- What is the weather like in Montego Bay, Jamaica?
- Montego Bay has warm and pleasant temperatures throughout the year, with little change in temperature from month to month.
- When is the peak tourist season in Montego Bay?
- The peak season for Montego Bay and all of Jamaica is between January and March. This is when the weather is at its balmiest, but it is also the most crowded time of the year.
- Are hotel prices high during peak season?
- Yes, during peak season (January to March), hotels raise their room rates significantly due to high demand.
- Is summer a good time to visit Montego Bay?
- Hotel rates are much more reasonable during the summer, but this is also hurricane season—something to consider before planning your trip.
- When is the best time to visit Montego Bay?
- The best time to visit Montego Bay is from November to mid-December, when the weather is pleasant and room rates are reasonable.
- Why is November to mid-December considered the best time to visit?
- Between November and mid-December, Montego Bay enjoys the most pleasant weather of the year. It is also a great time for budget-conscious travelers because hotel prices remain relatively low due to the impending rainy season.
- When is party season in Montego Bay?
- The party season in Montego Bay runs from January to March. Travelers looking for the hottest parties should visit during this period.
Weather by Month:
1. Montego Bay Weather & Temperature by Month
January is the coldest month in Montego Bay, Jamaica with an average temperature of 76°F (25°C). The average low temperature is 70°F (21°C) while the average high temperature is 82°F (28°C).
In February, the average high and average low temperatures hold steady at 82°F (28°C) and 70°F (21°C) respectively. Days are beautiful and sunny with 9 hours of average daily sunshine.
Montego Bay Weather in March: Montego Bay receives the lowest precipitation average in March with just 30 mm of expected rainfall. The average high temperature increases a few degrees to 84°F (29°C) while the average low temperature also rises a couple of degrees to 72°F (22°C).
April sees the high temperature average and low temperature average hold steady at 84°F (29°C) and 72°F (22°C) respectively.
In May, Montego Bay receives an average precipitation rate of 80 mm. The average low temperature rises by a single degree to 73°F (23°C). The average high temperature rises a couple of degrees to 86°F (30°C).
Montego Bay Weather in June: The climate warms up further in June with an average high temperature of 88°F (31°C). The low temperature average increases to 75°F (24°C).
July is the hottest month annually in Montego Bay with an average temperature of 83°F (29°C). The high temperature measures in at a hot 91°F (33°C) while the low temperature average is 75°F (24°C). This month is the best time to hit the beaches with optimal sea temperatures of 84°F (29°C). Meanwhile, July receives the highest daily average of sunshine of 11 hours per day.
In August, the heat persists with the average high temperature and the average low temperature ranging between 91°F (33°C) and 75°F (24°C) respectively.
Montego Bay Weather in September: The climate begins to cool slightly in September with the high temperature average decreasing a few degrees to 88°F (31°C). In contrast, the low temperature average remains the same at 75°F (24°C).
October has the highest precipitation average of the year with 130 mm of rainfall. The average low temperature holds steady at 75°F (24°C) while the average high temperature decreases slightly to 86°F (30°C).
In November, the high temperature continues its downward trend decreasing to 84°F (29°C). The low temperature, similarly, decreases a few degrees to 73°F (23°C).
Montego Bay Weather in December: While the average high temperature remains the same in December at 84°F (29°C), the average low temperature goes down one degree to 72°F (22°C).
To enjoy the best of Jamaica’s weather, the best time to visit is between November to mid-December when the island enjoys the most pleasant weather in the year. The early winter months of November to December are also the best months to visit for those who are looking for the best value for their money as the impending rainy season keeps prices relatively low. Party season on Jamaica’s shores is between the months of January to March, so for travelers who want to experience the hottest parties should come during this time period.
Travel Tips:
2. Getting to Montego Bay, Jamaica
There are three airports that serve Jamaica, but the Donald Sangster International Airport is the one you will fly into if you are visiting Montego Bay. It is located just under two miles from the center of Montego Bay and this is where most tourists arrive. The airport has an international terminal as well as a domestic terminal for flights to other parts of Jamaica. Another popular way to arrive in Montego Bay is by cruise ship. The Port of Montego Bay contains five berths several of which are dedicated solely to cruise ships. There are some facilities at the port such as a telecommunications center and a snack stand.
3. Getting From the Airport
On arriving at the Donald Sangster International Airport, visitors are given several options as to how to get from the airport into the center of Montego Bay. Before you leave the airport you can exchange some money at the currency exchange office, but you will find that many places and vendors not only accept U.S. dollars but often prefer them! There are car rental agencies located in the Ground Transportation and Arrivals Hall after you exit customs. There are several agencies from which to choose. Major resorts send shuttles to the airport to pick up their guests. There are no buses, so the only other option is to take an authorized taxi.
4. Getting Around
There are several ways to get around to explore Montego Bay. Walking is one option but only during the day. The city is quite crowded with cars and taxis, but walking is a good way to get a feel for Montego Bay and the way of life in Jamaica. Do not take walks after dark. Using an official taxi is another way to get around Montego Bay. Official taxis are called Red-Plates because of their red license plates. Although they are “official” be aware that the driver might ask for unrealistic fares: so be prepared to negotiate. If you like adventure you can rent a bicycle or a moped.
5. Restaurants
Montego Bay boasts the best restaurants in Jamaica, but many visitors are surprised at the high prices charged in restaurants. This is not a problem for visitors who are staying at all-inclusive resorts, but for those who are not, finding affordable food in Montego Bay can take a little patience. Adding imported alcohol definitely jacks up your bill. Some of the local places like the Pork Pit and places that sell sandwiches and hamburgers at the beach bars and cafes offer affordable choices. Some restaurants post daily specials. Street food is an inexpensive option. There are many street food places at the intersection of Kent Road and Gloucester Avenue.
6. Shopping
Shopping can be a fun experience in Montego Bay: it can also be a little challenging. There are many vendors walking around and they can be extremely aggressive. The main shopping areas in Montego Bay are the Holiday Village Shopping Centre, the City Centre, and the Montego Freeport. These are all within walking distance of the pier.
The Old Fort Craft Park is an experience that you should not miss. Here you will find a huge variety of handcrafted items: some of these are just souvenirs while others appeal to more serious shoppers. There are 180 vendors in the Old Fort Craft Park and they are all licensed by the Jamaica Tourist Board.
7. Getting Married in Montego Bay
Montego Bay is a popular place for weddings because of its spectacular scenery and warm climate. In order to get married in Jamaica you need to send an application for a marriage license to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice. Along with some other paperwork, once this is accomplished you can get married with 24 hours after arriving in Jamaica! Resorts are popular venues for weddings: some of these include several hotels of the Iberostar chain, the Royalton White Sands Montego Bay, Secrets St. James Montego Bay, Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton, and more. Smaller simpler venues include Sandals Carlyle and Half Moon Resort.
8. Where to Stay
There is a wide range of accommodations that you will find in Montego Bay ranging from resorts and hotels to villas, guest houses, apartments, and bed and breakfasts. All-inclusive resorts charge one price for a stay, usually for one week: this type of accommodation includes your room, all of your food, and some extras like tours, boat rides, and hikes. Some of the less expensive accommodations include guest houses such as the Palm View Guest House, the Bethel Court Guest House, Cedar Ridge Lodge, and many more. There are also apartments like the Montego Bay Club Apartments and Studios and Subadoc’s Apartments.
Map:
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