When is the best time to visit Jamaica?
If you’re planning to travel to Jamaica for vacation, you might be wondering when is the best time to visit Jamaica. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Jamaica’s weather, tourism seasons, and annual events to help you plan the best trip possible.
Jamaica is a Caribbean island very close to our hearts, as we lived in Jamaica for two years during our Peace Corps service.
Read next: Jamaica Culture 101
Table of Contents
Weather in Jamaica
Good news! Jamaica is a perfect year-round destination and there isn’t really a bad time to visit this beautiful island.
You can expect sunny days almost all year. Really, the best season to travel to Jamaica greatly depends on your preferred weather. But not to worry, staying warm is not much of an issue in this island country.
Of course, the weather varies slightly around the island. On the East end, in Portland parish, it is often more lush and rainy. Treasure Beach on the South Coast tends to be more arid and dry. Inland in the hills is often cooler than popular destinations along the coast.
Jamaica is also known for its tropical climate, where you can enjoy the sand, the sun, and fun outdoor activities. Nearly every day, it registers the highest temperature in the Caribbean Islands.
Summer means hot temperatures and high humidity. In other seasons, Jamaica’s climate is typically warm but varies between dry and humid. As a matter of fact, even in winter in Jamaica, there is warm and pleasant weather. And here’s the best part, the sea doesn’t get cold so you can always enjoy the beaches and swim all year-round!
Jamaica’s peak season is its winter months which starts in mid-December and ends mid-April. During these months, the horizon presents you with warm days where the sun shines high and rain rarely falls. With most finding this the best time to visit Jamaica, tourists tend to flock the island.
Prices also significantly increase during this peak season as these months coincide with the Christmas holidays, spring break, the New Year, and Easter weekend.
From June to November, the temperature goes up to 91°F. If you prefer a more quiet visit, this period is recommended for you. This season offers cheaper prices and sunny weather. Even with the risk of little rainfall in the rainy season, you can still enjoy your Caribbean vacation.
Other than these two seasons, you can also enjoy the shoulder seasons by going to Jamaica during mid-April to June and November to mid-December! These are the cheapest months to visit and can still catch that nice Jamaica weather to boot.
In fact, early December is our favorite time in Jamaica. There is often a nice breeze (our neighbors called it the “Christmas breeze”) around Negril and Montego Bay. Temperatures are warm but more enjoyable for walking outside in the sun. And hotels have not yet hiked up their prices for the holidays.
Read: Jamaica Packing Essentials You Might Overlook
Hurricane Season in Jamaica
The islands in the Caribbean go through a hurricane season from June up to November. Fortunately, hurricanes rarely hit Jamaica!
In fact, trekking in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica is a popular recreational activity during this season, particularly in June, July, and November, as good weather is often observed during this time, when there aren’t any storms.
Heavy rains often happen during the autumn months, especially around mid-September. Thankfully, rains rarely last all day. Instead, you can often expect heavy rainfall in the afternoons for a few hours. We often enjoyed watching the downpour, as long as there was nowhere to go!
If you’re planning to visit Jamaica during the hurricane season, consider a travel insurance with hurricane coverage or cancel-for-any-reason coverage. This would give you and your family flexibility and protection in the event of an unlikely storm.
When is peak season in Jamaica?
Jamaica is one of those countries that can be enjoyed in all seasons! There’s really not only one good time to visit this beautiful country as every season comes with its unique advantages.
However, there is what would be considered a peak season in Jamaica. It just may or may not be the ideal time for you to go, depending on your trip goals.
Peak season in Jamaica starts in mid-December and last through mid-April. Tourists swarm this Caribbean island to enjoy the amazing weather that comes with the tropical climate. As mentioned, expect high prices and bigger crowds especially in the popular tourist destinations like Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Negril.
Regardless of the season, you could say there are peak days as well. That’s when the cruise ships come to port. On cruise ship days, towns like Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Falmouth get especially busy. Personally, we prefer to avoid visiting on these crowded days.
You can check cruise schedules in the ports here.
When is shoulder season in Jamaica?
Shoulder season is the months between the peak and off-peak months. In Jamaica, this happens twice: mid-April to May and November to mid-December.
Some of the pros in visiting Jamaica during shoulder season include good weather and better bargains on accommodation and airfare. As I mentioned, early December was always our favorite time to be in Jamaica.
As you near peak season, expect that more tourists will start to come in to enjoy the resorts and beautiful beaches.
When is low season in Jamaica?
Low season in Jamaica occurs during May to November and is usually the cheapest time to visit. During this time, you can enjoy fewer crowds and lower costs for hotels.
The main trade off in low season is the weather. It can get really hot in the mid-day sun. These months also fall under the hurricane season! Also be aware that hotels and resorts in the best places to visit may do their renovations at this time.
