What's it like in Jamaica in June (Updated for 2024)
Everyone wants to know … What’s there to do in Jamaica in June? What’s in season? What’s the weather like in Jamaica in June? We answer those questions plus give a few insider tips to help you enjoy your vacation.
Is June a good month to go to Jamaica?
June is a wonderful month to go to Jamaica. It is the off-season but still a fairly popular time of year for tourists.
It’s warm but a little cooler than July and August. June is technically the beginning of hurricane season but it’s actually a little early.
It’s a very popular month for weddings so that should help to put things in perspective.
Lodging prices are lower than the high season. Going to Jamaica in June can actually save you some money and you will have a relaxing time. Read why the offseason is a great time to go to Jamaica.
June in Jamaica usually meant the Ocho Rios Jazz Festival and the Tru Juice Cross Country 5K. The COVID-19 pandemic changed all this but many events are making a come back.
So how can you enjoy Jamaica in June in a fun, safe manner?
Read on for a more detailed view about June in Jamaica.
Public Holidays in Jamaica in June
There are none!
Fruits and Foods in Season in Jamaica in June
There is always some fruit in season in Jamaica.
Mango
May is the beginning of Mango Season.
We do not have Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter. We have mango season. Every Jamaican looks forward to mango season.
The variety of mangoes in Jamaica is staggering – Bombay, East Indian, Julie, Number 11, Robin, Millie, Stringy, Black mango, Fine skin, common mango, plus a whole lot more.
Sweet sop
This fruit softens as it ripens at which point it is easily broken to reveal white flesh covering black seeds.
This fruit can be relied on to be sweet. It has a custard-like texture but is not as grainy as custard apples.
Fruits bear from April to July. To enjoy this delicacy, you have to suck the flesh off the seeds. Don’t even bother trying to be elegant about it.
Pineapple
Did you know that in 1886, 1000 pineapple plants were sent to Hawaii from Jamaica to help improve the quality of their stock?
Surprisingly, Jamaica’s pineapple industry never really got off the ground. The local sugar pine is incredibly sweet but is equally expensive.
Breadfruit
This fruit (or vegetable) was responsible for all that commotion with Captain Bligh in Mutiny on the Bounty.
This very versatile fruit is a staple in the Jamaican diet. Many believe that this high protein plant has the potential to end world hunger.
It is most abundant during June through August. It is eaten roasted, boiled or fried in the manner of rice or potatoes. There are even drink recipes using breadfruit.
Roasted or fried breadfruit is a great accompaniment to ackee and saltfish for breakfast or with jerk anything for lunch.
Otaheite apple
This almost pear-shaped fruit is dark red on the outside and snow-white on the inside. There is a hard seed in the center. These apples bear fruit in February and April and also in June and July.
Lobster Season in Jamaica
Lobster season is open from July 1 to March 30th of the following year!
The Jamaican Government can change the end date to close the season, but so far we haven’t heard anything about that.
Conch Season in Jamaica
Conch season is open in May! The season is closed from August 1st to February 28th the following year.
Weather in Jamaica in June
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 June 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 June: 7hrs
Average amount of daylight per day in June: ~13hrs
Sunrise & Sunset
Sunrise: between 5:33 and 5:37 am
Sunset: between 6:43 and 6:50 pm
Temperature
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 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 June is about 84°F/29°C.
Average minimum temperature is around 70°F/21°C.
Rain
How much rain can you expect? It varies.
Traditionally, the rainy periods are April and May/June and again October to November/December. 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 rain drop in our area, five minutes drive away. In general, the more north-eastern sections of Jamaica gets 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 12 days with some rainfall during the month of June.
Average monthly rainfall in June is about 4.3 inches for the month. 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
The sea is warmest during July through October. Average sea water temperature in Discovery Bay in May is about 82°F/28°C.
Risk of hurricane
Hurricane season is June 1 – November 30.
Tropical storm risk is historically less than 1% of the month of June.
Read this blog post about what you should know about hurricane season in Jamaica.
Is June high or low season in Jamaica?
June is low season. Hotel rates go down in low season.
Read our blog post, Is the low season the best time to visit Jamaica. See 8 Reasons Why.
What are tourist crowds like at the airport in Jamaica in June?
June is a fairly busy time for arrivals in Jamaica. The five busiest months for arrivals at Montego Bay’s airport are March, June, July, August, and December, with July being especially busy. This makes sense as it coincides with many holidays, including school holidays. September, October, and November see the fewest number of arrivals every year. Hint, those are great months to snag deals!
