What’s it like in Jamaica in August – Weather, Events, and More (Updated for 2024)

What's it like in Jamaica in August: Is August a great time to visit Jamaica? (Updated for 2024)

Jamaica in August - man with Jamaican flag

 

Thinking of going to Jamaica in August?

Everyone wants to know … What’s there to do in Jamaica in August? What’s the weather like? Is August a good time of year to visit Jamaica?

We answer those questions plus give a few insider tips to help you enjoy your vacation.

 

 

Is August a good time to go to Jamaica?

 

Yes, it is!

August in Jamaica can be hot with temperatures in the low 90s. The water temperature is just lovely. And, in our area, there is usually a nice Jamaican breeze.

August is the off-season; but can be quite busy, especially during the first week when Jamaica celebrates its independence.

It is hurricane season; but, the risk of a direct hit is statistically low.  Read why the off season is a great time to go to Jamaica.

August in Jamaica usually means Independence Day celebrations and food festivals. 

So how can you enjoy Jamaica in  August?

Read on for a more detailed view.

Public Holidays in Jamaica in August

August 1st – Emancipation Day (celebrates the end of slavery on August 1, 1834)

August 6th – Independence Day (celebrates the Independence from Britain on August 6, 1962) 

Jamaica is in celebration mode for the whole first week of August. Black, green and gold colors decorate almost the entire island. Don’t even both trying to business done. It’s party time and a time for demonstration of national pride.

 

Fruits and Foods in Season in Jamaica in August

 

There is always some fruit in season in Jamaica.

Betcha never heard of some of these!

Go should try some of these exotic goodies while you are in Jamaica. They will certainly taste better there than if you try to source them overseas.

 

Soursop

Jamaican use this to make a very refreshing drink.

Many believe that it helps to soothe the nerves and also with high blood pressure.

It is very rich in Vitamin C. Some believe that it has cancer-fighting capabilities; however, that has not been proven.

Soursop is most abundant in July to November.

 

Soursop - a strange looking fruit

 

Sweet sop

Sweet sop has black seeds covered with white flesh; but, that’s where the similarity to soursop ends.

Sweet sop softens as it ripens at which point it is easily broken to reveal the flesh. This fruit can be relied on to be sweet while soursop is usually slightly tart.

Sweet sop has a custard-like texture but is not as grainy as custard apples.

Fruits bear in April to July as well as August to October.

 

Jamaican Fruits: Sweet sop

 

Plums

Jamaican plums, are often either yellow or red in color. There is a firm, stony seed around which is a soft pulp. The skin is eaten as well.

They are often sold in bags at the side of the road.

Jamaican plums

 

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.

 

breadfruit

 

Jackfruit

This is one huge strange looking fruit. A whole fruit can easily be 20lbs or more.

When it is ripe, it has an extremely sweet, almost intoxicating, smell. Jamaicans typically eat jackfruit ripe, the way you would any other fruit.

It can be eaten green (unripened) and apparently is all the rage among vegans as a meat alternative.

It is typically in season in Jamaica in April, May, and August.

 

jackfruit

 

 

Lobster Season in Jamaica

 

Lobster 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 closed in August!

The season is closed from August 1st to February 28th the following year.

 

 

What’s the Weather like in Jamaica in August?

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 August 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 August: 7 hrs

Average amount of daylight per day in August: ~13hrs

 

Sunrise & Sunset

Sunrise: between 5:48 and 5:55 am

Sunset: between 6:25 and 6:45 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 August is about 86°F/30°C. Average minimum temperature is around 70°F/21°C.

 

Average-Temperature-in-Discovery-Bay-Jamaica

 

 

Rain

How much rain can you expect in Jamaica in August? 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 13 days with some rainfall, defined as any rain at all, during the month of August.

Average monthly rainfall for the month of August is 4.9 inches. Discovery Bay area gets less rain than Ocho Rios.

 

Average rainfall Discovery Bay Jamaica

 

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 water around Jamaica is warm year-round!

The sea is warmest during July through October. Average sea water temperature in Discovery Bay Jamaica in August is about 84°F/29°C.

 

 

Average sea water temperature in Discovery Bay Jamaica

 

Risk of hurricane

Hurricane season is June 1 – November 30.

Tropical storm risk for the month of August is, historically, about 1%.

Be sure to get trip insurance when you travel, especially internationally. This is particularly true during hurricane season.

 

Is August high or low season in Jamaica?

