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The climate of Jamaica
The island of Jamaica has a tropical savannah climate or a savannah
climate with many sunny days. However, there is a reasonable chance of
(very heavy) rainstorms or thunderstorms. During the day temperatures
are around 24-25 degrees Celsius on average. During the winter Jamaica
has a dry period with at least 1 month with less than 60 millimeters
of precipitation (long time record). According to the Köppen climate
classification this is an Aw-climate. Jamaica officially knows no
tropical climate (Af-climate). However, we think there are some places
inland and along the south coast that show signs of this type of
classification.
Climate information of places and areas in Jamaica
The climate information on this page is only brief. Specific
information about weather and climate can be found on the climate
pages per area or town. As for Jamaica the following climate
information is available:
Nice weather
Jamaica’s best weather can be enjoyed during the dry period that
lasts from January to April. The sun shines exuberantly during most
days. However, sometimes rain may fall. During this time of year the
weather is at best. Jamaica is very popular as a winter sun
destination. The winter period also is very popular to get married in
Jamaica or for a romantic honeymoon.
Rainy season?
During the wet period chances of rain are higher. There also is a
reasonable chance of completely gray, wet and windy days. However,
Jamaica doesn’t really have a real rainy season with rain for days on
end. Most of the rain falls during the months of May-June and
September-November. The amount of precipitation depends on the
location and the altitude you are in. Especially in the higher regions
in the eastern part of the island large amounts of rain can fall. Most
of the hotels and resorts are situated in the western part of the
island. Here you can find the famous beautiful beaches as well.
Wind
A trade wind almost continuously comes from the north east. Along the
north coast this has a cooling effect. The south coast usually
experiences less wind because of the blocking effect of the mountains
on the island.
Hurricanes
Jamaica is located in an area with a reasonably high hurricane
activity. During the hurricane season that lasts from June to November
the island has a fair chance of getting hit by hurricanes or tropical
storms. Chances are highest during the months of September and
October. However, most of the hurricanes that hit Jamaica have lost
strength because they usually hit another island first. Over land
hurricanes lose most of their strength. Because Jamaica is close to
the main land hurricanes get too little time to build up in strength
over water.
Climate figures
The figures below are based on long term weather and climate
records and are an average for Jamaica. Note that local deviations may
occur. In the south western part temperatures are a little higher and
it feels a little muggier. In the higher regions more rain falls.
Specific climate information is available on the following
places/regions: Kingston, Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios and Runaway
Bay.
More climate information
Climate figures are very useful but don’t present a general impression
of the climate and the eventual weather circumstances within a certain
period. The figures don’t always reflect the chance of wintry weather,
extreme heat or hurricanes. That is why we monthly offer useful extra
climate information. The information below is an average for Jamaica.
Please visit the pages on individual climate information for other
places in Jamaica.
Disclaimer
The information at this site was carefully composed from climate data collected by meteorological services, meteorological offices, climate experts and other sources. “More climate info” is based on statistics, climate data and personal experience. No rights can be derived from this site. Weather has no memory and gives no guaranties. Nothing is as changeable and unpredictable as the weather. The authors of this site feel in no way responsible for any damages caused by misinterpretation or other circumstances that may influence your holiday or trip to a certain destination. We provide information, it’s up to the reader to use it to it’s benefit.
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= 0-5 mm ●
= 6-30 mm ●
= 31-60 mm ●
= 61-100 mm ●
= 101-200 mm ●
=
over 200 mm
