Kingston, Jamaica: When to Go and Weather

Weather: Jamaica weather follows typical patterns for a tropical maritime climate. The capital city, Kingston, is situated on the island's southeastern coast; Jamaica itself is located in the Caribbean Sea about 90 miles south of Cuba. Kingston doesn't experience four traditional seasons, just two: dry and rainy.

Northeast trade winds keep Kingston dry, and temperatures don't fluctuate much, but stay within a range of 80 to 90 degrees F. Kingston is a little hotter than the beaches themselves, even during the dry season, but in general the weather is paradise-like during the first few months of the calendar year. The city sees about 50 inches of rainfall annually, with most of the precipitation occurring during the rainy season of June to November. Kingston weather is often strongly influenced by hurricanes or tropical storms at sea; check with the National Hurricane Center (www.nhc.noaa.gov) before departing for Jamaica to see what's brewing at sea. The dry season sees relatively dry, sunny beach weather, with isolated rain showers in March due to cold fronts sweeping through before rainy season begins.

Looking for local weather reports? Try the print or online version of the Jamaica Observer (www.jamaicaobserver.com) or the Jamaica Gleaner (www.jamaica-gleaner.com).

When to Go: Peak Season
Weather-wise, Jamaica is ideal for a visit during the months of December to April. This is the dry season, and the warm, sunny weather brings the highest numbers of travelers to Kingston and the beaches. Though most visitors are just passing through Kingston on their way to less populated coastal areas, the city often feels chaotic with activity. Hotel rates are at their highest during these months, with even higher peaks around the Christmas and Easter holidays, and you'll encounter crowds everywhere you turn, especially during major events like January's Jazz & Blues Festival and Carnival in March and April.

When to Go: Off Season
June through November is Jamaica's rainy season. The nation is part of the Caribbean hurricane belt, so major storms pass through the region - the risk of serious stormy weather is highest in August and September, with July and October more likely to receive sporadic rain and wind as a result of hurricanes out at sea. Much fewer tourists care to take a chance on traveling during this time, so visitors who do make the trip will find deeply discounted rates on hotel rooms and other services. Though Kingston weather can be humid and even violent for days at a time, the off season also sees weeks of sunshine when the Jamaican coasts are almost devoid of sunbathers.

When to Go: Shoulder Season
The month of May is considered shoulder season in Jamaica. Kingston weather is still warm and sunny some days, as in the dry season, but the rains are beginning and hurricane season is quickly approaching (and the weather is improving at destinations throughout the US, making potential tourists less likely to plan a getaway vacation to the Caribbean.) If you're interested in learning more about Jamaican culture, it's a good month to visit Kingston museums or to attend a concert or dance performance: you'll rub shoulders with locals instead of competing for space with other tourists, and it won't matter what's going on with the weather.

• Thu

   

  Partly Cloudy

  84  75

• Fri

   

  Partly Cloudy

  86  74

• Sat

   

  Partly Cloudy

  85  75

• Sun

   

  Scattered Showers

  85  75

• Mon

   

  Scattered Showers

  86  76

• Tue

   

  Scattered Showers

  83  76

• Wed

   

  Showers

  85  76

Get more information on Kingston weather.