Best time to travel to Jamaica
If we are to recommend a best time to visit Jamaica, it would be winter, especially early December or sometime before March. Jamaica temperature in December and January is something we always looked forward to when we lived there.
Unlike in other countries where summer months means vacation, Jamaica’s high tourist season is during winter and the U.S. school holidays.
For those with a specific vacation in mind, we thought it would be helpful to know the differences of visiting Jamaica in each month. Here’s our short guide for you!
January in Jamaica
January is Jamaica’s coolest month. Many tourists visit the island during this month since the average low temperature is 70°F, with little chance of rain. On the other hand, the highest temperature is only 86°F.
During this month, many enjoy the New Years’ week celebrations with festivals often held around Montego Bay. The Accompong Maroon Festival, a celebration which marks the victory of the Maroons in a war against the British, is also celebrated every 6th of January. Locals celebrate with traditional singing and dancing, feasts, and blowing a cow’s horn.
Jamaica in February
The temperature in Jamaica in February is only a little different from January. The average high is only 77°F, while the average low is 70°F. Less rain is also to be expected during this month!
Hiking and trekking to waterfalls are a good idea in February. With high water visibility, it is also a great time for snorkeling.
The Bob Marley Week is also celebrated in this month with concerts, movies, and food festivals. The Bob Marley birthday bash happens every February 6 in Montego Bay. You can visit the Bob Marley Museum to join the celebrations.
Jamaica in March
Compared to February, Jamaica temperature in March starts to rise but with lower rainfall. The average highest temperature is 79°F, while the average low is 72°F.
March is known to be popular among student tourists as most have their Spring Break in this month. Jamaica also regularly hosts various kiteboarding events as it is famous for its perfect for those wishing to catch trade winds!
The best tamarinds are also harvested from January to March so you can enjoy tamarind balls, a popular Jamaican treat, around this time!
Jamaica in April
In April, the weather in Jamaica is fair with an average high of 79°F and a low of 73°F. Since it is just the beginning of wet season, there’s an average rainfall of seven days in April.
During this month, the Montego Bay’s Yacht Club holds a sailing event in the North Coast over the course of 4 days. They also hold a carnival in Kingston, Ocho Rios, and Montego Bay. In Treasure Beach, the annual off-road triathlon take place in April.
Jamaica in May
May marks the start of Jamaica’s rainy season where rainfall increases in the north and the south. Kingston sees 8 rainy days during this time. The national average high temperature is 81°F, with an average low of 75°F.
The Calabash International Literary Festival is celebrated at Treasure Beach during May, where 30 authors and musicians are featured to perform or read. This month also has the StyleWeek Jamaica and Fashion Block event, where Jamaican designers showcase their work for 3 days. American and European designers are also invited to attend the activities.
Jamaica in June
Jamaica in June marks the start of the low season and summer season. Weather is hot and humid at 82°F average high temperature, and a low of 75°F. Only short bursts of rain are observed.
Major events such as the Edge Urban Art Festival and the Caribbean Fashion Week are celebrated in Kingston. On the other side of the island, the Ocho Rios Jazz Festival occurs in Ocho Rios and Montego Bay.
July in Jamaica
July is tagged as the hottest month in Jamaica, with an average high temperature of 84°F, and an average low of 75°F. The North sees rainy days for almost half the month, while there’s typically only six rainy days in the South.
This month is known for the Little Ochi Seafood Carnival in Alligator Pond. They also celebrate traditional and modern dances in Kingston through the National Dance Theatre Company’s Season of Dance. International Reggae Day is celebrated in Kingston every July 1 by reggae artists and enthusiasts alike. There is also Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay, which is a yearly 5-day music festival.
Jamaica in August
In August, there isn’t much change to the temperature in Jamaica. It averages at a high of 84°F, with a low of 75°F. However, the chances of rain are heightened due to the approaching hurricane season.
Some popular events include dozens of parties in Negril, like the Red Stripe Dream Weekend. Jamaica’s Independence is celebrated in August, and the National Independence Float Parade and Grand Gala takes place in Kingston.
Jamaica in September
September is the peak of the hurricane season for the Caribbean, but Jamaica’s rainfall stays the same. The average high is 82°F, with a low of 75°F, similar to August.
Although September is one of Jamaica’s rainier months, some visitors prefer to visit during this time for the lower prices and fewer tourists! Be sure to try out fruits like avocado and ackee which start to be in season and are best enjoyed during this month.
Election Day in Jamaica is also held this time of year. Just in case of disruptions, it’s best to stay on the beaten path during election season. Also avoid wearing the party colors, bright green or orange, when out in public.
