What’s it like in Jamaica in January (Updated 2/23/2023)
Thinking of going to Jamaica in January?
Jamaica in January
Everyone wants to know … What’s there to do in Jamaica in January? What’s the weather like? Is January a good time of year to visit Jamaica? We answer those questions plus give a few insider tips to help you enjoy your vacation.
Table of Contents
Is January a good month to visit Jamaica?
Masking requirements have gone away. And there are no more curfews. But, we still need to reduce the risk of either getting or spreading the requirements.
- Choose outdoor over indoor activities
- Wash or sanitize your hands often.
- Stay up-to-date on requirements and or restrictions for travel to Jamaica at the Visit Jamaica website.
- Get cancel-for-any-reason insurance. COVID-19 is now a known event.
- And my personal recommendation, travel with people who take COVID-19 seriously.
Is January a good month to visit Jamaica?
January is a very popular month to go to Jamaica.
Remember, January is the high season. That’s when people from cold climates flock to the warm, balmy weather of Jamaica. Lodging prices are generally higher during this time of year than during the low season. New Year’s week is one of the most expensive weeks in Jamaica and one with the highest demand. Our villa, for example, is often booked a year in advance. Book early!
Read on for a more detailed view about January in Jamaica.
Public Holidays in Jamaica in January
New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Jamaica.
Fruits and Foods in Season in Jamaica in January
Tamarind
Tamarind tends to be in season when most other fruits are not. It can often be found between January and March. The fruit is encased in a shell that must be removed to be eaten. The inner brown pulp surrounds a hard, black seed, which is inedible. The pulp is often mixed with sugar and rolled into balls called tamarind balls, which is a popular Jamaican candy or dessert. The sweet but tart pulp is also used to make jams, jellies, and drinks.
Citrus
The main citrus crop bears between November and April. In addition to the usual fare such as oranges, tangerines and grapefruits, Jamaica has some unique citrus fruits. The ortanique is a cross between an orange and a tangerine. The ugli, is like a tangelo. It is a cross between a tangerine, grapefruit and an orange. As the name suggests, it is an ugly fruit. With its thickened skin, prominent pores, and sometimes a shriveled appearance, it looks like a deformed grapefruit or orange. It is surprisingly sweet and juicy reminding us to never judge a book by its cover!
Sugarcane
Did you know that sugar, molasses, and rum all come from sugar cane?
Back in the 1800s, Jamaica was one of the leading producers of sugar. Now, barely enough is produced to serve the nation as most of the sugar factories have long closed.
The crop season is from December through March.
Lobster Season in Jamaica
Lobster season is open from July 1st to March 30th!!
The Jamaican Government can change the end date to close the season, but so far we haven’t heard anything about that.
Weather in Jamaica in January
We all want perfect weather conditions on our vacations. The reality is that nature has its own agenda. Here is a guide as to historical weather conditions in the Discovery Bay – Braco area during January in Jamaica.
Sunshine
On average, there are 3002 hours of sunshine per year in Jamaica out of a possible 4383 hours. The sunniest months are January through April, as well as July and August.
Average amount of bright sunshine per day in January: 7 hrs
Average amount of daylight per day in January: 11 hrs
Sunrise & Sunset
Sunrise: between 6:42 and 6:45 am
Sunset: between 5:45 and 6:03 pm
Temperature
Is Jamaica warm in January? Yes it is! Jamaica is warm year-round.
Northeasterly trade winds keep the coastal areas cool with island temperatures averaging around 71-88°F year round. Nevertheless, there aren’t wide variations in temperature across the island.
Temperatures do tend to be lower in the mountainous areas such as in the Blue Mountains. Temperatures decrease by about 1°F for every 300ft increase in elevation. The plains such as in Kingston and the more flat and arid southern areas of the island, such as Clarendon, Manchester and St. Elizabeth, are hotter.
The warmest months in Jamaica are July and August with average maximum daytime temperature of about 89-90°F. The coolest months are December through February with maximum temperatures of about 84.
Average maximum daytime temperature in Discovery Bay – Braco area in Jamaica in January is about 81°F/27°C. Average minimum temperature is around 70°F.
Average Temperature in Discovery Bay Jamaica
Rain
How much rain can you expect in Jamaica in January? It varies.
Traditionally, the rainy periods are April and May/June and again September/October to November. June and July are generally the driest months. February and March are also traditionally dry months too. This pattern does vary from year to year with much more variability noted in recent years.
The amount of rainfall and the frequency of showers or days of rain can vary quite a bit in Jamaica, even in nearby towns. For example, there could be significant rainfall in the town of Discovery Bay with hardly a raindrop in our area, five minutes drive away.
In general, the more north-easterly sections of Jamaica get the most rain. These areas would represent areas east of Ocho Rios and on into Portland, where rainfall averages can be significant.
Rain in Jamaica often is at night or early mornings. Sometimes, rain comes on during the daytime in short quick spurts only to disappear just as quickly as it came. In the rainy period, there can be several consecutive days of rain.
On average, there are about 7 days with some rainfall, defined as any rain at all, during the month of January.
Average monthly rainfall for the month of January is 5.2 inches. Discovery Bay area gets less rain than Ocho Rios.
If there are heavy rains, on-river activities, such as river rafting, might be canceled due to high water levels or rapid rivers. Water clarity could also be affected depending on how much rain occurred in the mountains.
Sea water temperature
Can you swim in Jamaica in January? Yes you can!
