Skip to main content
Kingston - When to Visit

When to Visit Kingston

Climate guide & best times to travel

Monthly Climate Data for Kingston Average temperature and rainfall by month Climate Overview 15°C 20°C 26°C 32°C 38°C Rainfall (mm) 0 71 142 Jan Jan: 31.0°C high, 21.0°C low, 8mm rain Feb Feb: 31.0°C high, 20.0°C low, 5mm rain Mar Mar: 31.0°C high, 21.0°C low, 51mm rain Apr Apr: 32.0°C high, 22.0°C low, 8mm rain May May: 32.0°C high, 23.0°C low, 33mm rain Jun Jun: 33.0°C high, 24.0°C low, 86mm rain Jul Jul: 33.0°C high, 24.0°C low Aug Aug: 25.0°C high, 20.0°C low, 51mm rain Sep Sep: 25.0°C high, 20.0°C low, 51mm rain Oct Oct: 33.0°C high, 24.0°C low, 69mm rain Nov Nov: 32.0°C high, 22.0°C low, 142mm rain Dec Dec: 32.0°C high, 21.0°C low Temperature Rainfall
Kingston enjoys a tropical climate that's warm year-round, though the data shows some interesting quirks worth noting. You'll find two main seasons here: a drier stretch from roughly December through April, and a wetter period from May through November. That said, even the "wet" season isn't consistently rainy—July shows virtually no rainfall, and the patterns can be a bit unpredictable. Humidity hovers around 70% throughout the year, which is actually pretty manageable for the Caribbean. What's particularly interesting is the temperature variation you'll see in the data. Most months sit comfortably in the high 80s to low 90s°F (around 30-33°C), but August and September show an unusual dip to the mid-70s°F (around 25°C), which might be a data anomaly or reflect microclimatic conditions in certain parts of Kingston. Generally speaking, you can expect warm, pleasant weather most of the year, with the occasional tropical downpour during the wetter months. The hurricane season technically runs June through November, so it's worth keeping an eye on forecasts if you're visiting during that window.

Best Time to Visit

Beach & Relaxation
December through April offers the driest, most reliable weather with minimal rainfall and comfortable temperatures in the high 80s°F. You'll have clear skies and calm seas, perfect for lounging on the sand.
Cultural Exploration
February through April gives you dry weather and slightly fewer crowds than the peak December-January period. You'll be comfortable walking around historical sites and neighborhoods without dealing with heavy rain.
Adventure & Hiking
January through March tends to be ideal, with low rainfall and pleasant temperatures that won't leave you completely drenched in sweat on the trails. The landscape is still green from earlier rains but trails are generally dry.
Budget Travel
May through early November (excluding July-August peak summer) typically sees lower hotel rates and fewer tourists, though you'll need to accept the possibility of afternoon showers. September and October offer particularly good deals if you don't mind the wetter weather.

Ready to Plan Your Trip?

Browse tours, activities, and experiences in Kingston. Book with free cancellation on most options.

Explore Tours & Activities

What to Pack

Year-Round Essentials

High SPF sunscreen
The Caribbean sun is intense year-round, and you'll burn faster than you think, even on cloudy days.
Lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella
Even during the dry season, you might catch an occasional shower, and they're essential during the wetter months.
Insect repellent with DEET
Mosquitoes are present year-round in tropical climates, particularly around dawn and dusk.
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated is crucial in the heat and humidity, and it'll save you money on bottled water.
Light, breathable clothing
Cotton and linen fabrics work best in Kingston's warm, humid climate to keep you comfortable.
Sunglasses and wide-brimmed hat
The sun's glare can be intense, especially if you're spending time on the water or exploring during midday.
Reef-safe sunscreen for water activities
Regular sunscreen can damage coral reefs, and you'll want to protect Jamaica's marine ecosystems.

Dry Season (Dec-Apr)

Clothing
Light cotton t-shirts and tank tops, Shorts and breathable pants, Sundresses and skirts, Swimwear and beach cover-ups
Footwear
Comfortable sandals for daily wear, water shoes for rocky beaches, and sneakers if you're planning hikes
Accessories
Sunglasses, Wide-brimmed sun hat, Light day pack for excursions
Layering Tip
You won't need much layering—maybe a light long-sleeve shirt for sun protection or air-conditioned restaurants, but that's about it.

Wet Season Transition (May-Jun)

Clothing
Quick-dry clothing that won't stay soggy, Light rain jacket, Moisture-wicking shirts, Swimwear
Footwear
Water-resistant sandals or shoes that can handle getting wet, plus closed-toe shoes that dry quickly
Accessories
Compact umbrella, Waterproof phone case, Dry bag for electronics
Layering Tip
Layering isn't really necessary, but having a lightweight rain layer you can throw on and off is helpful for sudden showers.

Wet Season Peak (Jul-Nov)

Clothing
Quick-dry fabrics, Light rain gear, Extra changes of clothes in case you get caught in a downpour, Swimwear
Footwear
Waterproof sandals or water-resistant walking shoes that won't be ruined by rain
Accessories
Sturdy umbrella, Waterproof bags for valuables, Extra ziplock bags for keeping things dry
Layering Tip
The temperature stays warm even when it rains, so you're really just adding a rain layer rather than warmth layers.

