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Best Time To Visit Jamaica
You can bask in average temperatures of 28°C on the beaches here, but if you’re heading up into the Blue Mountains prepare for much cooler climes around 10°C.
For the driest weather in Jamaica, head to the island between December - April, where you can expect sunny, dry weather with little chance of rain. If you are not restricted to school holidays and looking for a good deal on flights and accommodation, then May to November is when you can grab a bargain. This is during hurricane season, but bad weather spells tend to be short and sharp, passing through quickly.
Average weather in Jamaica
- Temperature (°C)*
- Rainfall (Inches)*
Weather in Jamaica
Jamaica has a tropical climate with minimal variation in temperature throughout the year, making it a popular tourist destination all year round. The main difference comes in the rainfall and the humidity. During the hurricane season (May-November), the humidity increases, becoming slightly muggier, peaking in October.
The wettest months are between May and October, often characterised by heavy rainfall and the odd thunderstorm. The peak of Hurricane season comes between August and October, with an average of 9 days of rain per month.
Seasonality in Jamaica
Jamaica is an exquisite tropical island set in the Caribbean, a hotspot for many all-year round. There are two main seasons in Jamaica, the peak season and the low season.
Peak season in Jamaica
Jamaica’s peak season is in the winter months between December and April when the temperatures are slightly cooler with lower humidity. Peak season sees an inrush of tourists from around the world. You will find all the restaurants, bars and hotels operating at full capacity, but be warned that you may have to prebook any popular restaurants and booking hotels should be done three months prior.
Low season in Jamaica
The low season falls during the summer months, between May- November, where the temperatures are slightly higher, with more rainfall expected to fall. During these months, the island is not as busy, with fewer people lining the beach, restaurants, and hotels. Usually, the standard rate on hotels and tourist attractions drops compared to the peak months, ideal for those looking for a cheaper holiday. But this might not be the best time to visit if you are looking to party, with fewer events staged during these months.
Feel the rhythm
Unique culture
Sample spicy jerk dishesPhoto credit: The Jamaica Tourist Board
Warm, welcoming localsPhoto credit: The Jamaica Tourist Board
Pristine tropical beaches Photo credit: The Jamaica Tourist Board
Holidays in Jamaica
Jamaica is a top-rated holiday destination for tourists. It has some incredible music festivals during the winter months, including the Jazz & Blue Festival in March. Also, a trendy location for spring break, the month of March and April is jam-packed with different events and parties for students to enjoy whilst on their holidays.
Jamaica has a hot tropical climate all year long that is perfect for a beach holiday, whatever the month. During the high season (December-April), you can expect the driest weather, but during the summer months (May-November), you can expect more rainfall but longer days and warmer temperatures. The Caribbean Sea stays warm all year round, averaging between 27-29 degrees.
Jamaica’s coast has over 450 km of coral reef to explore, with most of it in excellent condition. Fortunately, the Caribbean Sea that surrounds Jamaica stays very pleasant and crystal clear all year round. You will need to be aware of the hurricane season between May-October. Is it possible to snorkel during this period but just worth keeping a close eye on the forecast. Between March-May is the ideal time to snorkel, less tourism and the weather is still very reliable.
It is possible to surf in Jamaica all year round, but if you are looking for the best and biggest swells, the conditions during December- March and July- September are ideal. Spoilt for options, head over to the north side of the island for big Northeast waves with right hand breaks. The south coasts provide a more consistent wave with its famous left-hand breaks.
The winter months (Dec-April) in Jamaica could be considered an ideal time to go sightseeing as the temperature and humidity are down on average compared to the summer months (May-November), mainly due to a trade breeze sweeping through the island in those winter months. But if you wish to beat the crowds that the peak season typically draws in, then visiting during May- November will have much less tourism, and the prices tend to be lower.
