Climate and monthly weather forecast
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 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 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 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).

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 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 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.

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »