Best time to visit · Montego Bay · Jamaica
The best time to visit Montego Bay
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: SpaceEconomist192, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The best time to visit Montego Bay is December to April, when the weather is driest and breeziest and there is no hurricane risk; mid-April to June brings good weather with lower prices. July has Reggae Sumfest. August to October is the riskiest period for hurricanes and the wettest, but also the lowest-priced.
Key facts
- Best months
- December–April
- Shoulder season
- May–July and November
- Warmest month
- August (avg high 33°C (91°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 30°C (86°F))
- Rainiest month
- October (~13 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- September
Seasons
Montego Bay is hot all year, with highs of about 30–33°C. December to April is drier and breezier; May to November is more humid, with rain peaking in May and again from September to November. The Atlantic hurricane season runs June to November, peaking from August to October.
December–April
High season
Dry, sunny and breezy, with full resorts and the highest prices around Christmas and spring break.
May–July
Early summer
Warmer and more humid with showers, better prices and Reggae Sumfest in July.
August–October
Hurricane peak
Hot, wet and the highest storm risk; the lowest prices and quietest beaches.
November
Late autumn
Rains ease and crowds stay light before the December peak.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sea | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C | 22°C | 6 | 27°C | 11.1 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| February | 30°C | 22°C | 5 | 27°C | 11.5 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| March | 30°C | 22°C | 4 | 27°C | 12 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| April | 31°C | 23°C | 5 | 27°C | 12.5 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| May | 31°C | 24°C | 9 | 28°C | 13 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| June | 32°C | 25°C | 8 | 28°C | 13.2 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| July | 32°C | 25°C | 7 | 29°C | 13.1 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| August | 33°C | 25°C | 9 | 29°C | 12.7 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| September | 32°C | 25°C | 11 | 29°C | 12.2 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| October | 32°C | 24°C | 13 | 29°C | 11.7 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| November | 31°C | 23°C | 9 | 28°C | 11.2 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| December | 30°C | 23°C | 7 | 27°C | 11 h | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| February | Reggae Month events across Jamaica (February) |
| March | Spring break (usually March) |
| April | Easter weekend events and carnival season in Kingston (usually April) |
| July | Reggae Sumfest — major reggae and dancehall festival in Montego Bay (usually mid-to-late July) |
| August | Emancipation Day (1 August) and Independence Day (6 August) |
| October | National Heroes Day (third Monday in October) |
| December | Grand Market — Christmas Eve street markets in Jamaican towns (24 December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in September, and the sights are quietest in September. Many visitors avoid September–October.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| High season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Early summer | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Hurricane peak | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Late autumn | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Montego Bay?
The best time to visit Montego Bay is December to April, when the weather is driest and breeziest and there is no hurricane risk; mid-April to June brings good weather with lower prices. July has Reggae Sumfest. August to October is the riskiest period for hurricanes and the wettest, but also the lowest-priced.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Montego Bay?
Usually in September. Peak hurricane season and a wet month; the quietest and lowest-priced time to visit.
+What is the rainiest month in Montego Bay?
October, with about 13 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Montego Bay get?
The warmest month, August, averages highs of 33°C (91°F) and lows of 25°C (77°F).