Popularized by cruise ship tourism, this quintessential stop on a trip through the Caribbean is characterized by year round warmth, and generally pleasant weather.

Throughout the winter months, Ocho Rios sees air temperatures that are consistently between 20°C and 30°C. Precipitation is fairly minimal with December through April only seeing an average of five rainy days per month. 

Rainfall intensifies during the summer and autumn, but are generally still avoidable. October is the city’s rainiest month, seeing 185mm of precipitation over ten to twelve days.

Ocean water temperatures tend to fluctuate between 26°C and 29°C throughout the year.

Ocean view of a port and beach of Ocho Rios, Jamaica

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Ocho Rios

Located on the northeast coast of Jamaica, Port Antonio’s climate is characterized by constant rainfall, and hot days. The average air temperature rarely changes month over month, floating between 24°C and 28°C year round.

Precipitation is regular in Port Antonio with every month seeing at least 100mm of rainfall. Precipitation totals peak in June, October and November (each seeing over 300mm), and dip to their lowest in February and March (120mm each).

Water temperatures around the city’s top tourist spot, the Blue Lagoon, are very warm year round ranging from 26°C to 29°C.

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Port Antonio

Located on the northwest coast of Jamaica, Montego Bay offers vacationers a hot and sunny tropical climate with distinct rainy periods.

Throughout the year, Montego Bay’s air temperature ranges between 25°C and 31°C, cooling only slightly during the evenings in the winter months. Water temperatures along the shores are also hot year round, floating between 27°C and 29°C.

Rain is constantly present in Montego Bay, however the spring and autumn months see considerably more than the summer and winter months. The driest time of year is March where rainfall totals barely breach 30mm. Precipitation amounts ramp up considerably in May and June, and even further in September and October. Surprisingly, July and early August are outliers, seeing about 70mm-80mm during this time.

Hurricanes are common in Jamaica, although Montego Bay rarely sees the full force of even the weakest of winds. Stormy weather is at its most intense during September and October.

Sunny beach and turquoise sea with lots of bright umbrellas in Montego Bay, Jamaica

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Montego Bay

This small beachtown turned popular vacation destination sits on the far western shores of Jamaica, and boasts pleasant air temperatures year round. Rain falls more intensely here than in some other parts of the country, but Negril still sees more than fifteen sunny days per month. Most precipitation tends to fall in strong, but short bursts.

Throughout the year, air temperatures in Negril range between 22°C and 31°C. Rainfall amounts vary month by month, but March is generally the driest, and October is by far the wettest.

Ocean water temperatures stay constant between 27°C and 29°C, offering ideal conditions for a relaxing swim.

Rocky coastline of Negril, Jamaica with buildings along the ocean

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Negril

The capital and most populous city in Jamaica is classified as a tropical climate characterized by a hot, wet season, and a relatively dry winter season. Trade winds that humidify the northern shores of Jamaica get trapped by the Blue Mountains to the north of the city, creating a rain shadow that keeps Kingston drier than most of the rest of the country. Still, precipitation can be quite heavy during the wet season, and hurricane-type winds can occur.

Throughout the year, air temperatures in Kingston stay constant between 21°C and 31°C. Water temperatures along the shoreline are also predictable, floating between 27°C and 29°C year round.

Like most of the Caribbean, the primary difference in weather throughout the year is the rainfall accumulation. During the dry season (December to April), Kingston rarely sees more than 35mm per month. In fact, January and February rarely see even 20mm of precipitation.

During the wet season (May to November), monthly totals are much less predictable. The rainiest months by far are September and October, which see well over 120mm each.

Kingston is prone to hurricanes. The most impactful ones tend to appear in late August through October, but the city sometimes sees them as early as June or July, as in 2021 when Hurricane Elsa caused mass flooding.

Aerial view of the Kingston, Jamaica as the sun sets over the buildings

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Kingston

The contiguous states in America cover a wide range of geographies that are generally temperate for the majority of the year. Exceptions include the far north which can see extended periods of below 0°C temperatures alongside heavy snowfall; Southern Florida, which boasts a tropical climate akin to the Caribbean; and a hot desert climate in the southwest.

The island state of Hawaii has a tropical climate with constant trade winds that help to relieve the humidity.

To the north, Alaska’s proximity to the Pole gives it a subarctic climate with very cold winters, and short summers. The State alternates between periods of extended sunshine (peaking at a full 24 hours on the summer solstice), and months of complete darkness.

