Average high temperature and rainfall for Montego Bay, Jamaica, in January. © Scott S. Bateman

Jamaica weather in January is both a little cool and a little wet.

The northern coast of Jamaica offers two of the most popular resort and cruise destinations on the island at Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.

January is an active time for western Caribbean cruises that often include Jamaica because the region has entered a dry period. Temperatures are warm but not hot. Vacationers from the U.S., Canada and Europe are getting away from northern snow and cold.

Jamaica Temperatures in January

The average high temperature in January at Montego Bay, Jamaica, is 82 degrees Fahrenheit or 28 Celsius, according to the Jamaica Meteorological Service. The average low at night is 69 degrees Fahrenheit or about 21 Celsius.

The high daytime temperatures are warm enough for land activities such as hiking, golf, shopping and other forms of recreation and entertainment. But the nighttime lows bring down the water temperatures and sometimes make the sea chilly for swimming, especially in the mornings.

Cold fronts from the North American continent are common from mid-October to mid-April, the meteorological service says.

By comparison, average temperatures in Jamaica range from the low 80s Fahrenheit or high 20s Celsius to the high 80s Fahrenheit or low 30s Celsius throughout the year, according to the Jamaica Tourist Board.

Jamaica Rain in January

Rainfall in Montego Bay, Jamaica, during January averages about three inches. It is slightly higher than the average for many other Caribbean destinations. Historically, it rains about nine days in January, according to the Jamaica Meteorological Service.

By comparison, average rainfall is one inch in March, two in April and two in July. March has five rain days, April has seven and July has seven.

The worst month for rain in Jamaica is October. Montego Bay averages about seven inches of rain and 13 days with rain.

Anyone planning a trip to the Caribbean that includes Jamaica will find that January is a good month to get away from cold northern winters. But the island offers warmer weather and less rainfall in March and April.

A January trip should emphasize land activities or water activities that don’t include swimming or snorkeling.

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