What the weather is like in December
December eases to 81mm of rain with 30°C days and cooler nights. Rates climb through the month to a Christmas peak, when resorts sell out and minimum-stay rules apply. Early December offers dry-season weather at near-low-season prices.
Against November, December runs 1°C cooler with 26mm less rain.
These December averages are station normals for Montego Bay (NOAA, via Wikipedia, 1991-2020); other parts of Jamaica vary. Full sources below.
Jamaica in December, on the ground
December is when Jamaica’s dry season settles in, with fresher evenings and sunny days on the north coast. The hurricane season is over, and Christmas brings Grand Market nights in towns across the island on Christmas Eve.
Crowds and prices in December
Early December is good value before winter high season starts in the middle of the month. Christmas and New Year at Montego Bay, Negril and Ocho Rios carry the year’s highest rates.
What to do in December
- Run or watch the Reggae Marathon in Negril in early December.
- Visit a Grand Market on Christmas Eve, the island’s all-night street market tradition.
- Raft the Martha Brae or Rio Grande in the drier weather.
What to pack for Jamaica in December
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- Sun hat & high-SPF sunscreen
- Swimwear
Is December the right month?
Jamaica's best month, February, is two months after December; the toughest, October, is two months before. If December does not fit, January is the closest month in the same best-season window. For the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds, aim for July. See the full month-by-month breakdown for Jamaica, or where else to go in December.
Where to stay in December
December is peak season in Jamaica, so prices are at their highest. Book early for the best choice of rooms.
- Negril (Seven Mile Beach)$$Long sandy beach, sunsets, laid-back paceThe classic beach base, with everything from cliff-side guesthouses to large resorts. Busy during spring break.See hotels in Jamaica for 12–18 Dec 2026
- Montego Bay hotel strip$$$Resorts, short airport transfer, SumfestFifteen minutes from the airport; the biggest concentration of resorts on the island.See hotels in Montego Bay for 12–18 Dec 2026
- Port Antonio / Treasure Beach$$Quiet, green, off-the-resort-strip JamaicaPort Antonio (north-east) is lush and rainy; Treasure Beach (south) is dry and low-key. Both are a two-to-three-hour drive from Montego Bay.See hotels in Jamaica for 12–18 Dec 2026
Links open a hotel search for 12–18 Dec 2026; you can change the dates there. We may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Before you go
Book the rest of your December trip
Tours and tickets
Day trips, attraction tickets and guided tours in Jamaica.
Browse Jamaica on KlookAirport transfer
A fixed-price car from Sangster International Airport (Montego Bay, MBJ) to your hotel, booked before you land.
Book a transfer on KiwitaxiMobile data
An eSIM for Jamaica installs before you fly, so you have data when you land. Check your phone supports eSIM first.
See Jamaica plans on AiraloCar hire
Compare rental car prices in Montego Bay.
Compare cars on EconomyBookings
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Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Jamaica in December?
Is December a good time to visit Jamaica?
Is it cold in Jamaica in December?
Does it rain in Jamaica in December?
What should I pack for Jamaica in December?
How far ahead should I book Jamaica for December?
Sources: Jamaica Tourist Board (visitjamaica.com) · NOAA: Montego Bay, 1991-2020 · NOAA National Hurricane Center · Meteorological Service of Jamaica. Full provenance on the Jamaica guide.
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