The climate of Jamaica
Jamaica has a mainly tropical rainforest type of climate (Köppen climate classification Af), with hot and humid weather. The west coast and central regions display a tropical monsoon climate (Köppen Am), and the south-central region is of tropical wet and dry type (Köppen Aw). A small region in the Blue Mountains in the mid-east has an oceanic climate (Köppen Cfb), with warm summers. Jamaica is an island country in the Greater Antilles of the Caribbean Sea, 90 miles south of Cuba, and 119 miles west of Hispaniola. The tropical latitudes, trade winds, and large water bodies chiefly influence Jamaica's climate.
Jamaica is a small island between the equator and the Tropic of Cancer. A narrow coastal plain surrounds the mountainous interior landscape. Karts formations dominate the island, with two-thirds of the area covered by a limestone plateau. Rainforests, limestone forests, wetlands, woodlands, caves, rivers, and coral reefs support the terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Several small islands, such as Dolphin Island, Long Island, Pigeon Island, and Salt Island, lie towards the east and south of Jamaica in the Caribbean Sea. The northern and western coasts offer white sandy beaches and calm seas. The southern coast has black sandy beaches, with cliffs that drop 300 meters in the sea in many places. Pedro Bank is an area of shallow seas with numerous cays in the southwest of the island. Morant Bank is in the southeast, while Alice Shoal lies 160 miles in the southwest. The Santa Cruz and
May Day mountains lie in the west, while the John Crow and the Blue Mountains are in the east. The Blue Mountain Peak in the eastern region is the highest point at 2256 meters in Jamaica.
The best time to visit Jamaica
The best time to visit
Jamaica is in the dry season, especially between
December and
March. The relatively low-rainfall winter months have sunny days amid moderate temperatures. Few places can boast of 8 hours of daily sunshine like Jamaica in the winter. Humidity levels are bearable, and the conditions are comfortable. The end of the hurricane season offers clear blue skies and calm waters to undertake sea excursions. Moderate wind speeds below 24.1km/h (15mph) provide refreshing air on the beaches. New Year has fair weather for a holiday on the white sandy beaches of Montego Bay in the north.
The worst time to visit Jamaica
The worst time to visit
Jamaica is during the hot summer from
July to
October when the humidity is at the highest of the year.
August and
September are particularly avoidable as they coincide with the peak of the hurricane season. Temperatures reach the highest of the year, and the heat is stifling due to humidity levels above 80%. The strong sunshine causes discomfort due to the shortage of broad-leaf trees, especially on the beaches. Thunderstorms are active in the afternoon and bring torrential downpour in short periods. Cloudy skies and an average rainfall of 127mm (5") to 152mm (5.98") during each month of the summer make it challenging to sunbathe except for brief periods in the morning.
Spring weather in Jamaica
Spring in
Jamaica from
March to
May marks the transition from the dry season to the wet season. Early spring is generally dry with pleasant temperatures ranging between 23.3°C (73.9°F) to 30°C (86°F). Towards the end of spring, the temperature remains high, but the humidity levels start to rise. The onset of the wet season brings sporadic showers, but the rain is often short-lived, leaving plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Wind speeds during spring remain within a comfortable range of 19.3km/h (12mph) to 24.1km/h (15mph).
Summer weather in Jamaica
Summers in
Jamaica from
June to
August are characterized by hot and humid conditions. The temperatures during the summer months regularly rise above 32.2°C (90°F), coupled with high humidity levels. Rainfall during summer is intense and can be quite high, with heavy showers mostly concentrated in the afternoon. Despite the occasional torrential downpour, mornings generally remain sunny, allowing for some beach activities.
Autumn weather in Jamaica
Autumn in
Jamaica, from
September to
November, is the continuation of the wet season. Temperatures begin to cool slightly from the summer heat, ranging from 23.3°C (73.9°F) to 30°C (86°F). Despite the frequent rainfall, the showers are often short-lived, and sunshine is common in between rain events. It is also the peak of the hurricane season, so travelers should stay informed about potential tropical storms or hurricanes.