America’s wide variety of climates offers something for everyone making it a year round vacation destination.

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United States

The Dominican Republic is mostly a tropical climate complete with warm ocean water, lots of sunshine, and intense humidity. It’s a mountainous country, which means even the shortest of drives between cities can lead to dramatic weather changes.

Just like in the rest of the Caribbean, The Dominican Republic has a wet season and a dry season, however, these seasons begin and end at different times of the calendar year depending on whether you vacation in the north or south of the country.

In the north, beachside destinations like Puerto Plata see intense rainfall from November to May, making April to October the best time to visit. During these prime vacation months, the ocean sits around a balmy 29°C, and air temperatures range from the mid twenties to the low thirties.

In the south and south-east (where Punta Cana is), precipitation is considerably more intense during the opposite months, making December to April the best time of year to visit. Air temperatures during these prime vacation months sit between the mid to high twenties.

In short, the Dominican Republic is an all-year destination. Its varying topography can lead to a different weather experience depending on where you are at any given time. The plus side is that if you’re experiencing inclement weather where you are, warm and sunny skies are usually just a short drive away.

Panorama of the Dominican Republic with palm trees on a tropical beach and a bright sunset

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Dominican Republic

Geographically situated at the very top of the Caribbean islands, The Bahamas boasts a tropical climate that is slightly cooler than its neighbouring vacation spots. During the dry season (November to April), The Bahamas offers a welcoming temperature range of 18°C to 27°C. Consistent trade winds keep the island breezy, and comfortable ocean water temperatures bring an opportunity to cool off even further. For those who dread hot and balmy places but still want to escape harsh Canadian winters, this is the vacation spot for you.

In the summer months, rain dominates the forecast. The Bahamas sees an average of 18 rainy days per month from June to October. Precipitation often comes in short but strong spurts, clearing up quickly and returning to sun in as little as just a few minutes. This is also the time of year when the country is prone to very strong winds.

Despite the uptick in tropical storm appearances in the past five years, The Bahamas has historically avoided the most serious of hurricanes. One notable exception is in September 2019, when Hurricane Dorian became the first Category 5 hurricane since 1992 to make landfall, causing massive damage.

Caribbean tropical beach on a bright sunny day with white sand coastline and the deep blue sea in the Bahamas

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The Bahamas

As one of the largest countries in the world (14th overall), Mexico’s wide landscape offers a diverse range of climates for all sorts of vacationers. While air temperatures across the country are consistently warm year round, factors such as altitude and proximity to the equator play a large role in rainfall amounts, relative humidity, and a number of other categories.

Along the eastern shores, tourist hotspots like Cancun and Playa Del Carmen boast tropical climates akin to something you’d expect from the Caribbean. Air temperatures are hot and humid all year, and precipitation tends to fall in short, but strong bursts.

On the opposite coast, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, and Mazatlan offer a similar climate, albeit with a concentrated precipitation schedule.

Venturing inland towards Mexico City and other densely populated areas brings higher altitudes and therefore cooler air temperatures. 

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Culture in Mexico

Mexico

Canada’s climate tends to vary from region to region, but in most cases can be categorized as long, cold winters and comfortable, temperate summers.

Snow is a defining characteristic across the country. In some areas, it can be present for six to eight months, however, popular tourist spots like coastal British Columbia and southern Ontario experience a considerably less severe winter season.

In Alberta, the contrasting landscapes between the Rocky Mountains and the flat plains can bring temperature swings of up to 30 degrees during a single night. As the Prairies continue east, the flat terrain and high humidity can spawn tornadoes more than anywhere else in Canada.

The northern territories make up 40% of Canada’s land, and are typically classified as dry and very cold. That said, much of the north still experiences a short summer where air temperatures range between 6°C to 18°C.

The climate across the Maritime provinces are strongly influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. Precipitation is a constant across the East. In winter months, that rain can turn into heavy snowfall. In Newfoundland particularly, there are usually one to two events where upwards of 70cm can fall in a single 24 hour period.

Summers across the country are more uniform than winter. Most major Canadian cities experience a comfortable, temperate summer season with high levels of humidity, and a fair amount of rainfall.

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Canada

Spain is generally regarded as a hot, sunny vacation destination, although by looking in the right places, it is possible to seek out chillier winters fit for skiing.

Most tourists tend to visit cities along the Balearic Sea like Barcelona or Valencia. Summers in these coastal cities are pleasantly warm with very little rainfall. Similarly, island destinations like Ibiza or Palma offer the same mediterranean climate, but with slightly hotter air temperatures.