Month by month guide to visiting Jamaica
Jamaica in January
January is a prevalent time to visit Jamaica, with appealing cooler temperatures (average daytime temp of 25 degrees) and low rainfall levels. January is a perfect month to explore Jamaica’s hidden secrets and natural beauty.
Jamaica in February
February is one of the driest months of the year. The sun will shine on average 9 hours per day in February - an excellent time to top up those winter tans! Visitors to the island in the first week of February will encounter the birthday celebrations for Bob Marley. Various events and activities take place in his hometown of Nine Mile.
Jamaica in March
March offers some exquisite long sunny beach days without the worry of any rainfall. The daytime average is 26 degrees in March, increasing slightly from February but nothing too uncomfortable. The Caribbean Sea that surrounds this island is balmy during March. At 27 degrees, you can explore some of the great watersports Jamaica has to offer.
Jamaica in April
Enjoy long sunny days in April, with 10 hours of sunshine on average per day - giving you lots of time to soak up the rays on the beach. After Easter and Spring break have concluded, the island should feel quieter with the peak season coming to an end.
Jamaica in May
May is a great month to visit Jamaica. The weather is still glorious with beautiful long sunny days, and it is not massively hampered by bad weather. You will also benefit from the low season prices and the lower tourism, giving you an excellent passage into a relaxed stress-free holiday.
Jamaica in June
June is the start of the low season, which brings the opportunity to visit Jamaica at a discounted price. The daytime temperature starts to creep up, getting closer to the hottest time of the year in Jamaica - you'll certainly need to remember your suncream!
Jamaica in July
Jamaica is hotting up in July! The hottest month of the year has an average daytime temperature of 29 degrees. The increased chance of rainfall might go some way to help cool you down, but these potential storms tend to be short spells that move on quickly. Down in Montego Bay, Jamaica’s largest reggae festival takes centre stage, Reggae Sumfest.
Jamaica in August
August is the peak of summer, with very high temperatures and humidity. The daytime average of 29 degrees with highs of 33 degrees. With these high temperatures, it's crucial to stay protected from the sun and avoid overexertion. August is an excellent month to surf; whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned pro looking for the gnarly swells, then Jamaica's surf scene has it all covered.
Jamaica in September
September is statically Jamaica’s quietest month of the year, and with Jamaica’s already slow pace of life, this is really personified in September. It is a great month for anyone looking to beat the crowds and have a relaxed holiday. It’s peak hurricane season so expect a few heavy showers, with a very small chance of experiencing a hurricane. The warm weather continues, with the daytime average up around 29 degrees.
Jamaica in October
October is one of the wettest months of the year in Jamaica, with strong spells of bad weather in the evening. Despite that, October can still be an excellent month to visit, with good deals to be taken advantage of in the low season. The weather in Jamaica stays warm all year long; the average daytime temperature is 28 degrees.
Jamaica in November
November is a great month to visit Jamaica. You can beat the Christmas crowds that December will attract. Hurricane season is coming to an end, with the weather improving - an average of 8 hours of sunshine a day and an average temperature of 27 degrees through the day. Visit towards the end of November for the best weather.
Jamaica in December
December marks the start of the peak season. The weather significantly improves with up to 11 hours of sunshine on average per day. Christmas on the horizon, what a beautiful place to celebrate Christmas and the New year with some fantastic events being held.
Best time to visit Jamaica frequently asked questions
Jamaica is a great all year round holiday location with guaranteed warm weather. The driest period of the year is between December-April.
The dry season in Jamaica starts at the beginning of December ending in April.
The rainy season in Jamaica typically starts in May and ends in November, with the central mountainous areas experiencing more rainfall than coastline towns.
The quietest period in Jamaica coincides with the summer months, between June and November. During these months, there will be fewer people on the beaches, restaurants and bars.
Jamaica’s peak season is during the winter months, between December and April.
The low season in Jamaica starts at the beginning of May and continues through till the end of November. The low season corresponds with the hurricane season, with some short sharp tropical storms.
