Average high temperature and rainfall for Jamaica weather in May. © Scott S. Bateman

Jamaica weather in May has an increase in average rainfall and temperatures over April.

May is a brief rainy season for Jamaica. It takes place right before the start of the annual Caribbean hurricane season in June. Caribbean islands are most likely to be hit by hurricanes during these months, especially in September and October. But not in May for Jamaica, despite the incease in rain.

Jamaica Temperatures in May

May is one of Jamaica’s warmest months.

In May, the average high in Jamaica destinations such as Montego Bay is 88 degrees Fahrenheit or 31 Celsius, according to the Meteorological Service of Jamaica. The average low, mostly at night, is 73 degrees Fahrenheit or 23 Celsius.

Temperatures in the early morning in May are often in the upper 70s Fahrenheit. The temperatures rise throughout the day and usually peak at the mid to upper 80s Fahrenheit by early afternoon.

Temperatures in Jamaica are relatively consistent throughout the year, with the warmest months being June, July and August.

In June, July and August, temperatures start to rise into the 90s Fahrenheit or low 30s Celsius. In July, the average high temperature is 91 degrees Fahrenheit or 33 Celsius.

A constant breeze throughout the island helps to make the warm temperatures feel more pleasant and comfortable.

By comparison, nighttime temperatures in Jamaica drop to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in January and February, according to the Meteorological Service of Jamaica. The average daytime temperatures during these months are in the low to mid 80s Fahrenheit.

Throughout the year, Jamaica’s water temperatures vary from about 79 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to 84 degrees during the summer months.

Water temperature in May is about 82 degrees Fahrenheit, making the Caribbean Sea a comfortable place to swim.

Jamaica Rainy Season in May

Jamaica has a mild rainy season in May. May is Jamaica’s third rainiest month, right behind the very wet months of September and October.

Jamaica receives an average of four inches of rain during May, according to the Meteorological Service of Jamaica.

On average, it rains about eight days in May, which is modest. This is an increase from the earlier months of January, February and March, when it rains about five days out of each month.

Although May is a rainier month, the mornings are usually sunny. Rain is most likely to occur around 4 p.m.

Rain occurs in the form of a passing shower, but may be heavier and slightly longer in duration than the rainfall in the preceding months of January, February, March and April.

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

Should I Visit in May?

May is a good time of year for travelers to visit the island for anyone who is not put off by a little more rain. Because the mornings are almost always sunny, vacationers can still enjoy plenty of time outside.

Hurricanes are never a threat in May, and rain is only expected about eight days out of the month.