Best time to visit Jamaica
The first week of February is Bob Marley week in Kingston a draw for reggae lovers from around the world.
Temperatures vary little in Jamaica, averaging mid to high 20°Cs year round, although the wet and humid summer months of May to August are slightly warmer. Peak season in Jamaica starts in the week or so before Christmas and carries on until mid April. Weather-wise, this is the best time to go to Jamaica, and it also lets Europeans and North Americans dodge the miserable winter back home. Book well in advance, however, and expect higher prices. Late November to early December provides a quieter, and better value, alternative.
When to go to Jamaica, month by month
Jamaica Weather Chart
MIN °C
MAX °C
RAIN (mm)
JAN
20
29
85
FEB
20
29
69
MAR
21
30
27
APR
22
30
53
MAY
23
30
100
JUN
23
31
122
JUL
23
32
53
AUG
23
32
95
SEP
23
31
127
NOV
22
30
110
DEC
21
29
103
Our top trip
Jamaica highlights tour
Jamaica highlights tour in 12 days
From US $2560 to US $3360 10 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2024: 24 Jan, 14 Feb, 20 Mar, 24 Apr, 2 Oct, 30 Oct, 13 Nov, 27 Nov
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Festivals and events in Jamaica
If theres any one thing that defines Jamaica to the rest of the world, its reggae music and Reggae Sumfest is the countrys biggest reggae celebration, held in Montego Bay in July each year. You can catch reggae legends as well as up-and-coming local acts, and theres top food and all night beach dance parties to ramp up the fun.
For a quieter, more cerebral experience, the bi-annual Calabash International Literary Festival features Jamaican writers like Marlon James, who got his big break here, as well as international stars like Zadie Smith and Salman Rushdie. Literati jet in from New York and London to join crowds of enthusiastic locals from across the country to hear readings, panel discussions and open mic sessions in sleepy Treasure Beach.
More Jamaica articles
Kick back, crack open the rum and learn about an island that is so much more than Rastas, reggae, rice and peas.
Our Jamaica map and highlights page details some of the most rewarding destinations in the region.
Jamaica has been described as the most hom*ophobic country in the world.
Free yourself from the resort bubble, and enjoy touring this island with likeminded people.
Tips from our vacation companies and fellow responsible travelers on everything from the weather to the best food and drink.
Tourism is Jamaicas lifeblood, but more and more come to visit every year.