Choosing the best time to visit Jamaica solely depends on what experiences you want to live, your total budget, and other factors, rather than things like the weather, which is balmy and pleasant almost year-round. With every season bringing a set of enticing benefits, everything has to do with what you want from your Jamaica vacations.
Come in July to enjoy the incredible beaches and superb water-related ventures in high temperatures. Or you may opt for September for the most cost-effective escape paired with lots of sunshine (yet, higher chances of rain). December, on the other hand, is a great month to travel to Jamaica for a much-needed winter getaway. As for spring, it is another excellent season if you prefer fewer crowds, sunny weather, and lower price tags.
That being said, Jamaica receives the largest tourist influx between November and mid-April, which, for many travellers, is the best period of the year to visit the Caribbean country for the particularly travel-friendly atmosphere and the great weather. It is also a time of the year that’s far from the Hurricane season which ends in November. Finally, both Christmas and Easter are celebrated with lively events and festivals that definitely excite visitors!
Weather-wise, though, Jamaica gets rain almost throughout the year, but the average temperature is between 26.7oC (80oF) and 32.2oC (90oF), which is great.
Peak Season – Best Time to Take in the Island’s Lively Atmosphere
The high season in Jamaica starts in December and lasts until mid-April. During this time, colleges and schools have their spring break, while the festive celebrations around Christmas and Easter are also another pole of attraction for thousands of travellers and party-goers who swarm the island.
This means that every service and product offered in Jamaica, including accommodation and dining, will be offered at a higher price and that the popular beaches and landmarks become crowded. However, making your bookings early can land you some great deals to reduce the total cost. Staying away from famous tourist spots during the peak season will also help save money and time.
Off-Season – The Best Time for Budget Travellers
The off-season in Jamaica starts in May and ends in November and is the best time to travel to Jamaica if you would love to understand the local culture and other aspects of the Jamaican lifestyle better.
At the same time, though, it is hurricane season (from June through November) and the weather is quite hot. On the flip side, travel tickets, hotels, restaurants, and other tourist activities, such as water sports are cheaper (even up to 50% off), while the provided endeavours have more relaxing vibes. As for the beaches, they will almost feel private, as you will have plenty of space to sit on the beach and enjoy the sea.
Tip: Jamaica has two shoulder seasons you could benefit from. The first runs from around mid-April through June and the second covers the period between November and mid-December. During these periods, vacation prices and travelling fares drop and the weather is still good.
Best Time to Travel to Jamaica for Scuba Diving
That would be the period between May and September when the water is warm and crystal clear, and its visibility reaches up to 35 metres (115 feet) unless you visit the island during the wet season when the visibility in the water drops to around 10 metres (32.8 feet).
Jamaica: Season by Season
- Winter – The average temperature is around 23.8oC (75oF) and you may need to bring a light jacket with you, especially if planning to head to the highest Jamaica peak, the Blue Mountain peak, but nothing too wintry! Also, expect less rainfall and more days with clear sunny skies compared to the other seasons. Visiting tourist attractions, though, is more expensive.
- Spring – The temperatures start to increase from mid-April to May and the island receives young, fun-loving crowds travelling to Jamaica during their spring break. The island becomes a party land from end to end, although the northern winds are more intense than before, bringing around 76.2 mm (3 inches) of rain. That being said, you can find good deals for flights, hotels, and water activities in May, while snorkelling, scuba diving, and other water sports activities remain friendly, weather-wise, in Kingston and Negril.
- Summer – It is the hottest time of the year and tourists are gradually departing from the island. It is an excellent time for budget-conscious travellers as flight tickets and hotel prices drop by ½ compared to the peak season. However, there is an increased chance of a hurricane between the months of August and September.
- Autumn – The temperature is around 32oC (90oF) and the rainfall rises. Sightseeing might be a small challenge due to the wind that becomes more intense around this time of the year. The peak season is just around the corner, though.
Month-by-Month Guide
- January – One of the most popular (and coolest) months for Jamaica with low rainfall levels, average daytime temperatures around 25oC (70oF), warm sea, and about 9 hours of sunshine daily. Expect chillier nights, especially in the mountainous areas.
- February – Some light and quick rain showers are expected that give their way to clear sunny skies. It is slightly warmer than January, with 9 hours of sunshine daily, and busier than the previous month, especially during the UK half-term holiday. A great month for sightseeing and trying outdoor activities without huge crowds or heat. Plus, the massively popular Bob Marley Birthday Bash is celebrated in February, involving lots of festivities.
- March – A month with warm weather, low rainfall, nearly swimming-perfect sea temperature, 9 hours of daily sunshine, temperatures around 28oC (82oF), and Spring Breakers swarming the island to party and have fun.
