Why You Should Visit Jamaica in the Winter

1943
Many travelers only choose to visit Jamaica during the summer season and never make it there in the winter.  Jamaica is a welcomed escape from the frigid temperatures that many individuals experience in their home state, but there are several other reasons why you should make it a point to visit Jamaica in the winter. Good Weather And Good Times During the summer months, Jamaica is at risk of hurricanes. From June 1 to November 30 there’s always a chance of a storm hitting the island. By traveling to Jamaica in the winter, you won’t risk having your vacation ruined. Numerous Festivals And Events There are a lot of different festivals and events that occur in Jamaica during the winter months.
  • Negril Reggae Marathon- If you’re a runner or just like watching people run, don’t miss this marathon. Each year, hundreds of runners flock to Negril to participate in the half marathon, marathon or 10K.
  • Jamaican Jazz & Blues Festival- This 3-day event generally occurs at the end of January/beginning of February. There are more than 25 different performances packed into this festival.
  • Reggae Month- February is “Reggae Month” in Kingston. It features month long activities that focus on Jamaican music, art, dance, film & poetry.
  • Carnival- Attending Carnival in Jamaica is truly a unique experience. It’s held in March and April throughout the island and features parades, calypso dancing and lavish costumes.
Montego Bay, Negril and Ocho Rios all have delightful tropical beaches in common, but once you walk off the sugary sand, each spot has a whole different array of activities and attractions, from historic architecture and dining, to natural wonders and unique animal life.  A travel agent can help you choose between these popular resort areas to find the perfect Jamaican vacation for you. If cruising is more your style, several Caribbean cruises 2019 make stops in Jamaica during the winter months including Carnival Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises & Celebrity Cruises.
How To Plan Ahead For Winter Travel

Jamaica in winter is just one of the Caribbean’s many seasonal secrets. For more Caribbean destination inspiration, see our guide to 5 Caribbean Experiences That Need to Be on Your Wanderlist — covering the most memorable island experiences our advisors recommend.

Previous articleAtlantis Bahamas Indian Weddings
Next articleWhat Travelers Should Look For When Using Apps
Sue Lobo
Sue Lobo is a four-time Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist (2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026) and Senior Travel Advisor at Atlas Travel Center, one of the most decorated travel agencies in the United States. With more than 35 years of experience in the travel industry, Sue has planned, booked, and personally accompanied trips for thousands of clients — from first-time cruisers to seasoned luxury travelers who have circled the globe multiple times. Sue's areas of deep expertise include ocean and river cruising, European tours, group travel coordination, luxury travel, honeymoon planning, and family vacation design. She is a CLIA-certified cruise specialist and works within an agency that holds IATA and ARC accreditation and maintains an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Over her career, Sue has been involved in more than 30,000 bookings and has personally coordinated over 200 travel groups — from faith-based group cruises and HBCU alumni trips to women's retreats, family reunions, and corporate incentive travel. What sets Sue apart is not just the credentials — it is the firsthand experience behind them. Sue has personally traveled to more than 20 countries across three continents, including Cuba, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and throughout Europe. She has sailed on dozens of cruise ships across nearly every major line, walked the river cruise routes she recommends, and eaten at the restaurants she suggests to clients. Her recommendations come from personal experience, not brochures. In addition to advising clients, Sue writes extensively about travel for The Traveler's Atlas blog — covering everything from cruise line comparisons and overtourism trends to destination guides and practical travel tips. Her writing is grounded in the same expertise she brings to every client conversation: honest, specific, and built on decades of real-world travel experience. Sue is based in the United States and available to help travelers plan cruises, European tours, group trips, river cruises, honeymoons, family vacations, and more. To work with Sue, contact Atlas Travel Center at atlastravelweb.com.