Holiday Season (Dec-Jan)

Clothing
Your best casual resort wear, Light evening attire for nicer restaurants, Beach and pool clothing, Comfortable day clothes
Footwear
Nice sandals for evening, comfortable walking shoes, beach footwear, and perhaps dressier shoes if you're planning upscale dining
Accessories
Sun protection gear, Small crossbody bag for valuables, Light scarf or wrap for overly air-conditioned spaces
Layering Tip
You might want one light layer for evening breezes or heavily air-conditioned venues, but Kingston stays warm even in 'winter.'
Plug Type
Type A and B (same as United States and Canada)
Voltage
110V, 50Hz
Adapter Note
US and Canadian travelers won't need an adapter; UK, European, and Australian visitors will need a Type A/B adapter

Skip These Items

Heavy jackets or sweaters—you simply won't need them in Kingston's tropical climate Excessive toiletries—sunscreen, bug spray, and other essentials are readily available locally, often at better prices Beach towels—most hotels and resorts provide them, and they take up valuable luggage space Too many shoes—you'll live in sandals and maybe one pair of walking shoes; anything more is overkill Formal wear unless you have specific events planned—Kingston's vibe is generally casual, even at nicer restaurants

Month-by-Month Guide

January

January is peak tourist season for good reason—you'll get warm, dry weather with highs around 31°C and minimal rainfall. The humidity is present but manageable, and you'll find the city buzzing with visitors. Expect higher prices and busier beaches, but the weather is pretty much as reliable as it gets.

31°C (87°F) High
21°C (69°F) Low
8mm (0.3in) Rainfall
High Crowds
View Details →

February

February continues the dry season pattern with virtually no rain and comfortable temperatures. It's actually the driest month of the year based on the data, making it excellent for any outdoor activities. The crowds are still fairly heavy, as North American winter escapees continue to flock here.

31°C (87°F) High
20°C (68°F) Low
5mm (0.2in) Rainfall
High Crowds
View Details →

March

March marks the beginning of a slight uptick in rainfall, though 50mm is still pretty modest by tropical standards. Temperatures remain consistent in the high 80s°F, and you'll start to see crowds thinning out a bit as spring break wraps up. It's still a solid time to visit with generally pleasant conditions.

31°C (87°F) High
21°C (69°F) Low
51mm (2.0in) Rainfall
Medium Crowds
View Details →

April

April sees temperatures creeping up slightly to around 32°C, and rainfall drops back down to minimal levels. You're approaching the transition into the wetter season, but this month tends to stay fairly dry. It's a nice shoulder season month with fewer tourists and still-reliable weather.

32°C (89°F) High
22°C (71°F) Low
8mm (0.3in) Rainfall
Medium Crowds
View Details →

May

May officially kicks off the wetter season, though with only 33mm of rain, it's hardly a washout. Temperatures stay warm at 32°C, and the humidity remains steady. You might see some afternoon thunderstorms, but they typically pass quickly and the crowds have definitely thinned out by now.

32°C (89°F) High
23°C (73°F) Low
33mm (1.3in) Rainfall
Low Crowds
View Details →

June

June brings warmer temperatures around 33°C and a noticeable increase in rainfall at 86mm. This is when you'll start to feel the wet season in earnest, with more frequent showers and higher humidity. Hurricane season officially begins, though major storms are relatively rare this early. Crowds are minimal and prices drop accordingly.

33°C (91°F) High
24°C (75°F) Low
86mm (3.4in) Rainfall
Low Crowds
View Details →

July

Interestingly, July shows virtually no rainfall despite being smack in the middle of the wet season—this might reflect a brief dry spell that sometimes occurs mid-summer. Temperatures remain hot at 33°C, and while it's technically hurricane season, you'll likely find decent weather. Tourist numbers pick up slightly with summer vacationers.

33°C (91°F) High
24°C (75°F) Low
0mm (0.0in) Rainfall
Medium Crowds
View Details →

August

The data shows an unusual temperature drop to 25°C in August, which is worth noting as potentially anomalous—Kingston typically stays warmer. Rainfall returns at 51mm, and hurricane activity tends to increase this month. If the cooler temperatures are accurate for your specific area, it would actually make for quite pleasant conditions.

25°C (77°F) High
20°C (68°F) Low
51mm (2.0in) Rainfall
Medium Crowds
View Details →

September

September continues the pattern shown in August with cooler temperatures around 25°C and moderate rainfall. This is statistically the peak of hurricane season, so you'll want to keep an eye on weather forecasts. The upside is very low tourist numbers and excellent deals on accommodations.

25°C (77°F) High
20°C (68°F) Low
51mm (2.0in) Rainfall
Low Crowds
View Details →

October

October sees temperatures climbing back to 33°C with moderate rainfall at 69mm. Hurricane season is still active, though it typically starts winding down by month's end. You'll get occasional heavy showers but also plenty of sunshine between storms. Tourist crowds remain light.

33°C (91°F) High
24°C (75°F) Low
69mm (2.7in) Rainfall
Low Crowds
View Details →

November

November is the wettest month based on this data, with 142mm of rainfall, so you'll definitely want to pack an umbrella. Temperatures moderate slightly to 32°C, and the humidity can feel quite heavy when combined with the rain. Hurricane season officially ends by the end of the month, and you'll start to see early winter visitors arriving.

32°C (89°F) High
22°C (71°F) Low
142mm (5.6in) Rainfall
Medium Crowds
View Details →

December

December marks the return of the dry season with virtually no rainfall and pleasant temperatures around 32°C. The holiday season brings peak tourist numbers and correspondingly higher prices, but the weather is reliably good. It's an excellent time to visit if you don't mind the crowds and can book accommodations well in advance.

32°C (89°F) High
21°C (69°F) Low
0mm (0.0in) Rainfall
High Crowds
View Details →

Plan Your Perfect Trip

Get insider tips and travel guides delivered to your inbox

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.

More Kingston Travel Guides

Top Attractions → Budget Guide → Trip Itineraries → Dining Guide →