Best time to visit Jamaica
The best time to visit Jamaica is usually January, February and March, when a typical day grades B, B and B. August and September are the weakest (C and C). Seaweed is usually lightest in February and March and heaviest in September and October. The quietest months are September and October, and storm risk peaks in September.
Pick a month
Jamaica month by month
| Month | Typical day | High | Water | Rain chance | Seaweed | Crowds | Storm risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | B | 82°F | 82°F | 34% | Moderate | Very busy | Very low |
| February | B | 82°F | 81°F | 50% | Moderate | Very busy | Very low |
| March | B | 84°F | 82°F | 61% | Moderate | Packed | Very low |
| April | B- | 84°F | 82°F | 76% | Moderate | Busy | Very low |
| May | B- | 87°F | 84°F | 69% | High | Busy | Very low |
| June | C+ | 88°F | 85°F | 64% | High | Busy | Very low |
| July | C+ | 89°F | 85°F | 61% | High | Very busy | Low |
| August | C | 89°F | 86°F | 64% | High | Busy | Moderate |
| September | C | 90°F | 87°F | 69% | High | Moderate | High |
| October | C+ | 86°F | 87°F | 75% | High | Moderate | Low |
| November | B | 84°F | 85°F | 55% | Moderate | Busy | Very low |
| December | B | 83°F | 84°F | 51% | Moderate | Very busy | Very low |
Typical-month numbers from Veabird's year-ahead outlook for the 109 resorts here (median resort). Grades weigh seaweed, temperature, rain, sun, water, waves, wind, UV, crowds, storm risk and travel safety.
Best beaches in Jamaica
Resorts with the best typical January, and their grades for the next few days.
- ROK Hotel Kingston, Tapestry Collection by Hilton Jan ASatCSunCMonBTueB-WedC+
- Grand Port Royal Hotel Marina & Spa Jan A-SatCSunCMonB-TueB-WedC+
- Sea Grapes Villa Jan A-SatDSunC-MonC-TueC+WedC+
- Stones Beach House Jan A-SatCSunC+MonC+TueBWedC+
- Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa Jan A-SatC-SunCMonC+TueB-WedC+
- Mais Oui Tennis And Spa Villa Jan A-SatFSunD+MonD+TueCWedC
- Piper's Cove Resort Jan A-SatC-SunBMonD+TueC-WedC+
- Beach Resort Jan A-SatC-SunC+MonCTueCWedC
Grades for the next few days from Veabird's beach forecast, updated Oct 3, 18:00 UTC. Higher is better: A+ to F.
Questions
- When is the best time to visit Jamaica?
- The best time to visit Jamaica is usually January, February and March, when a typical day grades B, B and B. August and September are the weakest (C and C). Seaweed is usually lightest in February and March and heaviest in September and October. The quietest months are September and October, and storm risk peaks in September.
- When is sargassum season in Jamaica?
- In a typical year seaweed is heaviest in June, September and October and lightest in February and March. The Atlantic sargassum belt varies a lot from year to year; Veabird's weekly sargassum report tracks the current season.
- When is the cheapest and least crowded time to visit Jamaica?
- Crowds are usually lightest in September and October and heaviest in March and December (College & school spring break and Semana Santa / Easter). Quieter months usually mean lower hotel rates.
- When is hurricane season in Jamaica?
- Storm risk runs from about July to October and peaks in September.
- When is the water warmest in Jamaica?
- The sea is warmest in September and October (about 87°F) and coolest in February and March (about 81°F).