Climate and monthly weather forecastNew Kingston, Jamaica

The climate of New Kingston

Designated under the Köppen climate classification as Aw, New Kingston's predominate climate is a tropical wet and dry, also known as savanna. Located in Jamaica, it experiences humid and warm weather throughout the year, with marked temperature shifts between day and night rather than between seasons.

The mercury hovers between lows of 21.6°C (70.9°F) in February and reaches a high of 30.3°C (86.5°F) in August, demonstrating the city's consistently warm climate. The town's relative humidity ranges from 78% to 82%, signifying the high moisture content in the air and contributing to its tropical climate.

Notably, rainfall occurs during nearly every month in New Kingston with the heaviest precipitation observed from May at 154mm (6.06") to October at 184mm (7.24"). The dry period runs from December to April, with rainfall levels falling to around 52mm (2.05") in January and reaching a modest 78mm (3.07") in April. Throughout these months, the number of rainfall days varies slightly, from a yearly low of 22.1 days in February to a high of 28.7 days in October.

Reflecting the city's proximity to the sea, the sea temperature follows a similar pattern to air temperatures, with a low of approximately 26.8°C (80.2°F) in February, to a high of 29.8°C (85.6°F) in September. Meanwhile, wind speeds range between 8.6km/h (5.3mph) to 12.8km/h (8mph) during the course of the year, with the most significant gusts witnessed during June, reaching a peak at 18.7km/h (11.6mph).

The best time to visit New Kingston

June through August would be the ideal time to visit New Kingston. During these months, the average high temperature is around 30°C (86°F), providing perfect weather for outdoor activities. The sea temperature also rises to an inviting range from 28.5°C (83.3°F) to 29.6°C (85.3°F), offering excellent conditions for water sports. It is crucial to note, however, that sunshine hours reduce slightly from 10.6 hours in June to 10.8 hours in August, and rainfall increases to 120mm (4.72") to 131mm (5.16") during the same period. Therefore, visitors should be prepared for some rainy days.

The worst time to visit New Kingston

The period between October and December could be considered the least favourable time to visit New Kingston. In October, rainfall reaches its yearly high at 184mm (7.24"), coupled with the maximum number of rainy days at 28.7. Despite the average temperature remaining relatively warm from 24°C (75.2°F) to 23.4°C (74.1°F), the high precipitation and cloud cover can often result in damp and overcast conditions. The sea temperature also starts to decrease from 29.3°C (84.7°F) to 28.2°C (82.8°F) during this period.

Spring weather in New Kingston

Spring in New Kingston starts in a dryer note with rainfall in March at 59mm (2.32"), slowly increasing to 78mm (3.07") in April. The temperature range remains consistent from 21.7°C (71.1°F) to 28.7°C (83.7°F), indicating mild and pleasant conditions. The sea temperature also rises from 27.1°C (80.8°F) in March to 27.7°C (81.9°F) in April, welcoming for beach activities. Notably, daylight hours increase from 12.1 hours in March to 12.6 hours in April, providing extended daylight for outdoor activities.

Summer weather in New Kingston

Summer in New Kingston is characterized by hot and relatively humid conditions. The maximum temperature reaches up to 30.3°C (86.5°F) in August, while the minimum stays around 24.3°C (75.7°F). Daily sunshine hours peak at 10.8 in August, while overall rainfall increases from 154mm (6.06") in May to 131mm (5.16") in August. Wind speed also increases during these months up to 12.8km/h (8mph) in June, providing some relief from the heat.

Autumn weather in New Kingston

Autumn in New Kingston experiences the highest rainfall of the year. From September to November, rainfall ranges from 154mm (6.06") to 112mm (4.41"). Despite this, the temperature remains warm ranging from 29.2°C (84.6°F) in September to 28.6°C (83.5°F) in November, while sea temperature decreases a little from 29.8°C (85.6°F) in September to 29°C (84.2°F) in November. The daily sunshine hours also reduce from 10.8 in September to 6.6 in November, marking the transition into winter.

Winter weather in New Kingston

Winter in New Kingston is mild and slightly dry compared to the other seasons. The temperature ranges from 27.8°C (82°F) in December to 27.3°C (81.1°F) in January and February. Although rainfall decreases from 76mm (2.99") in December to 52mm (2.05") in January, it slightly increases to 44mm (1.73") in February. Wind speed also increases during these months between 10km/h (6.2mph) to 10.5km/h (6.5mph), creating a soothing breeze, making it a pleasant period for outdoor activities.

Weather in January

January in New Kingston, Jamaica, experiences average high temperatures at 27.3°C (81.1°F) and low temperatures at 21.7°C (71.1°F). The city typically offers moderate visibility and has a relatively stable air pressure during the month. Weather in January »

Weather in February

Taking over from January, February's climate in New Kingston sees a slight drop in rainfall from 52mm (2.05") to 44mm (1.73"). Though the temperatures slightly vary, February succeeds in maintaining warmth, with breezes that manage to hit their peak at around 11.2km/h (7mph). Weather in February »

Weather in March

In March, the rainfall in New Kingston reaches 59mm (2.32"), a prominent increase compared to the drier February. March announces the arrival of the city's rainier season, offering a mild climate and delightfully breezy evenings, which carry on into April. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April steps in with an increase in average high temperatures, touching 28.7°C (83.7°F). Rainfall is higher in April than in previous months, marking the onset of the wetter season which further escalates in May. The wind speed tends to remain steady, ensuring a pleasant atmosphere throughout the city. Weather in April »

Weather in May

New Kingston in May witnesses notable shifts in weather patterns. Rainfall hikes to a significant 154mm (6.06"), the highest when compared to previous months and as we'll see later on, also than the following June. As the rain creates an inviting coolness, temperatures and humidity comfortably balance out the city's climate. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June offers weather conditions quite different from May. Even though May experiences heavier rainfall, the temperature in June rises slightly, topping at an average high of 30°C (86°F). The seashore experiences warm waters, peaking at around 28.5°C (83.3°F), inviting all to its cooling depths. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July brings warmth that exceeds the temperature recorded in June by a slight margin. The month sees a short retreat in rain showers as compared to the previous month. Amid the warmer days, the city welcomes an increase in daylight hours, peaking at 13.1 hours. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August oversees a slight increase in sea temperature, clocking in at 29.6°C (85.3°F) encouraging many a beachside rendezvous. In comparison to July, August carries similar warm and wet conditions with a slight increase in rainfall. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September holds slightly different weather traits compared to August. The rainfall takes a significant jump, reaching 154mm (6.06") and tying with May for the maximum rainfall recorded during the year. Despite this, a steady dip in wind speed is noted, making days warmer than the breezy earlier months. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in New Kingston is characterized by decreasing high temperatures along with increased rainfall. Equipped with the maximum recorded rainfall days of 28.7, October takes the top spot for the wettest month of the year. Notably, the average wind speed slows down and daylight hours reduce, marking a gradual shift towards cooler months. Weather in October »

Weather in November

Moving from October to November, a considerable drop in rainfall is noted from 184mm (7.24") to 112mm (4.41"). Though November records less rainfall, the days continue to be warm, transitioning smoothly into December. The tropical city witnesses a decrease in daylight hours, echoing shorter days but with weather conditions still perfect for outdoor activities. Weather in November »

Weather in December

Wrapping up the year, December sees temperatures drop marginally from November, with the low hitting 22.4°C (72.3°F). From a broader perspective, December resembles January's weather conditions, offering a cool and calm period that breaks from the higher temperatures of past months. Weather in December »