Winter weather in Jamaica
Winter in
Jamaica spans from
December to
February and represents the dry season. The island enjoys sunny and relatively dry weather during these months, with temperatures typically falling below 21.1°C (70°F) in
January. During winter, the island receives onshore breezes during the day, and cooler offshore breezes at night. The evenings and nighttime temperatures might drop a few degrees due to the cold Norte wind from the United States.
Weather in January
January marks the continuation of the dry season in
Jamaica, characterized by a comfortable balance of moderate temperatures and reduced rainfall. The island experiences temperatures typically falling below 21.1°C (70°F), which makes January one of the coolest months of the year.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Transitioning into
February, the weather in
Jamaica maintains the dry season characteristics with a slight increase in temperatures compared to
January. Temperatures during the day in the plains rise slightly, hovering around 30°C (86°F), which is just slightly higher than those experienced in January, offering continued warmth and comfort for visitors and locals alike. Night-time temperatures in the plains, while slightly higher than in January, typically do not drop below 21.1°C (70°F), providing pleasantly cool evenings.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As
March arrives,
Jamaica starts to experience a gradual shift towards warmer conditions, signalling the onset of spring. This month, daytime temperatures in the plains see a slight rise compared to
February, frequently reaching up to 30°C (86°F), making it warmer but still comfortably enjoyable. In the mountainous regions, including the notable Blue Mountains, temperatures maintain a cooler and more temperate climate, usually ranging from 15°C (59°F) to 22.2°C (72°F).
Weather in March »Weather in April
April, in
Jamaica, is a transitional month, straddling the tail end of the dry season and the onset of the wet season. This period marks a further increase in temperatures when compared to
March. The temperatures in the plains often reach 30°C (86°F) during the day, making it among the warmer months of the year.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May brings a significant shift in
Jamaica's weather patterns, marking the beginning of the wet season. Temperatures in the plains during this month continue their upward trend from
April, regularly reaching 30°C (86°F) during the day.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Jamaica signifies the full onset of the wet season. Daytime temperatures continue to increase, often reaching 30°C (86°F) or above in the plains. Despite the rising temperatures, the coastal breezes offer a reprieve, making outdoor activities manageable. Night-time temperatures in the low-lying areas rarely dip below 21.1°C (70°F), providing warm and balmy evenings.
Weather in June » Weather in July
July presents
Jamaica with the height of the wet season, and it is also one of the hottest months of the year. In the plains, daytime temperatures often exceed 30°C (86°F), marking some of the highest temperatures of the year. Nevertheless, the coastal regions benefit from the soothing sea breezes, which make the heat more bearable during the day. Night-time temperatures in the plains persist in their warmth, seldom falling below 21.1°C (70°F).
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Jamaica is one of the warmest months, with the wet season in full swing. Daytime temperatures frequently exceed 30°C (86°F) in the plains, and the heat can often feel intense. Nonetheless, the coastal regions are more temperate due to the cooling effect of sea breezes. Night-time temperatures in the lowlands rarely drop below 21.1°C (70°F), offering balmy, warm evenings perfect for enjoying the vibrant nightlife.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Jamaica is part of the hot and rainy season, characterized by high humidity levels and frequent rainfall. Daytime temperatures in the lowland areas often exceed 30°C (86°F), creating a hot and humid environment.
Weather in September » Weather in October
October in
Jamaica is a transitional period, marking the end of the wet season and the commencement of the dry season. However, it remains one of the rainiest months of the year, with the plains experiencing considerable rainfall.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Jamaica indicates the onset of the dry season, characterized by a significant drop in rainfall and a mild decrease in temperatures compared to the hot and wet previous months. In the lowland regions, daytime temperatures typically stay around 28°C (82.4°F) to 30°C (86°F), creating a more comfortable environment, especially along the coast where the sea breeze provides a cooling effect. During the night, temperatures in the plains are slightly cooler than the preceding months, ranging around 21.1°C (70°F), offering pleasant evenings.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Jamaica is characterized by the prevailing dry season, with relatively low rainfall and comfortable temperatures. Daytime temperatures in the lowland areas typically sit around 28°C (82.4°F) to 30°C (86°F), offering warm conditions.
Weather in December »