Inland, cities like Seville see a more dramatic range of weather compared to their coastal counterparts. Here, temperatures can get blisteringly hot during dry summer months, and increased rainfall during early winter can cause some vacation disturbances.

Madrid’s high altitude exposes it to below-zero temperatures during the winter, including a period in January 2021 where 50cm of snow fell on the city, setting a new record.

The Canary Islands, which sit closer to Africa than mainland Spain, are another popular island getaway with pleasant summer temperatures and very little rainfall.

View of the water on Ibiza Island with boats in the ocean and tropical trees around the frame in Spain

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Spain

Jamaica is a popular tourist destination complete with year round pleasant weather and a robust culture. It boasts a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. High air temperatures, and warm ocean waters are the norm. 

Vacation hotspots are scattered across the island country. To the northwest, Montego Bay and Negril see slightly more intense rainfall than their counterparts to the east. That said, precipitation in Jamaica tends to come in strong but short bursts, making most days at least a little bit sunny.

Jamaica is prone to hurricanes. The most impactful ones tend to appear in late August through October, but hurricane season can sometimes begin as early as June or July. 

Aerial view of a main road, colorful buildings and ocean in Montego Bay, Mexico with sunny weather

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Jamaica

Italy’s lengthy geography with contrasting ecosystems gives the country a diverse climate range. Winters in the Alps get very cold, suitable for skiing, meanwhile winters along the coast or on the island of Sicily are quite pleasant. Similarly, summer hot spells can become uncomfortable as temperatures breach 30°C in some parts of Italy, while those same summers can become cool and breezy just by moving a few hundred kilometres inland.

Generally speaking, air temperatures increase toward the Southeast of the country.

Most popular destinations like Rome or Florence experience hot, dry summers, and brisk, but palatable winters. Precipitation is regular and relatively consistent throughout the country, with the rainiest months being October and November, and the driest months being during the summer.

Water temperatures, for the most part, are suitable for swimming during the summer months, but too cold any other time of year. 

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Italy

France covers a lot of diverse territory, and for that reason, it encompasses a number of different climates. Most of the country boasts a temperate, four-season climate where winters are cold, summers are warm, and Spring and Fall act as a transition period.

More extreme climates can be experienced in the Southeast. The French Alps are characterized by mountainous landscapes that bring in more rainfall, colder winters, and relatively cool summers.

Conversely, along the Rhône Valley, summers can get quite hot making it a desirable tourist destination.

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France

Australia is generally well-known for having a hot, sunny climate, but due to the country’s massive size, weather conditions and temperatures throughout the year tend to vary dramatically depending on where you visit.

In the south, where most of the population lives, the temperate climate sees a modified version of the four seasons that many Canadians are used to. In major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, summertime temperatures can get quite hot and sticky, while winter conditions are typically mild and wet. 

Moving along the eastern shores to Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Cairns will bring hotter temperatures and more of a tropical climate akin the Caribbean. Rainy days are even more prominent in this part of Australia, although the precipitation there often comes in strong, quick bursts rather than prolonged over the course of an entire day.

The famous Australian Outback makes up most of the country’s interior. Its climate can get dangerously hot and dry, with summertime temperatures regularly floating around 40°C.

Extreme weather conditions in Australia can sometimes lead to massive wildfires or flash floods. The entire country is prone to these disasters, so it’s important to be conscious about protocols particularly when venturing out of the major cities.

When planning a vacation here, it’s also important to bear in mind that Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere. Their seasons are reversed from Canada’s, and getting closer to the Equator means travelling north rather than voyaging south.

Sydney, Australia from the ocean at sunset with the Sydney Opera house in the skyline

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5 Australian Cities You Should Have On Your Bucket List

Australia

The Caribbean nation of Cuba is located only 200km away from the Floridian tip of the United States and boasts a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.

During the rainy season (May to October), the country sees on average, 10 stormy days per month, and an air temperature range of 24°C to 31°C. The rainiest months are June and October. In the dry season (November to April), Cuba’s air temperature dips slightly to a range of 19°C to 26°C, and precipitation amounts are considerably lower. March and April are the driest months during this time.

Cuba is also prone to powerful hurricanes, with most occurring during August to October. 

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Cuba

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Climate in Jamaica

Average Temperatures and Precipitation for Popular Destinations in Jamaica

Other Vacation Destinations in Jamaica