When is the best time to visit Jamaica?

Visiting Jamaica in March

The temperature is warm and the skies are sunny, making this an excellent month to visit. However, Jamaica’s balmy weather attracts lots of university students on spring break.

Events & Festivals

• Jamaica Kiteboard World Cup (late March or early April): Held in the Long Bay Beach area of Port Antonio, this is a 10-day event devoted to kitesurfing, with riders from around the world.

Visiting Jamaica in April

The early part of the month is still warm and sunny, but the temperatures and likelihood of rain increase toward the end of the month.

Events & Festivals

• Bacchanal Carnival: A week of fluorescent-feathered costumes, live music and celebrations enlivens the streets of the island’s three major cities.
• Jamaica Kiteboard World Cup (late March or early April): Held in the Long Bay Beach area of Port Antonio, this is a 10-day event devoted to kitesurfing, with riders from around the world.

Visiting Jamaica in May - June

Temperatures rise a little and afternoon downpours make the warmer temperatures a bit humid. However, the crowds are almost entirely gone and the island slows to a languid pace. Restaurants, bars and beaches empty out and some hotels close down.

Events & Festivals

• StyleWeek Jamaica & Fashion Block (late May): For three days, Kingston blossoms with fashionistas, designers and models from both the United States and Europe.
• The Ocho Rios Jazz Festival: International and home-grown artists come together for a week of concerts.

Visiting Jamaica in July - August

If you visit during these months, you’ll experience very warm temperatures, day and night, as well as higher humidity. However, you’ll likely be one of just a few visitors and can enjoy the island’s more leisurely lifestyle as well as its most impressive cultural events. The risk of a hurricane increases throughout the summer and many hotels and restaurants shutter for the season.

Events & Festivals

• Little Ochie Seafood Carnival: Try the local cuisine, including the mouth-searing peppered shrimp and escovitch fish, a fried filet spiked with hot sauce and topped with pickles.
• Reggae Sumfest (late July): A five-day reggae festival.
• The National Independence Float Parade and Grand Gala: The streets of Kingston fill with bright floats, costumed groups, music and marching bands to celebrate the island’s independence.

Visiting Jamaica in September - October

These months are the rainiest and have the highest risk of hurricanes. However, it’s unusual to experience consecutive days of heavy rain. Prices are at their lowest, with many hotels undergoing renovation or shut entirely.

Visiting Jamaica in November - December

Rains disappear in November, leaving the island’s skies sunny and the temperatures balmy. Hotels, restaurants and bars all reopen, but the beaches stay largely uncrowded through the middle of November. This is one of the best times to visit Jamaica. There is still some small risk of hurricanes, but it decreases steadily for the rest of the year. Visitors looking for a winter escape begin to arrive en masse in the middle of December, meaning you should book early if you want to visit around Christmastime.