- April – Less busy than the previous months, pleasing visitors with 10 hours of daily sunshine, just a little bit of rain as you move toward the wet season, and warm-enough temperatures. An excellent time for Easter family vacations or just-after-Easter holidays with lower accommodation rates and thinner crowds.
- May – Low season prices, not yet in the rainy season, good weather overall, 10 hours of daily sunshine, comfortable temperatures, and relatively low rainfall levels characterise Jamaica in May. Also, quieter facilities and lower fares enable visitors to enjoy more laid-back ventures.
- June – The low season has just started, which means humid and hot weather. It is also the start of the hurricane season, but it is very unlikely that a serious storm will hit Jamaica during June. That being said, the northeastern trade winds keep things cool throughout the shoreline, while any refreshing rain showers clear quickly.
- July – Travellers enjoy 11 hours of daily sunshine, some much-welcomed rain showers, and the highest temperatures so far (29oC or 84oF, or more). It is also a super-busy time of the year, especially for family vacations, and a month that hosts the annual Reggae Sumfest, one of the best Jamaica festivals.
- August – The end of the summertime comes with high humidity and heat, daytime temperatures that reach 32oC (90oF) or even higher, a parade of events, such as the Ocho Rios Seafood Festival, high prices, and a good chance of rain (but an exceptional month for water-sports fans and beach lovers).
- September – It is the peak of the hurricane season, although the chances of a serious hurricane hitting the island remain slim. The risk of rain is quite high, though, but, on the flip side, it is one of the quietest months of the year – perfect for relaxed vacations and explorations (indoor or outdoor).
- October – More than half its days are rainy (be it a short downpour or a rainfall that lasts for a few hours), making October the wettest month of the year. After the rain, though, the sky is super clear and sunny. Plus, you will find plenty of deals for accommodation, dining, and others.
- November – The hurricane and rainy seasons are about to end. The prices are still low and the island remains pleasantly quiet, enjoying 8 hours of daily sunshine, and temperatures around 21oC (70oF). This is a month offering a great escape before Christmas and its huge crowds reach the island again.
- December – Christmas is just around the corner, the weather is gorgeous, the prices are still quite low, and you may even go to the beach and spend your Christmas there. The daytime temperatures don’t differ much from last month.
Choosing the best time to visit Jamaica solely depends on what experiences you want to live, your total budget, and other factors, rather than things like the weather, which is balmy and pleasant almost year-round. With every season bringing a set of enticing benefits, everything has to do with what you want from your Jamaica vacations.
Come in July to enjoy the incredible beaches and superb water-related ventures in high temperatures. Or you may opt for September for the most cost-effective escape paired with lots of sunshine (yet, higher chances of rain). December, on the other hand, is a great month to travel to Jamaica for a much-needed winter getaway. As for spring, it is another excellent season if you prefer fewer crowds, sunny weather, and lower price tags.
That being said, Jamaica receives the largest tourist influx between November and mid-April, which, for many travellers, is the best period of the year to visit the Caribbean country for the particularly travel-friendly atmosphere and the great weather. It is also a time of the year that’s far from the Hurricane season which ends in November. Finally, both Christmas and Easter are celebrated with lively events and festivals that definitely excite visitors!
Weather-wise, though, Jamaica gets rain almost throughout the year, but the average temperature is between 26.7oC (80oF) and 32.2oC (90oF), which is great.
Peak Season – Best Time to Take in the Island’s Lively Atmosphere
The high season in Jamaica starts in December and lasts until mid-April. During this time, colleges and schools have their spring break, while the festive celebrations around Christmas and Easter are also another pole of attraction for thousands of travellers and party-goers who swarm the island.
This means that every service and product offered in Jamaica, including accommodation and dining, will be offered at a higher price and that the popular beaches and landmarks become crowded. However, making your bookings early can land you some great deals to reduce the total cost. Staying away from famous tourist spots during the peak season will also help save money and time.
Off-Season – The Best Time for Budget Travellers
The off-season in Jamaica starts in May and ends in November and is the best time to travel to Jamaica if you would love to understand the local culture and other aspects of the Jamaican lifestyle better.
At the same time, though, it is hurricane season (from June through November) and the weather is quite hot. On the flip side, travel tickets, hotels, restaurants, and other tourist activities, such as water sports are cheaper (even up to 50% off), while the provided endeavours have more relaxing vibes. As for the beaches, they will almost feel private, as you will have plenty of space to sit on the beach and enjoy the sea.
