What the weather is like in December
December dries out quickly (52mm) with pleasant 28°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.
Averages are five-year Open-Meteo (ERA5) figures for Montego Bay; other parts of Jamaica vary. Full sources below.
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 is February; the toughest is October. For the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds, aim for July. See the full month-by-month breakdown for Jamaica.
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)$$Long sandy beach, sunsets, laid-back nightlife
The classic beach base, with everything from cliff-side guesthouses to all-inclusives. Busy during spring break.
See Negril (Seven Mile Beach) hotels for 12–18 Dec 2026 - Montego Bay hotel strip$$$All-inclusives, short airport transfer, Sumfest
Fifteen minutes from the airport; the biggest concentration of resorts on the island.
See Montego Bay hotel strip hotels for 12–18 Dec 2026 - Port Antonio / Treasure Beach$$Quiet, green, off-the-resort-strip Jamaica
Port 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 Port Antonio / Treasure Beach hotels 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.
Frequently asked questions
Is December a good time to visit Jamaica?
December scores 82/100 on the Atlas Ranger Score — "Exceptional" — which blends weather with crowds and price. December is one of the best months to visit Jamaica — strong conditions and the reason many travellers pick this window. It is also one of the most expensive: book early, and expect holiday-week rates.
How warm is Jamaica in December?
Expect daytime highs around 28°C (82°F) and overnight lows near 22°C (72°F), with about 10.1 hours of sun a day.
Does it rain in Jamaica in December?
December sees roughly 52mm of rain — relatively dry.
What should I pack for Jamaica in December?
For December, pack: Lightweight, breathable clothing; Sun hat & high-SPF sunscreen; Swimwear.
Sources
Every claim on this page is backed by an authoritative source. Atlas Ranger synthesizes data from multiple references so you can see exactly where each fact came from.
- Jamaica Tourist Board (visitjamaica.com)Used for: Official visitor information, entry requirements, event dates
- Open-Meteo Historical Climate Data (ERA5)Used for: Monthly temperature, rainfall, sunshine averages (5-year, Montego Bay)
- NOAA National Hurricane CenterUsed for: Atlantic hurricane season climatology and historical storm tracks
- Meteorological Service of JamaicaUsed for: Local forecasts, rainfall records, storm advisories
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