Jamaica vs the Bahamas
The Bahamas usually grades better in every month; Jamaica never beats it by a clear margin. In winter (December to February) the Bahamas is the stronger pick (B+ vs B). Seaweed: Jamaica peaks high in October, the Bahamas rarely sees any.
Month by month
A typical day in each month (median resort). Bold: better by a clear margin.
| Month | Jamaica | The Bahamas | Water | Rain chance | Seaweed | Crowds | Storm risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | B | B+ | 82°F / 76°F | 34% / 34% | Moderate / Rare | Very busy / Very busy | Very low / Very low |
| February | B | B+ | 81°F / 75°F | 50% / 33% | Moderate / Rare | Very busy / Very busy | Very low / Very low |
| March | B | B+ | 82°F / 77°F | 61% / 36% | Moderate / Rare | Packed / Packed | Very low / Very low |
| April | B- | A- | 82°F / 77°F | 76% / 39% | Moderate / Rare | Busy / Very busy | Very low / Very low |
| May | B- | A- | 84°F / 82°F | 69% / 52% | High / Rare | Busy / Busy | Very low / Very low |
| June | C+ | A- | 85°F / 85°F | 64% / 61% | High / Rare | Busy / Busy | Very low / Very low |
| July | C+ | A- | 85°F / 87°F | 61% / 57% | High / Rare | Very busy / Very busy | Low / Low |
| August | C | A- | 86°F / 87°F | 64% / 59% | High / Rare | Busy / Busy | Moderate / Moderate |
| September | C | B+ | 87°F / 87°F | 69% / 63% | High / Rare | Moderate / Moderate | High / High |
| October | C+ | B+ | 87°F / 83°F | 75% / 51% | High / Rare | Moderate / Moderate | Low / Low |
| November | B | A- | 85°F / 80°F | 55% / 39% | Moderate / Rare | Busy / Busy | Very low / Very low |
| December | B | B+ | 84°F / 77°F | 51% / 33% | Moderate / Rare | Very busy / Very busy | Very low / Very low |
Pairs of values read Jamaica / the Bahamas. From Veabird's year-ahead outlook: climate normals, the seasonal seaweed pattern, holiday crowds and storm history.
This week
Grades for the next few days at the resorts that usually do best this month.
Jamaica
- ROK Hotel Kingston, Tapestry Collection by HiltonSatCSunCMonBTueB-WedC+
- Grand Port Royal Hotel Marina & SpaSatCSunCMonB-TueB-WedC+
- Stones Beach HouseSatCSunC+MonC+TueBWedC+
- Breathless Montego Bay Resort & SpaSatC-SunCMonC+TueB-WedC+
The Bahamas
- Ocean Reef Yacht Club & ResortSatA-SunA-MonA-TueA-WedA-
- Club Grand Bahama & Flamingo BaySatA-SunAMonA-TueA-WedA-
- Island Seas ResortSatA-SunA-MonA-TueA-WedA-
- Lucaya Beach ResortsSatA-SunA-MonA-TueA-WedA-
Grades for the next few days from Veabird's beach forecast, updated Oct 3, 18:00 UTC. Higher is better: A+ to F.
Questions
- Is Jamaica or the Bahamas better?
- The Bahamas usually grades better in every month; Jamaica never beats it by a clear margin. In winter (December to February) the Bahamas is the stronger pick (B+ vs B). Seaweed: Jamaica peaks high in October, the Bahamas rarely sees any.
- Which has warmer water, Jamaica or the Bahamas?
- Jamaica averages 84°F over the year and the Bahamas 81°F. In January it is 82°F vs 76°F; in July 85°F vs 87°F.
- Which is less crowded?
- Jamaica is quietest in September and October; the Bahamas in September and October.
- Which has less sargassum?
- Over a typical year, seaweed averages moderate in Jamaica and very low in the Bahamas. Jamaica is lightest in February and March; the Bahamas in May and September.