new.

There are so many good restaurants, so a few closed here and there is not a problem.

Since we usually plan a list ahead of time, some times we are forced to visit a restaurant early in the week before they close.

Always meeting new friends if you are there early in September or happy to let you know which we find closed.
Usually the same time each closes each year

thank you, good information.