Knowing when hurricane season is in Jamaica will make planning your vacation much easier. After all, you don’t want to be sucked into great flight prices and all-inclusive resort deals just to find out you can’t enjoy the beach because it’s hurricane season.
However, you may be wondering how likely it is to encounter a hurricane in Jamaica and if it’s something to worry about. Keep reading as we discuss when hurricane season is in Jamaica and the best times to visit.
When Is Hurricane Season In Jamaica?
Hurricane season in Jamaica is from the beginning of June and runs until the end of November. Even though this is the “official” hurricane season in Jamaica, hurricanes are few and far between. If there is a hurricane within the Caribbean, Jamaica usually only experiences heavy rain, which is typical during this time of year anyway.
For example, the last major hurricane in the Caribbean was Hurricane Irma in 2017. Jamaica only experienced heavy rain and some power outages, but there wasn’t any major damage to the island.
In general, Jamaica experiences typical Caribbean weather with eight to nine hours of sunshine each day, and average temperatures stay around 80°F. However, during the rainy season or summer months, you can expect more humidity, making it uncomfortable if you aren’t used to it.
You can consider hurricane season the low season because the weather isn’t as ideal as in winter. In addition to the increased humidity, temperatures can soar into the 90s, and severe thunderstorms are more common. However, most of the storms happen in the fall months and are when hurricanes are more likely to happen.
Jamaica is a hot vacation spot for tourists as it boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, diverse landscapes, and plenty of activities. In Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, and Negril, tourists flock to all-inclusive and luxury resorts such as Sandals, Half Moon, and Moon Palace.
If you are planning to visit Jamaica, you will want to know when the best time to visit is.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Jamaica?
The best time to visit Jamaica really depends on what you are looking for. Do you want the cheapest vacation possible? Or do you want to ensure there will be sunshine and warm temperatures every day of vacation? To help you out, let’s break down each month to give you a better idea of the weather and prices.
December
While December isn’t the first month of the year, it is the start of the high season in Jamaica, and for a good reason. Not only is the weather fantastic, but if you go in early December, you can get beat the high holiday prices. However, if you go later, it will be more expensive, but you can spend Christmas on a beach, and for people who live in colder climates, it’s a great escape. Daytime temperatures in December are usually in the 70s, making it not too hot but still warm enough to enjoy the beach.
January
If you decide to visit Jamaica in January, you won’t be the only one. This is when peak season starts to ramp up, and many people are ready for winter break. The weather is also pleasantly warm, and the water is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities. However, expect higher prices on airfare and accommodations during this time, and don’t be surprised to see crowded resorts.
February
In February, you can expect slightly warmer temperatures than in January. However, it is still not too hot, but it is perfect for one of Jamaica’s top 10 best excursions. You may experience light rain in February, but it will be brief and won’t interrupt any plans. Expect crowds during this time of the year and higher prices.
March
March is one of the most popular months to go to Jamaica. The reason is that the weather is warmer, and so is the seawater. With nine hours of sunshine and little to no rain, it is an ideal time to take excursions and relax on the beach. However, throughout March and into the beginning of April is when spring breakers come, so expect crowded resorts and higher prices.
April
April is the last major month of the high season. If you come during Easter weekend, you may experience a lot of families and spring breakers. However, Easter can be a fun time to vacation in Jamaica as there are a lot of activities on the island. If you go to Jamaica in the second half of April, things start to slow down, and the prices become more reasonable.
May
Visiting Jamaica in May perfectly combines warm weather, sunshine, and affordability. You can also expect resorts and beaches to be less crowded than the months before. Even though May is the beginning of the low season, it is one of the best times to visit Jamaica as it has peak season weather with lower prices.
June
June is the first month of hurricane season and brings hot and humid weather. Even though it is considered hurricane season, the chances of a severe storm are rare. Many travelers overlook traveling to Jamaica in June, but it is actually a great time to visit. While the temperatures are hotter, there are fewer crowds, low pricing, and still plenty to do.
July
The sun shows its face often in July, making it a great time to visit Jamaica. In fact, July is the hottest month in Jamaica and has 11 hours of sunshine. Even with the hot weather, there may be several tourists due to it being summer break for kids and adults. When the weather is hot like this, it may be worth checking out one of the 10 best waterfalls in Jamaica. There are also several festivals during this time of year, such as the Reggae Sumfest.
August
While there are chances of rain storms in June, precipitation picks up in August. In addition, the temperatures can get into the 90s, so be sure to take advantage of the warm seawater! Prices can be higher in August because many are still trying to get a vacation in before summer ends. However, it will vary depending on the resort.
September and October
We are combing September and October because this is when the rainy season is at its peak. September is also when hurricanes are most likely. Even though the chances of one affecting your travel plans are low, it is still a good idea to get travel insurance. With that said, if you don’t mind the rain, September and October will provide the quietest months at a discounted cost!
November
You can think of November as the in-between month of the high and low seasons. It is a great time to visit Jamaica because the rain begins to slow, and there are still plenty of sunny days. Not to mention you can beat the Christmas vacationers and get great deals on resorts.
When To Visit Jamaica
As you can see, visiting Jamaica has advantages and disadvantages all year. Ultimately, it comes down to what you are looking for in a vacation. No matter what you choose, you are in for a vacation of a lifetime!
Not sure if Jamaica is the right vacation destination for you? We have other articles that might help, including, Jamaica Vs Cancun: Which Vacation Spot Do You Choose?, St. Lucia vs Jamaica: Caribbean Island Face-Off, Jamaica vs Dominican Republic: Which Is Better?, and more.