September weather guide

Weather in Jamaica in September

Statistical hurricane peak — historically the most dangerous month

Score55Mixed
Typical day33°C91°F · low 25°C
Rain & sun135mm7.4 hrs sun/day
White and blue bus parked beside a palm tree under a blue sky in Jamaica
By
Institutional byline · Updated

What the weather is like in September

Avg high
33°C
91°F
Avg low
25°C
77°F
Rainfall
135mm
off-peak
Sun / day
7.4 hrs

September is the peak of the hurricane season. Gilbert crossed the whole island on September 12, 1988, and Ivan brought hurricane-force winds from just offshore on September 11, 2004. Even in quiet years, humidity is at its worst and afternoon storms are heavy. It is one of the two cheapest months, and some smaller hotels close for maintenance.

Against August, September runs about the same temperature with 41mm more rain and 0.7 hours less sun a day.

These September averages are station normals for Montego Bay (NOAA, via Wikipedia, 1991-2020); other parts of Jamaica vary. Full sources below.

Jamaica in September, on the ground

September is the heart of Jamaica’s hurricane season: the Atlantic season peaks on September 10. Gilbert crossed the whole island on 12 September 1988, and Ivan brought hurricane-force winds from just offshore on 11 September 2004. Even in quiet years it is hot and humid, with heavy afternoon storms.

Crowds and prices in September

It is one of the two cheapest months of the year, and resorts are quiet. Some smaller hotels close for maintenance in the September–October low season, so check that yours is open for your dates.

What to do in September

  • Plan beach and outdoor time for the morning, before the afternoon storms build.
  • Book tours with free cancellation, so a stormy day only means moving them.
  • Keep a day spare at the end of the trip in case a storm closes the airport.

Before you book: Check the National Hurricane Center outlook before you fly and each morning, and buy travel insurance before a storm is named.

What to pack for Jamaica in September

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing
  • Sun hat & high-SPF sunscreen
  • A packable rain jacket or compact umbrella

Is September the right month?

Jamaica's best month, February, is five months after September; the toughest, October, is one month after. If your dates can move, December is the nearest best-season month. 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 September.

Where to stay in September

September is low season in Jamaica: rooms cost less, but the weather is less reliable. A rate you can cancel keeps your options open.

  • Negril (Seven Mile Beach)$$
    Long sandy beach, sunsets, laid-back paceThe classic beach base, with everything from cliff-side guesthouses to large resorts. Busy during spring break.See hotels in Jamaica for 12–18 Sep 2027
  • Montego Bay hotel strip$$$
    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 Sep 2027
  • 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 Sep 2027

Links open a hotel search for 12–18 Sep 2027; 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 September trip

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Frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Jamaica in September?
In Montego Bay, September averages highs of 33°C (91°F) and lows of 25°C (77°F), with about 135mm of rain and 7.4 hours of sun a day. It is the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season and one of the two months we suggest avoiding, along with October. It is also one of the two cheapest months.
Is September a good time to visit Jamaica?
September scores 55/100 on the Atlas Ranger Score — "Mixed" — which blends weather with crowds and price. September is off-peak in Jamaica — fewer crowds and better prices, in exchange for less reliable weather than the February peak.
Is it cold in Jamaica in September?
Not by most standards. Days average 33°C (91°F) and nights fall to about 25°C (77°F), so a light layer covers the evenings.
Does it rain in Jamaica in September?
September sees roughly 135mm of rain — moderate rainfall; a packable rain layer helps.
What should I pack for Jamaica in September?
For September, pack: Lightweight, breathable clothing; Sun hat & high-SPF sunscreen; A packable rain jacket or compact umbrella.
Is Jamaica quiet in September?
Yes — September is off-peak, so expect fewer people and lower prices than the February peak, in exchange for less reliable weather.

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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