For the past few decades, the average daily temperatures in Jamaica during January have been around +82°F.
In Jamaica the temperature rarely varies more than seven degrees between the different parts with the highest temperature +82°F in Montego Bay to +82°F in Kingston. So you should be able to pack for similar conditions wherever you go in the country.
Temperature, wind and humidity in January
Average
Kingston
Montego Bay
☀️
+82°F
Avg. max. temperature
+63°F
Min.
+91°F
Max.
23 mm
Total precipitation
74%
Avg. humidity
3 m/s
Avg. wind
7 ☀️
Sunny Days
7 ⛅️
Cloudy
17 🌦
Rainy
Our opinion: Jamaica has great weather in January.
Jamaica in January – what city is the…
rainiest? Montego Bay, with an average of 1 mm of rain and humidity of 77%;
warmest? Montego Bay, with daytime temperatures averaging +82°F;
windiest? Montego Bay, with an average of 3 m/s;
coolest? Kingston, with daytime temperatures averaging +82°F;
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How good is the weather in Jamaica in January?
During January, the Jamaica offers great weather: average air pressure of around 1013 HPa, 9 sunny days and as little as 85 mm in precipitation and 13 rainy days. The humidity, of course, varies depending on whether you're near the coast, inland, or up in the mountains – in January the range is between 71% in Kingston and 77% in Montego Bay.
There is rarely a shortage of sun in Jamaica and heat during January – a country to travel to thaw out in daytime temperatures around +82°F degrees.
This is how hot it usually is in January
The average daily temperatures above don't tell you everything about how hot it can be in Jamaica. For example, cold nights can make a big difference for those staying in tents or unheated houses. Extra hot days, on the other hand, can make a big difference for those who plan to engage in demanding physical training or competition. So here are some more temperatures for January:
Average
Kingston
Montego Bay
Average maximum temperature for the month: +82°F;
Average minimum temperature for the month: +72°F;
Highest monthly temperature: +82°F;
Lowest monthly temperature: +72°F;
Monthly temperatures:
Average
Kingston
Montego Bay
Warmest: June with an average +88°F during the day;
Coldest: January with an average +82°F of the day;
Hottest month in hottest city: June in Montego Bay;
Coldest month in coolest city: January in Kingston;
Can you swim in Jamaica in January?
Here are the minimum and maximum water temperatures in cities in Jamaica in January:
Montego Bay
👙
Warm
78°F - 82°F
Kingston
👙
Warm
79°F - 82°F
You can definitely swim in Montego Bay, Kingston in January, with the water temperature of +78°F and up.
Winds in Jamaica during January
Wind speed in Jamaica in January based on historical data:
Average
Kingston
Montego Bay
January tends to offer light winds averaging 3 m/s. However, coastal cities may experience breezes during the mornings and afternoons.
Comparison between cities in January:
Highest average wind speed: Kingston with 3 m/s;
Lowest average wind speed: Montego Bay with 2 m/s;
Windiest day of the month: Montego Bay with 3 m/s;
The least windy day of the month: Kingston with 3 m/s;
Humidity and precipitation in Jamaica in January
Amount of rainfall in mm during January in Jamaica based on historical data:
Average
Kingston
Montego Bay
January tends to be an extremely humid month with 75% humidity and 85 mm rainfall. In general the humidity tends to be a little lower in mountainous regions and more humid closer to water.
Comparison between cities in January:
Average
Kingston
Montego Bay
Highest average rainfall: Montego Bay with 29 mm;
Lowest average rainfall: Kingston with 16 mm;
Most number of rainy days: Montego Bay with 20 rainy days;
Least number of rainy days: Kingston with 13 rainy days;
Highest risk of rain during the day: Montego Bay with 65%;
Least risk of rain during the day: Kingston with 42%;
Highest average humidity: Montego Bay with 77%;
Lowest average humidity: Kingston with 71%;
Tips for traveling to Jamaica in January
Looking for some tips for traveling to the sun, snow, or whatever you're aiming for Jamaica? Activities, weather, and clothing are closely linked. In addition, it's important to pack only what you really need so you don't have to worry about heavy packing or paying extra baggage fees.
Here is some advice on what to pack and what kind of activities you can do in the Jamaica based on the weather that January is expected to bring. The advice applies to the country as a whole – local weather and possible activities may differ somewhat.
rainy, warm weather with light winds and very high humidity in January
Pack right for January
The weather makes a difference when it comes to packing - especially which items should go in your suitcase. The tips below are designed to help you pack light and right without carrying more than necessary.
For light showers, an umbrella or a thin and light rain cape is usually sufficient, while more rain may require rainwear and rain boots.
Warm - neither hot nor cool, are probably the most comfortable when you think of sunbathing. Shorts, shorter skirts or dresses, tank tops and t-shirts are the basics here. If you're going to a seaside resort, don't forget your swimwear and maybe even a snorkel, mask and flippers.
Light winds are probably most comfortable in hot weather but is cooling in cool and cold weather. If it is hot (when the air temperature is about 30 degrees), the wind can have a warming effect. A thin, windproof jacket and long trousers help to counteract these effects.
High humidity means that the air conducts heat to and from the skin more easily. For example, if the air is hot (above skin temperature), it will be harder to stay cool. On the other hand, if the air is cool or cold, it is more difficult to stay warm. In high humidity, the choice of clothing makes less of a difference. However, your physical activity plays a bigger role.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the weather in Jamaica in January:
What can you do outside when it's warm in Jamaica?
Bathing and sunbathing can be suitable. Warm (but not hot) days are also good for activities that are not so physically demanding: sightseeing on foot, by boat, on a scooter, camel riding. You can also exercise easily as long as you make sure to cool down and quench thirst.
Is January a good time to visit Jamaica?
Yes, January is a great time to go to Jamaica, the weather couldn’t be better, so be ready to be outside to explore and enjoy. Check other months when is a good time to visit Jamaica.
For this page, we’ve looked at the typical weather in Jamaica, based on historical hourly weather data from January 1, 1979, to December 31, 2023.
For past dates, we show actual recorded data at the location at that time. Forecasts are based on recorded weather during that day of the year, averaged over the total years for which we have records (unless stated otherwise). The daily temperature is the highest recorded temperature in the shadow during that day.