Jamaica Weather Guide: Year-Round Tropical Climate Info

Jamaica possesses a tropical marine climate, characterized by consistent warmth, high humidity, and the influence of the northeast trade winds. While the island is often associated with perpetual sunshine, its mountainous topography creates significant variations in rainfall and temperature between the coast and the interior.

The Daily Rhythm

Locals experience the weather through a reliable diurnal cycle. In coastal areas like Montego Bay and Negril, the morning begins with clear skies and a gentle onshore breeze as the land heats up. By mid-afternoon, convective clouds often gather, occasionally leading to brief, intense downpours known locally as "liquid sunshine." These showers are typically short-lived and followed by rapid clearing. In the evening, the pattern reverses: the air cools, and a refreshing offshore breeze blows from the mountains toward the sea, making nighttime temperatures feel significantly more comfortable.

Seasonal Trends

Jamaica does not have four distinct seasons, but rather alternates between dry and wet periods:

• Dry Season (December – April): This is the "cool" period, though temperatures still hover around 80°F (27°C). The humidity is at its lowest, and rainfall is minimal. This season is often influenced by "Northers"—cool, dry air masses from the North American mainland that bring slightly lower temperatures and occasionally choppy seas to the north coast.
• Wet Season (May – November): This period is marked by two distinct rainfall peaks in May/June and October/November. The air becomes noticeably more heavy and "oppressive" due to rising humidity. July often provides a brief "mid-summer drought," a temporary lull in precipitation before the autumn rains begin.

Regional Microclimates

The island’s geography creates stark weather contrasts over short distances:

• The Windward North Coast: Areas like Portland Parish and the northern slopes of the Blue Mountains receive the brunt of the trade winds, resulting in lush, verdant landscapes and high rainfall (up to 130 inches annually).
• The Leeward South Coast: Kingston and the southern plains sit in a rain shadow. They are much drier and hotter, with some areas receiving less than 30 inches of rain per year.
• The Blue Mountains: At elevations over 7,000 feet, the climate shifts from tropical to temperate. Temperatures here can be 20°F cooler than the coast, and on rare occasions, the highest peaks have seen temperatures approach freezing during a strong winter cold front.

Hurricane Season and Atmospheric Phenomena

Jamaica sits within the Atlantic hurricane belt. The official season runs from June 1 to November 30, with peak activity typically occurring in August and September. While direct hits are statistically infrequent, the island often experiences "indirect effects" during this time, such as increased cloud cover, higher humidity, and several days of steady, overcast rain.

What the Weather "Feels Like"

In Jamaica, the heat is rarely just about the thermometer. The Heat Index is a constant factor; a temperature of 88°F can feel like 98°F when humidity exceeds 80%. Conversely, the trade winds are the island's natural air conditioner. Locals often refer to the "Christmas Breeze"—a period starting in late December when the winds strengthen and the air feels crisp and invigorating. In the mountains, the weather feels damp and misty, often shrouded in a layer of fog that locals call "the smoke," which provides the ideal conditions for the island's famous coffee crops.