From Teresa Plowright,
Your Guide to Family Vacations.
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Weathere in Jamaica: issues for vacationers

 

Jamaica is a popular spot for families visiting all-inclusive resorts. Naturally, weather is an important factor: we only get so many vacations with our children; plus it's costly to take three or four or more people on a getaway.

Luckily, Jamaica has a wonderful climate. Here's what you need to know.

Average temperature

• In winter, the average temperature is 75 degrees; in summer it's about 80. This means that a vacation in summer can be very pleasant-- and you'll be enjoying price discounts of up to 40%.
• Even with these balmy temperatures, pack a light jacket. Perhaps you'll go up to the mountains, where temperatures can be 10 degrees cooler; perhaps you'll take a windy boat trip. Also, air-conditioning can create mini-polar zones. 

Rainy months

• Jamaica weather is generally sunny year-round, but its lush greenery tells you that rain's gotta fall sometime. 
• in fact, some 78 inches of rain fall every year. Most rain falls in the mountains; on the coast, showers are usally intense but brief and can be a welcome cool-off. 
• The rainiest months are May and October, (then June and September, but less so), and on occasion the rains can be very heavy indeed. If you're worried that your vacation will be rained out, see Weather Guarantees, below.

Wind

• We once visited Jamaica for three weeks in April,  and wind was our enemy, not rain. On the north coast, wind kept us from scuba trips and snorkeling outings. I had the impression that the Negril Beach was considered more sheltered, and indeed when we went there the weather was fine for watersports.

Hurricanes

• Ah, the H-word.  Here's what folk wisdom says:

"June too soon. July-- stand by! August: look out, you must. September -- remember. October-- all over."

• Actually, official hurricane season stretches from June 1 through to Nov. 30. But ditties like the above usually speak from experience.
• The chance of a hurricane beating up your particular piece of paradise is small; but even if a hurricane doesn't land right on you, it disrupts weather pattern for miles around and can bring rain and wind. 

So what's a family traveler to do, for July to September? Turn our backs on those terrific discount rates, that coincide so nicely with school vacation months?

Fortunately, there are ways to protect your holiday.

Weather Guarantees

• Many resorts nowadays offer hurricane protection for your vacation. The Beaches chain of family resorts has a Blue Chip Hurricane Guarantee that offers a free replacement vacation. See the Beaches site for updates.
• Superclubs likewise has a No Hurricane Guarantee, and also a Jamaica Sunshine Guarantee. (Starfish Resort, in Jamaica, is a Superclubs resort for families.) 
• Other resorts also offer protective policies; also, major booking companies such as Expedia have started to offer hurricane protection.
• Finally, it's possible to buy weather insurance, just like travel insurance. For example, Good Weather Insurance Agency offers trip protection. Costs vary with date and location, but costs might average between 5 to 10% of the dollar amount being protected.

In sum, every year thousands of families enjoy the best of Jamaica's weather; meanwhile, an increasing number of policies are available to protect against any bad weather risks.

^{Always check resort -- and other-- web sites for updates!.}