Where in Jamaica should you stay for your vacation?
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.
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.
If you love our house (Mais Oui Villa) and want to stay with us, here is the link to our own website to book directly with us: https://MakeItJamaica.com
If for whatever reason you wish to book through an online agency, here are the links to our listings. They will charge you a fee, but if you don’t mind, and it makes you feel better, even safer, then, by all means, go ahead and book through them. We prefer for you to book through them than to not book at all.
Which attractions are great to visit in Jamaica in June?
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
2. Hamden Rum Tour near Falmouth
Hamden Rum Tour in Jamaica
If you want other ideas for things to do in Jamaica, click here.
What’s going on? Things to do in Jamaica in June
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.
Additionally, except for the large shows that draw an international crowd, most of the events are not well publicized and neither are they advertised far enough in advance.
If you are planning your vacation around a specific event, make sure you double-check the dates, ideally with the organizers, before confirming your travel plans.
Typical Annual Events in Jamaica in June
Jamaica Rum Festival
The event is about celebrating everything rum and will be directed at both trade and consumer audiences.
Workshops, food pairings, and entertainment showcase the major rum houses – Appleton, J. Wray & Nephew, Kingston62, Worthy Park, Hamden, and Monymusk.
Date: To be determined
Website: http://www.JamaicaRumFestival.com
Ocho Rios International Jazz Festival
The almost week-long event is held in various places around Jamaica – Runaway Bay, Ocho Rios, Portland, and Kingston. What all events have in common is jazz, and lots of it, featuring both local and international bands.
Date: Usually held at the end of May to the beginning of June.
Location: multiple locations in Jamaica
Website: http://www.ochoriosjazzja.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamaicaOchoRiosInternationalJazzFestival/
Caribbean Fashion Week
The event promotes established and emerging designers from the Caribbean and the rest of the world.
There is a gala, runway shows, and after-parties to tickle the fancy of fashionistas. Past performers include Brian Mc Knight, Nia Long, Beenie Man, Maxi Priest, Mavado, and Kelly Rowland.
Date: Usually held early in June. Check their website for dates.
Location: Villa Ronai, Old Stony Hill Road, and other locations in Kingston
Website: http://www.caribbeanfashionweek.com/
Facebook: http://Facebook.com/pulsefashionja
Jamaica National (JN) Racers Grand Prix
Athletes from all over the world gather in June to compete in various sports – triple and high jump, 400 meters, shot put, hurdles, as well as track and field.
Date: Usually held in early June.
Location: National Stadium, Kingston
Website: http://www.racersgrandprix.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/racersgrandprix/
GATFFEST Film Festival
The GATFFEST Film Festival, formerly the Greater August Town Film Festival, emerged from an effort to create an outlet for graduates of the Community Film Project of the University of the West Indies to showcase their work.
Since the inaugural event in 2013, the festival has grown to include both local and international submissions.
This is several nights of films from all around the world as well as workshops for aspiring filmmakers.
In the past, there have been Jamaica, Columbia, Canadian, and Japanese Film nights as well as Awards Night.
Date: Usually mid to late June. Check their website or Facebook for dates.
Website: http://www.gatffest.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gatffest/
Relay for Life – Kingston
This annual event is hosted by the Jamaica Cancer Society to both raise awareness for cancer and cancer survivors and to raise funds.
Highlights of the event include the opening ceremony, usually held at 6 pm on the first day of the event.
There is a very moving candlelight ceremony that occurs at 10 pm when luminaria light the night and the names of cancer victims and survivors are read out loud. The Kingston Relay for Life event is usually held in June.
Date: Usually in early June.
Location: Police Officer’s Club, 34 Hope Road, Kingston
Website: http://jamaicacancersociety.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamaicacancersociety/
Tru-Juice Cross Country 5K
This event is unique in that it goes off the road and through a farm in Bog Walk.
In addition to the 5K Run & Walk there is a 20K race for bikers.
Participants also love the post-race activities including tastings, refreshments, and a chance to swim in the river which runs through the farm.
When: usually early June.
Location: Bog Walk, St. Catherine
Phone: 876-967-4903
Have you been to Jamaica in June? Did we miss something? Do you know of an event in Jamaica in June 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 & Darrian
Considering a visit to Jamaica? Contact us today for more information about, Mais Oui Tennis & Spa Villa, our boutique 8-BR ocean view Jamaica villa rental experience in beautiful Discovery Bay, Jamaica. Perfect for multi-generational families, groups, and intimate destination weddings.
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