What's it like in Jamaica in March (Updated for 2024)
Thinking of going to Jamaica in March?
Jamaica in March
Everyone wants to know … What’s there to do in Jamaica in March? What’s the weather like? Is March 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 March a good month to go to Jamaica?
March is high season and is a very popular month to visit Jamaica. The weather is warm and there is little rain. The attractions are all open and there is a lot going on, especially whenever Easter falls in March. Jamaica is often associated with Spring Break, but there are loads of family-friendly activities.
Read on for a more detailed view about March in Jamaica.
Public Holidays in Jamaica in March
Ash Wednesday sometimes occurs in March
Fruits and Foods in Season in Jamaica in March
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.
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.
Naseberry
Jamaicans say neez-berry. It is called sapodilla in other countries. The fruit had brown skin and brown pulp with black seeds and is in season from March through May
Star apple
Jamaican refer to stingy or miserly people as being “as mean (stingy) as star apple” because, even when ripe, star apples do not fall from the tree. They have to be picked.
The plant gets its name from the star shaped pattern that is seen when the fruit is cut in half horizontally.
The fruit is about the size and shape of a baseball. It has a thick skin which may be either purple or green.
The flesh is white and is both gelatinous and a little fibrous at the same time. There are about six firm black seeds inside.
The flesh is combined with milk and oranges to make a traditional Jamaican dessert called matrimony.
Lobster Season in Jamaica
Lobster season is open from July 1 to March 30th 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 March! The season is closed from August 1st to February 28th the following year.
Weather in Jamaica in March
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 March 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 March: 8 hrs
Average amount of daylight per day in March: 12 hrs
Sunrise & Sunset
Sunrise: between 6:05 and 6:29 am
Sunset: between 6:16 and 6:23 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 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 March is about 82°F/28°C. Average minimum temperature is around 66°F/19°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-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 6 days with some rainfall, defined as any rain at all, during the month of March.
Average monthly rainfall for the month of March is 2.6 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
The sea is warmest during July through October. Average sea water temperature in Discovery Bay in March is about 81°F/27°C.
Risk of hurricane – Is March in hurricane season?
No it isn’t. Hurricane season is June 1 – November 30.
Tropical storm risk for the month of March is, historically, zero.
Be sure to get trip insurance when you travel, especially internationally.
Is March high or low season in Jamaica?
March 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 March?
Tourist crowds continue to increase in March as the high season picks up. March is the busiest month for arrivals at Montego Bay Airport.
What to wear in Jamaica in March?
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?
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 should you visit 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. Green Grotto
Check out our Things to Do page for more ideas of things to do in Jamaica.
What’s happening in Jamaica in March?
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 March
Jamaica Rum Festival
This festival which started in 2019 showcases Jamaica’s excellence in rum production. And, like any other festival in Jamaica, there is always food and music. If you want to learn more about rum and sample rum from the various estates in Jamaica, then this is for you. Adults 18 and over only. Drink responsibly.
Location: Hope Botanical Gardens in Kingston
Website: http://jarumfestival.com/
Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival
Tourism and coffee have come together to create a wonderful festival to showcase one of Jamaica’s price and joy – Blue Mountain Coffee. Imagine a festival that is all about coffee, local Jamaican coffee.
Location – Kingston and Newcastle
The event is planned for mid-March 2020; however, there is a push to have it changed to January in the future to coincide with Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Day.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamaicacoffeefest/
Rainforest Seafood Festival
Rainforest Seafood Festival is a family “fun day and concert”. The event boasts great food, excellent singers, kids activities, and giveaways. The proceeds from the event support the We Care for Cornwall Regional Hospital Fund.
Date: Usually held on Ash Wednesday
Location: Catherine Hall Entertainment Center, Montego Bay
Website: http://rainforestseafoods.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RainforestSeafoodFestival/
Montego Bay Orchid Club’s Annual Orchid Show
If you love orchids, you will be in for a treat!
Date: usually held in early March.
Location: Pier One, Montego Bay
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Orchidsmobay/
Jamaica Orchid Society Spring Show
In addition to putting on a fantastic show, the society also has a charitable arm. The Jamaica Orchid Society (JOS) has donated thousands of dollars from part of the proceeds of their orchid shows to the Jamaica Cancer Society
Date: usually last week in March.
Location: Jamaica horticultural Society Show Grounds, Gibson Drive, Hope Pastures, Kingston
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Jamaica-Orchid-Society
Jamaica Biennial
The Jamaica Biennial, previously known as the National Biennial, is the National Gallery’s flagship biennial exhibition.
Designed to encourage the development and promotion of Jamaica art, the Jamaica Biennial includes works in all media and genres by a wide variety of artists who enter the exhibition through a juried system or by special invitation.
Dates: Generally February to May in odd years. Dates to be announced.
Location: National Gallery of Jamaica, Kingston
Website: http://www.natgalja.org.jm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamaicabiennial/
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, KingstonWebsite: http://www.ltmpantomime.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamaicanTheatre/
Spring Break
March to April is generally popular for spring breakers. With that can come a lot of drinking and rowdy behavior.
Negril has the reputation of being the wildest place to be for Spring Break. Montego Bay may be next in line.
If you want a more family-oriented location you should try to avoid those two areas or be very selective with your lodging. For a more family-friendly environment try one of the smaller towns such as Discovery Bay.
Carnival in Jamaica – Bacchanal
Carnival runs from February through April with the events getting bigger and bigger towards the end of the period.
Traditionally, it is a 6 week season ending on the Sunday after Easter Monday. The finale is a weeklong series of fetes, concerts, and street parades.
Most events take place in Kingston, Ocho Rios, and Montego Bay. If you want to be directly in the mix of things, then Discovery Bay would not be for you. If you want to partake but want breathing space, then stay outside of the hub hub of Kingston, Ocho Rios, or Montego Bay.
Carnival really started in Kingston so that is where you will find the more spectacular events. With the new toll road, you could be in Kingston is just over an hour so an easy day or half-day trip from Discovery Bay. There is so much to see and do in Kingston so you would be better off planning this as a day trip.
Inter-secondary School Sports Association (ISSA) /Grace Kennedy Boys and Girls Championships
Called CHAMPS, this is the place to be in Jamaica to spot the next up and coming Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake, or future Olympic star.
The competitions include both girls and boys under age 19 in 100m, 200m, 800m, 1500m, 3000m, (girls only), 5000m, 4 x100, 4x400m and medley relays, hurdles 110, 100m, 70m(girls only), high/long/triple jump, pole vault, discus, shot put and javelin, and the heptathlon.
Scouts from the US routinely are in attendance to get recruits. Tickets to this event are getting harder and harder to come by.
Dates: Usually in either March or April.
Location: National Stadium, Kingston
Website: http://www.issasports.com
Did we miss something? Do you know of an event in Jamaica in March 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
Give us a call: 833.624.7684 (toll free) or 914.709.0457
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