The sea is warmest during July through October. Average sea water temperature in Discovery Bay in January is about 81°F/27°C.
Average sea water temperature in Discovery Bay Jamaica
Risk of hurricane – Is January hurricane season?
Hurricane season is June 1 – November 30.
Tropical storm risk for the month of January is, historically, zero.
Be sure to get trip insurance when you travel, especially internationally. This is particularly true during hurricane season.
Is January high or low season
January is high season. High season starts on December 15th and runs through April 14th. Hotel rates go up during high season; but, tourists come to Jamaica to escape the cold and enjoy the island’s wonderful weather.
What are tourist crowds like in January?
Tourist crowds start picking up in January as the high season picks up. January is a relatively slow high season month for arrivals at Montego Bay Airport.
What to wear in Jamaica in January?
Remember, Jamaica is Summer year-round. You have more to worry about with tour buses that crank up the air-conditioning than cold weather in Jamaica. I usually wear a light jacket of some sort on the flight down so that I will have it with me just in case I need it one evening – or on a tour bus!
Read our article about how to pack for your Jamaica vacation to get more tips.
Where in Jamaica should you stay for your vacation in a post-COVID world
There are six (6) established tourist regions – Ocho Rios (which includes Discovery Bay, Montego Bay, Negril, South Coast, Kingston, and Portland. Each area has its own flavor.
Read our blog post on how to decide where to stay in Jamaica for a description of the various tourist regions on the island.
Visiting Jamaica in December? Which property to choose for your stay in Jamaica?
Always stay at a property that is licensed by the Tourist Board. This ensures that the property meets the standards for health and safety.
Pick a villa or resort that is loaded with amenities so that you won’t be bored and you can spend more of your vacation relaxing, unwinding, and getting to know your travel partners.
If you are traveling as a group, consider a stay at a villa, such as Mais Oui Villa in Discovery Bay, a much better option than a resort to socially-distance from strangers.
Which attractions are open in Jamaica?
There are tons of things to do in Jamaica. The options depend on what your interests are.
Here are two popular ones to get you started.
1.Puerto Seco Beach in Discovery Bay
Puerto Seco Beach Club in Discovery Bay Jamaica
2. River rafting on the Rio Bueno
Things to Do in Ocho Rios Jamaica: Tubing on the White River
What’s happening in January in Jamaica?
Take note: Most Jamaica events calendars are woefully inaccurate. This is even more true as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many popular websites still list events that have long been abandoned or happened in the distant past. Outdated websites and inactive Facebook pages are not uncommon.
Typical Annual Events in Jamaica in January – that hopefully will come back in some way in the future
Accompong Maroon Festival
Every year the Maroons of Western Jamaica celebrate the victory of the Maroons over the British in the First Maroon War which ultimately resulted in the signing of a peace treaty. The festival strives to showcase the Maroon subculture with singing, dancing, food and ceremonial symbolism such as the blowing of the abeng (cow’s horn), which was used as a means of secret communication between Maroons.
Date: January 6 every year
Location: Accompong, St. Elizabeth (South Coast)
This is quite a trek from Discovery Bay.
Rebel Salute Music Festival
Started in 1994 and held every January, Rebel Salute celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2018. This event is had a spiritual vibe that is unique among music festivals. The focus is on authentic roots reggae, wholesome culture, and healthy living.
The show attracts both local and international performers, called Saluters, who play from dusk to dawn. There are food vendors who serve only “ital” cuisine, which is largely vegetarian. There is a strict no-meat and no-alcohol policy.
The Richmond Estate venue overlooks the sea and is about 15-20 minutes from our villa vacation rental, Mais Oui Villa in Discovery Bay.
Date: Either the 2nd or 3rd weekend in January
Location: Richmond Estate, Priory, St. Ann
Website: http://www.rebelsalutejamaica.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelsalutejamaica
Jamaica’s National Pantomime
Jamaica’s Theatre season runs from December through May. The national pantomime, a central main event of the season, has been running annually since the 1940s.
The pantomime is a play which is usually a musical comedy making satirical reference to Jamaican culture, folklore, as well as historical and or current events and politics.
The costumes and sets are usually vibrant, creative and colorful. The dialog is primarily in Patois and without some local knowledge, it can be difficult for foreigners to follow along.
Most Jamaican plays cater to mature audiences; however, the pantomime caters to patrons of all ages and backgrounds.
Date: December 26 – May 31st
Location: Little Theatre, Kingston
Website: http://www.ltmpantomime
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamaicanTheatre/
High Mountain Coffee 10K and 5K Road Race
The High Mountain Coffee 10K is the longest running 10K event in Jamaica.
The 5K Run and 5K walk are designed for those looking for a more fun activity. The 5K walk benefits the Mandeville Hospital.
The 10K run, as the organizers describe it, “is not for the faint of heart”. It is a race of strength, stamina, and endurance as runners embark on a course that goes up 1200ft above sea level. Mandeville is a south-central town in Jamaica in an area that is fairly mountainous. The scenery there is beautiful so it will be worth it!
Date: Held the last Sunday in January
Location: Williamsfield, Mandeville, Manchester
Website: http://www.highmountaincoffee10k.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/High-Mountain-Coffee-Road-Races
Have you been to Jamaica in January? Did we miss something? Do you know of an event in Jamaica in January that we should include? Let us know so that we may update the post.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
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‘Til next time.
Think and dream Jamaica!
Sherry, Darrell, and Darrian
Visit our website: https://MakeItJamaica.com
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