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

Jamaica weather in October is likely to be wet for anyone taking a vacation there at that time of year.

The Caribbean hurricane season, which runs from the beginning of June through the end of November, is a big factor in when to go.

September and October are the worst months for most destinations in the Caribbean for rain, tropical storms and occasional hurricanes. There is an average of four named tropical storms each month, two that often become hurricanes in September and a rare one in October.

Jamaica certainly gets its share of bad weather. October is the worst weather month of the year for this tropical resort island.

The following averages are based on a 30-year history for Montego Bay. The actual results will vary each year, but they offer patterns that make it easier to know what to expect.

Rainfall

Jamaica receives the highest amount of rain in October compared to any other month of the year.

Total rainfall in Jamaica destinations such as Montego Bay averages about seven inches during October, according to the Meteorological Service of Jamaica. By comparison, Jamaica destinations average only about one inch or less from January through April during the dry season.

The average number of days it rains in October is 14, which is not as bad as some destinations in the Caribbean. It also means that it rains on average about one out of every two days.

It rains only about five to seven days a month from December through July except for a brief rainy season in May (the third rainiest month of the year for Jamaica after September and October).

Jamaica Temperatures in October

This video explains Caribbean weather in October and which islands are the best and worst to visit for weather. Full-Screen Version | YouTube Caribbean Channel

Staying warm won’t be a problem even if it does rain a lot. The average high temperature in Jamaica during October is 89 degrees Fahrenheit or nearly 32 Celsius, according to the Meteorological Service of Jamaica. The average low is 74 degrees Fahrenheit or 23 Celsius.

Jamaica temperatures stay remarkably consistent throughout the year with the average high ranging from 86 degrees Fahrenheit or 30 Celsius in the winter months to 91 degrees Fahrenheit or 33 Celsius in July, the hottest month of the year.

Seawater is usually comfortable for swimming in October. But it may feel a bit cool in December through March when nighttime temperatures drop to about 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 Celsius.

• Jamaica weather in January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December.

Whether to Go

For anyone who is determined to go on vacation in Jamaica, it is best to avoid October simply because it is the rainiest month of the year.

In fact, just about any month other than September or October will have a much lower number of rain days and total rainfall.

The best reason to go to Jamaica in October is because of last-minute resort and hotel deals and a weather forecast that shows decent weather in the days ahead.