Tip: Jamaica has two shoulder seasons you could benefit from. The first runs from around mid-April through June and the second covers the period between November and mid-December. During these periods, vacation prices and travelling fares drop and the weather is still good.
Best Time to Travel to Jamaica for Scuba Diving
That would be the period between May and September when the water is warm and crystal clear, and its visibility reaches up to 35 metres (115 feet) unless you visit the island during the wet season when the visibility in the water drops to around 10 metres (32.8 feet).
Jamaica: Season by Season
- Winter – The average temperature is around 23.8oC (75oF) and you may need to bring a light jacket with you, especially if planning to head to the highest Jamaica peak, the Blue Mountain peak, but nothing too wintry! Also, expect less rainfall and more days with clear sunny skies compared to the other seasons. Visiting tourist attractions, though, is more expensive.
- Spring – The temperatures start to increase from mid-April to May and the island receives young, fun-loving crowds travelling to Jamaica during their spring break. The island becomes a party land from end to end, although the northern winds are more intense than before, bringing around 76.2 mm (3 inches) of rain. That being said, you can find good deals for flights, hotels, and water activities in May, while snorkelling, scuba diving, and other water sports activities remain friendly, weather-wise, in Kingston and Negril.
- Summer – It is the hottest time of the year and tourists are gradually departing from the island. It is an excellent time for budget-conscious travellers as flight tickets and hotel prices drop by ½ compared to the peak season. However, there is an increased chance of a hurricane between the months of August and September.
- Autumn – The temperature is around 32oC (90oF) and the rainfall rises. Sightseeing might be a small challenge due to the wind that becomes more intense around this time of the year. The peak season is just around the corner, though.
Month-by-Month Guide
- January – One of the most popular (and coolest) months for Jamaica with low rainfall levels, average daytime temperatures around 25oC (70oF), warm sea, and about 9 hours of sunshine daily. Expect chillier nights, especially in the mountainous areas.
- February – Some light and quick rain showers are expected that give their way to clear sunny skies. It is slightly warmer than January, with 9 hours of sunshine daily, and busier than the previous month, especially during the UK half-term holiday. A great month for sightseeing and trying outdoor activities without huge crowds or heat. Plus, the massively popular Bob Marley Birthday Bash is celebrated in February, involving lots of festivities.
- March – A month with warm weather, low rainfall, nearly swimming-perfect sea temperature, 9 hours of daily sunshine, temperatures around 28oC (82oF), and Spring Breakers swarming the island to party and have fun.
- April – Less busy than the previous months, pleasing visitors with 10 hours of daily sunshine, just a little bit of rain as you move toward the wet season, and warm-enough temperatures. An excellent time for Easter family vacations or just-after-Easter holidays with lower accommodation rates and thinner crowds.
- May – Low season prices, not yet in the rainy season, good weather overall, 10 hours of daily sunshine, comfortable temperatures, and relatively low rainfall levels characterise Jamaica in May. Also, quieter facilities and lower fares enable visitors to enjoy more laid-back ventures.
- June – The low season has just started, which means humid and hot weather. It is also the start of the hurricane season, but it is very unlikely that a serious storm will hit Jamaica during June. That being said, the northeastern trade winds keep things cool throughout the shoreline, while any refreshing rain showers clear quickly.
- July – Travellers enjoy 11 hours of daily sunshine, some much-welcomed rain showers, and the highest temperatures so far (29oC or 84oF, or more). It is also a super-busy time of the year, especially for family vacations, and a month that hosts the annual Reggae Sumfest, one of the best Jamaica festivals.
- August – The end of the summertime comes with high humidity and heat, daytime temperatures that reach 32oC (90oF) or even higher, a parade of events, such as the Ocho Rios Seafood Festival, high prices, and a good chance of rain (but an exceptional month for water-sports fans and beach lovers).
- September – It is the peak of the hurricane season, although the chances of a serious hurricane hitting the island remain slim. The risk of rain is quite high, though, but, on the flip side, it is one of the quietest months of the year – perfect for relaxed vacations and explorations (indoor or outdoor).
- October – More than half its days are rainy (be it a short downpour or a rainfall that lasts for a few hours), making October the wettest month of the year. After the rain, though, the sky is super clear and sunny. Plus, you will find plenty of deals for accommodation, dining, and others.
- November – The hurricane and rainy seasons are about to end. The prices are still low and the island remains pleasantly quiet, enjoying 8 hours of daily sunshine, and temperatures around 21oC (70oF). This is a month offering a great escape before Christmas and its huge crowds reach the island again.
- December – Christmas is just around the corner, the weather is gorgeous, the prices are still quite low, and you may even go to the beach and spend your Christmas there. The daytime temperatures don’t differ much from last month.