Jamaica in October
Jamaica in October records the most rainfall throughout the year. Half of the month is said to be filled with rain. Meanwhile, the average high is 81°F, with a low of 73°F.
During the wettest month, Jamaica celebrates the oldest and most exclusive sportfishing event in the Caribbean. This is known as the Port Antonio International Fishing Tournament where contestants come from as far as North America and Europe.
November in Jamaica
November in Jamaica is the start of the second shoulder season and the end of the rainy season. Average high temperature is 79°F, with a low of 73°F. Rainfall is only observed for 10 days during this month.
Restaurant Week happens in November. This is a week-long celebration where residents and tourists alike sample dishes and cuisine at the best restaurants in the island.
Jamaica in December
Great weather and temperatures will welcome you to Jamaica in December. This is shown by the average high of 79°F, with a low of 72°F. Rainfall happens for only 6 days.
Although December becomes one of the most expensive months to visit Jamaica, tourists still swarm the island for the vacation weather and many celebrations that await. Before the peak holiday crowds, you can still get good hotel prices and take part in Negril’s Reggae Marathon (also a half marathon and 10k).
Another of the biggest events during this month, aside from Christmas and Boxing Day, is the Motor Sports Championship event. This occurs at Dover Raceway, St. Ann. It is an exclusive championship event during early December.
Best time to visit Jamaica for…
Good weather in Jamaica: December and January
December and January are the best months of the year to visit Jamaica due to the generally good weather. The month of December marks the end of hurricane season and the beginning of the high season. Early December boasts lower rates in tour packages and hotel reservations compared to late December, which is the beginning of the holiday season.
Jamaica’s peak tourist season begins around mid-December and especially booms during Christmas holidays. Aside from the thrill of spending the holidays in the Caribbean, tourists also choose this time period to travel due to the temperature. This is because of Jamaica’s relatively warmer winters compared to the U.S., Canada, U.K. and the rest of Europe. If you are looking to spend your holidays in Jamaica, expect to encounter crowded tourist spots and higher costs.
Meanwhile, Jamaica’s weather is usually as cool as it gets in January, making it another popular time to visit. Sea temperatures are around 80°F, making it possible to have fun at the beach even during winter.
Saving money in Jamaica: September through early December
The month of September in Jamaica signals hurricane season. September tourists must expect to encounter possible heavy rains due to the prevalence of tropical storms during this season. This does not mean, however, that you can no longer enjoy beach days. Jamaica still has more or less 10 hours of sunshine during September.
On the bright side, September through early December is great for tourists looking to save their money while still enjoying Jamaican paradise. This season is considered one of the less boisterous, yet more affordable visiting times. Since these months come before the beginning of peak tourist season in Jamaica, there are numerous good deals available.
November up to mid-December are considered to be one of Jamaica’s shoulder seasons. During this time, hotels and resorts may offer lower rates. In addition, tourists may also enjoy good weather as this marks the end of the rainy season. Cruise ship trips are also enjoyed during this time, with fewer people at the ports.
Avoiding crowds in Jamaica: May through November
Jamaica is a popular destination, and it’s not always possible to avoid crowds based on the time of year. That said, going during Jamaica’s “low season” can help.
Better yet, you can avoid crowds in Jamaica by going slightly off the beaten path. Rather than the large all-inclusive Jamaica resorts, try a boutique hotel. You might also want to avoid the most popular attractions like Dunns River Falls or the tourist markets where crowds tend to gather.
Best Time to Book Jamaica Hotels and Resorts
Tourists are recommended to start looking out for hotel and resort reservations early when planning to visit Jamaica. By booking months or even a year in advance, you can find greater deals and lower rates.
From springtime to mid-December, hotels and resorts tend to offer discounts that can reach up to 60% off.
Where to stay in Jamaica
Read: Best Places to Stay in Jamaica
Jamaica Travel Resources
Get our curated Jamaica Map + Trip Planning Bundle here
🚗 Check for car rental deals on Priceline >
🚐 Book Montego Bay hotel transfers on GetYourGuide >
🇯🇲 Book transfers from city-to-city in Jamaica >
✈️ Get VIP lounge service and fast-track entry at Montego Bay airport >
⛑ Protect your trip with Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing >
What travel restrictions and rules are in place in Jamaica?
Find post-pandemic travel updates for Jamaica here:
What you need to know about Jamaica travel right now
We hope this post has helped you determine when is the best time to visit Jamaica for you. There are pros and cons of each season, but you can’t really go wrong.
You might also like these Jamaica posts:
Jamaica Packing Essentials You Might Overlook
Where to Stay in Jamaica
Our Jamaica Culture Series + Video
What to Eat in Jamaica
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