Weather in Jamaica: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

Jamaica is known for having warm weather all year-round, though the country does have a rainy season that occurs twice a year. There is also a chance of hurricanes in Jamaica, and travelers should know the local weather on-island to prepare in advance for their trip. One of the largest islands in the Caribbean, the temperature in Jamaica can vary greatly depending on whether you are vacationing on the beach or in the mountains.

Hurricane Season in Jamaica

The hurricane season in Jamaica runs from the beginning of June to the end of November, though peak season is from August to October. Though Jamaica is located in the Atlantic hurricane belt, travelers are more likely to experience tropical storms in summer and fall than to encounter a hurricane in Jamaica. But even in the rainy season, there's still plenty of sunlight hours, and the water is warm enough to swim in all year-round. Concerned visitors traveling to Jamaica during this time period should purchase travel insurance in advance.

Popular Cities in Jamaica

Kingston

As the capital of Jamaica, Kingston is the cultural center of the island nation. It is also home to the Blue Mountains, and due to its proximity to the mountains, it tends to rain more in Kingston than in the popular tourist destination, Montego Bay. There's a high chance of rainfall in May and June, and August through October, though it remains warm in the capital year-round, and the showers do not often last for long.

Montego Bay

The Beach Boys may have made Montego Bay famous thanks to their song "Kokomo," and there's a reason this part of Jamaica is synonymous with a tropical contact high. The gorgeous beaches are legendarily enticing, and the temperatures are generally high year-round, with an average high of 89 degrees F (32 degrees C) and an average low of 73 degrees F (23 degrees C).

Negril

Negril is famous for its laid-back vibe that is popular with young travelers and families alike. Boasting idyllic beaches and seaside cliffs, Negril also offers temperate year-round weather, and only one real rainy season, lasting from June through October. October is the wettest month of the year throughout Jamaica, so travelers looking to spend time outdoors should avoid booking travel at that time.

Ocho Rios

The beaches of Ocho Rios are world-renowned, but the north coast of Jamaica is home to rainforests and waterfalls too. Due to the proximity to the rainforest, it tends to rain more in Ocho Rios than in Negril, with May and October being the rainiest months, though there's a high chance of precipitation in June, August, and September as well. The dry periods in Ocho Rios are from January through March, which coincides with peak tourist season, so travelers should plan their trips well in advance to score flight deals and save on hotel bookings.

Port Antonio

Similar to Ocho Rios, Port Antonio also boasts a mixture of beaches as well as mountains, waterfalls, and jungles. Located on the northeast coast, the John Crow mountains contribute to beautiful vistas, as well as slightly rainier weather: the months of May to June, and August through October, have a higher chance of precipitation. Though, if it does rain, it usually doesn't last for long.

Spring in Jamaica

The beginning of spring boasts the driest month of the year, in March, and this balmy weather continues into April, with rainfall beginning in May. There are eight hours of sunshine per day in March and April, and seven hours in May. March and April are considered windy months, however, though the beaches in Negril and Kingston are sufficiently sheltered.

What to pack: Lightweight clothing, swimwear, light rain-jacket if visiting in May

Average Temperatures by Month:

• March: 88 degrees F / 72 degrees F (31 degrees C / 22 degrees C)
• April: 88 degrees F / 73 degrees F (31 degrees C / 23 degrees C)
• May: 90 degrees F / 75 degrees F (32 degrees C / 24 degrees C)

Summer in Jamaica

The sunniest season in Jamaica is the summertime, and the sunniest month is July, boasting nine hours of sunshine, while June and August each account for an average of eight hours. July is also the hottest month, however, and August is when the hurricane season officially begins, though it won't pick up until the fall.

What to pack: Rain-gear, swimwear, and breathable fabrics, as this is the hottest season of the year

Average Temperatures by Month:

• June: 90 degrees F / 75 degrees F (32 degrees C / 24 degrees C)
• July: 91 degrees F / 75 degrees F (33 degrees C / 24 degrees C)
• August: 91 degrees F / 75 degrees F (33 degrees C / 24 degrees C)

Fall in Jamaica

There are still eight hours of sunshine per day in the fall, though the rainy season begins in earnest across the nation. October is the wettest month of the year in Jamaica. Hurricane season is also in its peak in September and October, so travelers should be advised to purchase travel insurance in advance if they're concerned about storms.

What to pack: Swimwear, rain-gear, and water-resistant fabrics to hold up during the wettest period of the year

Average Temperatures by Month:

• September: 90 degrees F / 75 degrees F (32 degrees C / 24 degrees C)
• October: 90 degrees F / 73 degrees F (32 degrees C / 23 degrees C)
• November: 88 degrees F / 73 degrees F (31 degrees C / 23 degrees C)

Winter in Jamaica

By wintertime, the rains should usually have stopped in Jamaica, though occasionally the rain will continue into December. The peak of the hurricane season is over, however, and the seven hours of sunshine per day in December and January will expand to eight hours in February. February is the coldest month of the year, though the average high remains in the mid-80s Fahrenheit.

What to pack: Rain-gear in case of December showers, lightweight clothing, and a sweater for the evening

Average Temperatures by Month:

• December: 88 degrees F / 72 degrees F (31 degrees C / 22 degrees C)
• January: 86 degrees F / 70 degrees F (30 degrees C / 21 degrees C)
• February: 86 degrees F / 70 degrees F (30 degrees C / 21 degrees C)