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Best time to visit Jamaica
Sea, sand and vitamin D. Tick. Find out when the best time to go to Jamaica is.
Let’s start by saying there’s no bad time to go to Jamaica – you can expect temps around 30°C all year. The months between December and April see less rainfall than the rest of the year, but even during the island’s rainiest months you’ll usually only see rain in quick bursts. Weather’s not the only thing to consider when you’re planning a holiday to Jamaica, though – the island’s events calendar is pretty lively, so it’s worth checking out what’s on when before you book. Ready to get your Jamaica trip in your diary? Read on to find out the best time to go…
Once you’ve had a read, check out our All Inclusive holidays to Jamaica.
Once you’ve had a read, check out our All Inclusive holidays to Jamaica.
When's high season?
Icy mornings and freezing nights? Not on Jamaica’s watch. The island’s high season is from mid-December to mid-April, so it’s the perfect place to warm up your winter. Average temps peak at a toasty 32°C and there’s usually barely a drop of rain on the forecast. The best bit? Clear skies make way for plenty of sunbathing hours, so you can head back to the UK with a summer glow at the UK’s gloomiest time of year.
When's rainy season?
Jamaica’s rainy season runs from May to November, but it doesn’t mean that it’ll make your holiday a washout – showers tend to come in short spells during the afternoon, and they’re usually followed by sunshine. Time it well, and by the time you’ve headed back to your lounger from lunch it’ll be like it never happened.
When is hurricane season?
Jamaica’s official hurricane season runs from June to November, with most of the storm activity taking place in the late-summer months and autumn, including August, September and October.
When's it quietest in Jamaica?
Thanks to our great range of hotels, you can have a quiet holiday in Jamaica at any time of the year. Most hotels in Negril are set along Seven Mile Beach – a stretch of sand that stretches for – yep, you guessed it – seven miles, so it’s easy to find a peaceful spot of sand to sunbathe on. Lucea’s another name to look at if you’re after a laidback holiday in Jamaica – it stays out the spotlight, but comes with a trio of beaches that’re perfect for all-day sunbathing sessions.
Events to add to your calendar
Bob Marley Celebrations
When: February
Warm weather isn’t the only reason February is a good time to visit Jamaica. It’s also when reggae music’s biggest star is honoured with a week of celebrations. Loads of the events take place at the Bob Marley Museum, including karaoke contests, exhibitions and concerts.
International Reggae Day
When: July
Celebrate the influence reggae music has had on Jamaican culture and around the world at this day-long party. The festival focuses on bringing people together using music, media, and communication – and you can expect plenty of nods to the original king of reggae, Bob Marley. Most of the hotels around the island will get involved with the celebrations, with special shows and activities planned throughout the day.
Ocho Rios International Jazz Festival
When: June
More than 100 jazz musicians from Jamaica and its surrounding Caribbean islands share the stage during the Ocho Rios International Jazz Festival every year in June. The festival usually takes place over eight days, and it’s paired with food stalls that serve up local classics like jerk chicken, ackee fruit and saltfish.
Reggae Marathon
When: December
We appreciate running a half marathon may not be the first thing you think of when you picture your getaway to Jamaica, but how often do you get to race along one of the Caribbean’s most iconic beaches? This annual marathon starts halfway along Seven Mile Beach, in Negril, before making tracks through the town. Things kick off around 5am in the morning, so you can be back at your hotel in time for breakfast.
When: February
Warm weather isn’t the only reason February is a good time to visit Jamaica. It’s also when reggae music’s biggest star is honoured with a week of celebrations. Loads of the events take place at the Bob Marley Museum, including karaoke contests, exhibitions and concerts.
International Reggae Day
When: July
Celebrate the influence reggae music has had on Jamaican culture and around the world at this day-long party. The festival focuses on bringing people together using music, media, and communication – and you can expect plenty of nods to the original king of reggae, Bob Marley. Most of the hotels around the island will get involved with the celebrations, with special shows and activities planned throughout the day.
Ocho Rios International Jazz Festival
When: June
More than 100 jazz musicians from Jamaica and its surrounding Caribbean islands share the stage during the Ocho Rios International Jazz Festival every year in June. The festival usually takes place over eight days, and it’s paired with food stalls that serve up local classics like jerk chicken, ackee fruit and saltfish.
Reggae Marathon
When: December
We appreciate running a half marathon may not be the first thing you think of when you picture your getaway to Jamaica, but how often do you get to race along one of the Caribbean’s most iconic beaches? This annual marathon starts halfway along Seven Mile Beach, in Negril, before making tracks through the town. Things kick off around 5am in the morning, so you can be back at your hotel in time for breakfast.
Browse our long-haul holiday deals.
Or, read about the best beaches in Jamaica, what’s the food like in Jamaica and the Caribbean’s best hidden gems.
Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.
Author: Lizzie Butler and Karl Taylor
Last updated: 07.10.2024
Or, read about the best beaches in Jamaica, what’s the food like in Jamaica and the Caribbean’s best hidden gems.
Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.
Author: Lizzie Butler and Karl Taylor
Last updated: 07.10.2024