Weather in Jamaica: issues for vacationers
Jamaica is a popular spot for families visiting all-inclusive resorts, and naturally, weather is an important factor affecting our holidays.
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 section on Hurricanes and Weather Guarantees, below.
Wind
We once visited Jamaica 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. Official hurricane season stretches from June 1 through to Nov. 30, and peak months are August to October. An old mariner's poem puts it this way: "June too soon. July-- stand by! August: look out, you must. September -- remember. October-- all over."
Jamaica has been hit by hurricanes mainly in August (Gustav in 2008, Charley, 2004) and early September (Ivan, 2004, Gilbert, 1988.)
Even in peak months, 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 to do, during risky months for weather in Jamaica? Turn our backs on those terrific discount rates, that coincide so nicely with school summer break?
Fortunately, there are ways to protect your holiday.
Weather Guarantees
- Many resorts nowadays offer hurricane protection. Superclubs, for example, has a Hurricane Policy and a Sunshine Guarantee. (Starfish Resort, in Jamaica, is a Superclubs resort for families.)
Also, major booking companies such as Expedia and Apple Vacations offer hurricane protection-- see more about Weather Guarantees.
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!.
