Montego Bay is hot, with highs of 31–34°C (88–93°F) every month. The packing problem is water: Dunn's River Falls has you climbing wet rocks, so water shoes matter more than anything else for the trip.
Montego Bay weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 31°C88°F | 31°C88°F | 32°C90°F | 32°C90°F | 34°C93°F | 34°C93°F | 34°C93°F | 34°C93°F | 34°C93°F | 33°C91°F | 32°C90°F | 31°C88°F |
| Low | 23°C73°F | 22°C72°F | 23°C73°F | 24°C75°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 26°C79°F | 26°C79°F | 26°C79°F | 26°C79°F | 24°C75°F | 23°C73°F |
| Rain days | 2 | 5 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 6 | 12 | 15 | 16 | 11 | 9 |
Season by season
Winter
December–MarchThe driest stretch. January averages 2 rain days, March 4 and February 5, with highs of 31–32°C (88–90°F) and lows of 22–23°C (72–73°F). December is wetter at 9. Pack swimwear, sun protection and a light layer for breezy evenings.
Spring and early summer
April–JulyGetting hotter. Highs climb to 32°C (90°F) in April and 34°C (93°F) from May, with 7 rain days in April, 9 in May, 12 in June and 6 in July. Bring breathable clothes and a big water bottle.
What to bring to Montego Bay
0 of 22 packed- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
Keeps your phone and cash dry at Dunn's River Falls and on the beach.
- RAYMYLO 64 oz Insulated Water BottleWater Bottles & Hydration
Highs of 31–34°C (88–93°F) all year make a big insulated bottle worth carrying.
- Bearwind S40 Portable Handheld Turbo FanTech & Power
A handheld fan helps on 34°C (93°F) afternoons between May and September.
- Crocs Classic ClogFootwear & Shoe Care
Clogs handle the pool, sand and resort paths; save water shoes for the falls.
- Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, 4 ozHealth & Safety
Picaridin keeps mosquitoes off on humid evenings.
- KEEP>GOING Kids Travel First Aid KitHealth & Safety
A kids' kit covers scrapes from the rocks at the falls.
- holixcase Waterproof AirTag Holder 4-PackTech & Power
Waterproof holders keep AirTags on bags through rain and boat trips.
Clothing
- Swimwear · 2Wear one under clothes at Dunn's River Falls
- Breathable shorts and tops · 5 setsHighs of 31–34°C every month
- Smart-casual dinner outfit · 1Long pants or collared shirt at resort dinners
- Beach cover-up · 1Cover up when you go into town
- Light layer · 1Breezy winter evenings
Footwear
- Water shoes · 1 pairEssential for climbing Dunn's River Falls
- Light sneakers · 1 pairTown and excursions
Gear
- Waterproof phone pouch · 1For the falls climb
- Wide-brim sun hat · 1
- Sunglasses · 1
Health and toiletries
- Reef-safe sunscreen · 1
- After-sun gel · 1
Documents and money
- Passport
- Travel insurance · 1Hurricane season runs June–November
Tech
- Plug adapter (non-US visitors) · 1Type A and B sockets at 110V
Hurricane season peak (August–November)
The wettest months. Highs stay at 32–34°C (90–93°F), and rain days rise to 12 in August, 15 in September and 16 in October, then 11 in November. Hurricane season runs June–November. Pack a waterproof cube and flexible plans.
What shoes should you pack for Montego Bay?
Water shoes, sandals and light sneakers. Water shoes are essential for climbing Dunn's River Falls. Sandals cover the resort and beach, and sneakers work for town and excursions.
What do people wear in Montego Bay?
Swimwear at the resort, casual clothes elsewhere. Cover up when you leave the beach or go into town. Resort restaurants often ask for smart casual at dinner, such as long pants or collared shirts for men.
What should you pack for Dunn's River Falls?
Water shoes, swimwear and a waterproof phone bag. You climb up the falls through moving water over slippery rock. Wear swimwear under your clothes and leave valuables behind.
What plugs does Montego Bay use?
Jamaica uses Type A and B sockets at 110V. US and Canadian plugs fit without an adapter. UK, EU and Australian visitors need an adapter; most phone and laptop chargers handle the voltage fine.
Tours and things to do in Montego Bay
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Montego Bay.
What should you leave at home for Montego Bay?
Warm jackets, heavy denim and heels. Lows never fall below 22°C (72°F). Leave flimsy flip-flops for the falls; they will float away.
Packing for Montego Bay: questions people ask
What should I wear in Montego Bay in January?
Beachwear and a light layer. January averages a 31°C (88°F) high, a 23°C (73°F) low and 2 rain days.
Do I need water shoes for Dunn's River Falls?
Yes. The climb is over wet, slippery rock in moving water.
What is the rainiest month in Montego Bay?
October, with 16 rain days on average.
When is hurricane season in Jamaica?
June–November.
Do I need an adapter in Jamaica?
Not from the US or Canada. Sockets are Type A and B at 110V. UK and EU visitors need one.
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