The climate of Sandy Bay
Nestled in
Jamaica,
Sandy Bay follows the Köppen climate classification of Aw, characterized primarily as tropical wet and dry or savanna. This reflects a dynamic climate regime, implying significant weather changes frequently. From a temperature gradient between 24°C (75.2°F) and 29.7°C (85.5°F), around the year, Sandy Bay experiences a temperate climate with increased temperatures during the summer months. The average sea temperatures fluctuate between 26.9°C (80.4°F) to 29.8°C (85.6°F) throughout the year, providing a pleasant warmth throughout all seasons.
Rainfall in Sandy Bay varies throughout the year, showing a clear wet and dry pattern. The highest rainfall occurs from
May to
September, peaking significantly in May and September with 90mm (3.54") and 88mm (3.46"), respectively. Conversely, months from
December to
March receive comparably lesser rainfall, with the lowest being 19mm (0.75") in
February. Overall, Sandy Bay exhibits a relatively high rate of humidity throughout the year, hovering consistently around the 77% mark. The wind speed is moderate, with an average annual value of approximately 16km/h (9.9mph).
There's a general trend of increased daylight from
January to
June marking the progression towards summer, peaking at 13.2 hours in June, but begins to decline from
July onward, with December recording the shortest daylight hours of 11 hours. The sunshine hours follow a similar pattern, peaking between June and
August with over 11 hours, providing an ample amount of sunlight for outdoor activities.
The best time to visit Sandy Bay
Owing to the tropical climate, the best time to visit
Sandy Bay in
Jamaica would be during the dry months of
December to
March. The rainfall is significantly lower during these months, with
February recording the lowest rainfall of 19mm (0.75"). The temperatures also are pleasingly warm during these months, with highs of approximately 27°C (80.6°F). The sea temperatures remain consistently warm throughout, making it a perfect time for aquatic activities like swimming and snorkeling.
The worst time to visit Sandy Bay
The months between
May and
September, also known as the wet season, can be considered less suitable for a visit. During these months,
Sandy Bay experiences its highest rainfall levels, peaking at 90mm (3.54") in May. Therefore, outdoor activities might be disrupted due to weather conditions, although the temperatures remain reasonably high, ranging from 28.6°C (83.5°F) to 29.7°C (85.5°F).
Spring weather in Sandy Bay
Spring weather in
Sandy Bay, from
March through
May, witnesses a gradual increase in rainfall, with May receiving the most substantial rainfall of 90mm (3.54"). Temperatures during this period rise to a peak of around 28.6°C (83.5°F) in May, and the sea temperatures also climb to a comfortable 28.3°C (82.9°F), offering pleasant conditions for swimming and diving. The period sees a gradual increase in daylight hours, reaching a maximum of 13 hours in May.
Summer weather in Sandy Bay
The summer months, from
June to
August, are the hottest in
Sandy Bay. The temperature reaches a seasonal high of up to 29.7°C (85.5°F) in August, while the sea temperature climbs to its peak at 29.8°C (85.6°F) in August, providing excellent swimming conditions. The region experiences fluctuating rainfall between June and August, with
July receiving comparatively less rainfall of 61mm (2.4").
Autumn weather in Sandy Bay
The Autumn period, comprising
September to
November, experiences a decline in temperatures, falling from the summer high of 29.5°C (85.1°F) in September to around 28°C (82.4°F) in November. Rainfall remains significantly high during this period, peaking at 89mm (3.5") in
October, making this a substantially wet season. The sea temperature remains warm, ranging from 29.8°C (85.6°F) to 28.9°C (84°F) during the period.
Winter weather in Sandy Bay
Winter weather in
Sandy Bay, from
December to
February, is characterized by cooler temperatures and lower rainfall, with temperatures ranging from 26.8°C (80.2°F) to 27.5°C (81.5°F), and rainfall dropping to as low as 19mm (0.75") in February. The sea temperature also dips to a pleasant 26.9°C (80.4°F) to 27.2°C (81°F), making it ideal for water activities. Despite being the winter season, Sandy Bay still enjoys a decent amount of daylight and sunshine hours, ranging from 11 to 11.6 hours and 6.6 to 7.1 hours, respectively.
Weather in January
January in
Sandy Bay,
Jamaica, typically sees a moderate start to the year. The weather is characterized by average humidity and cooler nights compared to the annual norm. Noticeably, the highest wind gust speed reaches up to 26.5km/h (16.5mph) during this month.
Weather in January » Weather in February
While
February continues in the same vein as
January, it has slightly reduced precipitation and wind speeds. The noticeable characteristics consist of constant visibility and UV index numbers across the month. The significant value comes with the second-highest average wind speed, peaking at 18.4km/h (11.4mph).
Weather in February »Weather in March
Weather changes in
March are subtle, with a slight increase in both temperature and daylight hours.
Sandy Bay benefits from a stable climate throughout the year. The wind power in this time decreases to an average of 17.8km/h (11.1mph), making this period less attractive to wind-sport enthusiasts.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April weather visibly marks the transition from drier to wetter conditions in
Sandy Bay. Notably reaching 50mm (1.97"), rainfall events begin to gear up in expectance of the wet season. The increase in temperature is balanced by a lesser drop in wind speeds, ensuring thermal comfort for outdoor activities.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May, known for the onset of the wet season in
Sandy Bay, has the highest rainfall total of 90mm (3.54"). Cities' thermal conditions remain balmy with the nighttime temperatures touching the yearly median. Increased sea temperature makes it a perfect time for water-related activities despite the wet conditions.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Comparative to
May,
June exhibits a minor dip in the rainfall and an increase in the overall cloud cover. The significant change is the hike in sea temperature, reaching close to the yearly heating peak. Steady, comfortable winds fluxing from the sea augment the coastal charm.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Sandy Bay maintains a steady weather pattern dominant in
June. Though rainfall and cloud cover levels taper off, the city experiences a maximum daily high temperature of 29.5°C (85.1°F). A steady increase in humidity makes the temperature feel warmer than it is, requiring lightweight attire.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August is the warmest month in
Sandy Bay, featuring the highest temperature range from 26.8°C (80.2°F) to 29.7°C (85.5°F). Sandy Bay becomes a hotspot for those who are fond of a hot and humid climate. Ample sunny hours combined with balmy wind conditions cater a genuine tropical summer feel.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September at
Sandy Bay experiences a slight drop in temperature and an increase in rainfall levels. Consequently, the climate remains chiefly consistent with the preceding summer months. The sea temperature reaches the annual peak, offering an additional allure for beachgoers.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
As
October arrives,
Sandy Bay witnesses a noticeable decline in the number of sunny days and a dip in sea temperature. A rise in rainfall events and cloud cover levels makes it the least sunny month of the year. October defers from
September in featuring lower daylight hours, indicating a transition towards winter.
Weather in October »Weather in November
Weather in
November at
Sandy Bay regulates with a steady decline in temperature and rainfall levels. Uniquely, wind speeds peak during this period, contributing to a comfortable atmosphere. Daily high temperatures spiral down to 28°C (82.4°F) while nighttime temperatures maintain closeness to the annual mean.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Sandy Bay brings in the year-end with notably cooler nights and the second-lowest rainfall totals of 28mm (1.1"). The wind gust speed reaches its maximum, causing heavy sways and surf waves over the sea. Though the high temperature hovers around the year's average, a perceptible drop in night temperatures implies oncoming winter conditions.
Weather in December » [Resources]