Is the low season the best time to visit Jamaica? See 8 Reasons Why (2024)

Most people think that the best time to go to Jamaica is during late December through early April, which is the high season. Most people flock to Jamaica in the high season to get a break from the cold and enjoy warm weather, usually near a beach. And that is an excellent option, especially given the horrific winters that have plagued the US over the last few years.

But here is another idea about the best time to visit Jamaica that will surprise you.

Visit Jamaica in the off-season, in the summertime.

Really?

Yes indeed.T his isone of the biggest kept secrets among savvy travelers to the Caribbean.

Off-season, also called the lowseason, is mid-April to mid-December, April 16 – December 14.

Smart and savvy travelers to Jamaica knowthat it makes sense to visit during the low season.

1. It is cheaper, much cheaper, as in you can really save a whole lot of moola. especially in September and October. Airfare isn’t necessarily cheap; but,most hotels and villas or vacation rentals offer lower ratesduring the low season. Even if prices for some resorts or attractions don’t drop, there are usuallyvalue-added items to enhance the deals.

2. Contrary to popular belief, it isnot that much hotter during the low season. Even if it gets a little hot, the evening breeze is very cooling, especially if you are staying in the hills or along the coast.

Also, July and August are the two months with the most sunshine! Who doesn’t love a bright sunny day?

3. Despite the constant references in the media to hurricanes, therisk of a direct hit by a hurricane is actually quite low… statistically, that is. However, one can never predict Mother Nature. And, what happened one year is no predictor of what will happen in future years.

Hurrican season is from July to November with the bulk of the risk occurring in August to October.

There is a little ditty older Jamaicans used to say to remind us young ones of hurricane season … June too soon, July get ready, August prepare you must, September remember, October all over.

We don’t worry about hurricane season when I book our tickets. We typically go for a week in June or July and again try to get in one more trip before school starts in August.

Life itself is unpredictable so we recommend trip insurance for any travel. If you are traveling during hurricane season, you have one additional reason to buy trip insurance. Just remember, if you delay buying trip insurance, you have to have bought it before a named event to qualify for coverage. Also, make sure you understand your resort’s hurricane cancellation policy.

Read our blog post: Hurricane Season in Jamaica – What You Need to Know Before You Go. Learn 5 absolutely wrong assumptions abouthurricane season.

4. Jamaica isway less crowded during the low season. June to August can still be busy but once early September rolls around, most schools have reopened so the family market of people with school-age kids has basically dwindled down to nil.

5. Unlike in some other countries,Jamaica does not shut down in the off-season. The attractions and stores are all open. There are stilllots of things to do all over the island.

6. With less demand comes more options. You might end up being able to stay somewhere that you ordinarily might not be able to afford.

7. May and June, as well as October and November, have traditionally been rainy months.A little rain won’t necessarily ruin your vacation if you pick the right location and also pick a place withloads of on-site activities and a backup generator.

Read our blog post: What to do if it rains in Jamaica –fun rainy day activities to do at Mais Oui Villa in Jamaica.

Also, remember that one can expect most rain to be in the north-eastern part of Jamaica like in St. Mary and Portland, after Ocho Rios to Port Antonio. Floodings and landslides are fairly common in those areas. Some of the central areas of the island like in Moneague, St Ann or in Cave Valley Clarendon also see some flooding due to underground rivers or systems that can resurface with heavy rains. Kingston can also see lots of flooding due to poor drainage systems.

The Discovery Bay – Braco area and the more north-western areas tendto get very little rain compared to the rest of the island.The flat plains of the South Coast also tend to getlittle rain.

8. Mango season. People from cold climates talk about the four seasons to be Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. We have none of that. Summer means no school. Anythingbelow 70 degrees would be considered a near cold front. We talk about rainy season less and less. That is no longer as clear-cut as it was 20 years ago. There is hurricane season, which we don’t worry about unless we hear that there is one coming.

The seasons that Jamaicans talk about relate to when foods and fruits are most abundant. The season that everyone in Jamaica talks about is mango season. Mangoes of all kind abound. Some big. Some small. Some you just plop in your mouth. Others you peel and eat on pretty plates.

If you want to make any Jamaican smile, ask about mango season. It is impossible for their eyes to not light up as they think of memories of mango season.The blessing of Summer … mango season.That deserves a whole blog post in and of itself.

If you ask me, I say any time is a good time to go to Jamaica. Don’t feel that you have to visit during thehigh season. There are 8 really good reasonsthe off-season is one of the best times to visit Jamaica.

Do you have a special occasion coming up in the next year – a major birthday, graduation, or anniversary? How about for your parents? For Mother’s Day or Father’s Day? Whatever the occasion, get your family and or friends together and come visit us. We’d be happy to host your group.

Get our exclusive FREE BONUS sent directly to your inbox … a 3-part email series to help you pick the perfect Jamaica villa vacation rental.

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‘Til next time.

Think and dream Jamaica!

Sherry, Darrell, and Darrian

Considering a visit to Jamaica with a group? Contact us today for more information about, Mais Oui Tennis & Spa Villa, our boutique 8-BR ocean view Jamaica villa rental experience in beautiful Discovery Bay, Jamaica. Perfect for multi-generationalfamilies and groups, retreats, and intimate destinationweddings and vow renewals.

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