Jamaica in January: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for January
Average temperature across Jamaica in January.
City Weather in January
| City | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kingston, Jamaica | 30° | 21° | 62 mm | very high | Warm |
| Spanish Town | 30° | 20° | 45 mm | very high | Warm |
| Portmore, Saint Catherine | 30° | 21° | 40 mm | very high | Warm |
| Montego Bay | 30° | 21° | 86 mm | high | Warm |
| Mandeville, Jamaica | 26° | 16° | 77 mm | high | Mild |
| May Pen | 29° | 20° | 44 mm | very high | Warm |
| Old Harbour, Jamaica | 29° | 20° | 39 mm | very high | Warm |
High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.
West Coast - Negril, Montego Bay and Lucea
Breezy mornings and long, low tides make January ideal for Negril’s Seven Mile Beach; temperatures are pleasantly warm (low 20s-high 20s °C) with strong northeast trade winds keeping humidity down. Snorkeling and reef trips from Montego Bay are reliable, and the town is lively after Christmas but not overcrowded. Pack a light jacket for cooler evenings and expect calm seas for boats and beach lounging.
North Coast - Ocho Rios, St. Ann and Discovery Bay
Clear, breezy January days are common in Ocho Rios and St. Ann, with comfortable temperatures and low humidity that make climbing Dunn’s River Falls or exploring Green Grotto Caves pleasant. Cruise ship season is active, so town centers and attraction queues can be long to mid-day. Mornings are best for outdoor excursions; bring a light long-sleeve for cooler, shaded canyon paths.
East Coast & Portland Parish - Port Antonio, Blue Lagoon and Reach Falls
January mornings in Port Antonio are cool for the coast with bright, clear skies; the Blue Lagoon’s glassy surface and sheltered harbors make boat excursions relaxing. The surrounding rainforest is green but not waterlogged, so hikes to Reach Falls are comfortable. Expect fewer international tourists here than on the west coast-book guesthouses in advance for weekend stays.
Kingston & Southeast Coast - Kingston, Port Royal and Hellshire
January delivers crisp, comfortable mornings in Kingston with lower humidity that’s ideal for city walking-visit the Bob Marley Museum and Devon House without the oppressive heat. Evenings along Hellshire Beach are breezy and pleasant. Expect busy cultural calendars and easier navigation around the city than in summer months.
South Coast & Central South - Treasure Beach, Black River and St. Elizabeth
January mornings are sunny and often the most reliably dry on the island’s south coast; Treasure Beach is relaxed and great for beach walks and fishing-village dining. Temperatures are warm but less humid than the north, and birdlife around the Black River is active. Pack light layers for breezier nights and enjoy quieter roads for island drives.
Blue Mountains & Interior Highlands
Misty, cool mornings are the norm in January-temperatures on higher trails can drop into the low teens Celsius (50s F) and cloud cover often lingers. Hikes to the coffee farms and Blue Mountain Peak are crisp and clearer than in wet months, offering long views when skies cooperate. Bring warm layers, a waterproof jacket and good hiking boots for early starts.