 

August is low season, which runs from April 15 – December 15th. Hotel rates may be lower than during high season. See our blog post – 8 Reasons You Should Visit Jamaica in the Off Season.

 

Is August the cheapest time to visit Jamaica?

 

In a word, no.

August is in low season, which runs from April 15 – December 15th, but is not the cheapest time of year to visit Jamaica.

True, hotel rates are usually lower than during high season; but, airfares can still be pricey.

Why would that be?

Three reasons – 

  1. Jamaica’s Independence celebrations, held in the first week of August, draw large local and international crowds. Both hotel and airfare prices can be high during this week – and may be booked out.
  2. Many Europeans, as opposed to North Americans, travel to Jamaica in the Summer months creating additional demand.
  3. Many families travel during the Summer to take advantage of the school holidays.

Nevertheless, August is still cheaper to visit than December to April.

See our blog post – 8 Reasons You Should Visit Jamaica in the Off Season.

 

What are the tourist crowds like in Jamaica in August?

 

August is traditionally one of the busiest months for arrivals at Montego Bay Airport. March, June, July, and December are also 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!

 

Busiest Months for Arrivals at Montego Bay’s airport in Jamaica

 

What to wear in Jamaica in August?

 

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.

VRBO

AirBnB    

TripAdvisor

 

Which attractions are great to visit in Jamaica in August?

 

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 Park , Discovery Bay, Jamaica

 

2. Konoko Falls in Ocho Rios

Konoko Falls, Ocho Rios, Jamaica

 

 

What’s happening in Jamaica in August?

 

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 August 

 

Jamaica National Festival Events

 

The first week of August is Jamaica Festival Time, a celebration of two very important events for Jamaicans – Emancipation and Independence.

Popular activities during this week include the Festival Song Competition, the Independence Float Parade, and Grand Gala, as well as the Jamaica Gospel Song Finals.

Details of these events are often available quite late in the game. Geared towards a largely local Jamaican audience, the final details of the events usually are promoted heavily on radio and television in the weeks leading up to the event.

No worries. There is always a party or some sort of celebration going on during the first week of August.

Date: First week of August

Location: The National Independence Float Parade and Grand Gala, the signature event, is in Kingston. Other smaller events occur throughout the island.

 

Ocho Rios Seafood Festival

The Ocho Rios Seafood Festival, sponsored by the Jamaica Tourist Board, is primed to be a family-friendly event with wonderful food and music.

Date: First week of August

Location: Turtle River Park, Ocho Rios, St. Ann

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ocho-Rios-Seafood-Festival-111658205592349/

 

Montego Bay Jerk Festival

Montego Bay Jerk Festival is billed as Western Jamaica’s largest jerk festival promising everything jerk.

The event is family-oriented with food, children’s activities, and music. Gospel music fans, there won’t be a gospel night this go around but there will be a gospel segment.

Date:  First week of August, usually August 1st

Location: Catherine Hall Entertainment Center, Montego Bay

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/montegobayjerkfest/

Website: http://www.montegobayjerkfestival.com

 

National Dance Theatre Company’s Season of Dance

The dance season for the National Theater Dance Company (NDTC) runs from July to August.

They don’t do many performances on the island as they travel frequently. Catch a show if you can.

As one fan on their Facebook page describes them … “An extraordinary high caliber performing group that is part of the Jamaican culture as Ackee and Salt fish … captivating movements to watch, skin tingling music to listen to .. totally professional, absolutely world-class.” I could not have said it better myself.

Date: Season of Dance runs from late July to mid-August. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 5 pm. 

Location: Little Theatre, 4 Tom Redcam Avenue, Kingston

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NDTCJamaica/

Phone: 876-631-5879

 

Dream Weekend

This is a 5-day music festival, essentially a non-stop party, that is held annually in late July to early August on the beach in Negril featuring both local and international artistes.

The event includes not only the music but food and liquor. The level of production is often praised. The event usually books out early.

Date: Usually in late July/early August

Location: Negril

Website: http://jamaicadreamweekend.com

Email: info@jamaicadreamweekend

Phone: (876) 631-6629

Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show

This is the oldest and largest agricultural show in the English-speaking Caribbean. Held for the first time in 1952, the theme remains “Grow what we eat … eat what we grow”.

The 3-day event, associated with Independence Day, holds competitions for national Farm Queen, champion farmer, national young champion farmer, national champion woman farmer, national champion greenhouse farmer. 

Date: First week of August.

Location:  Denbigh Showground, May Pen

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Denbigh-Agricultural-Industrial-and-Food-Show-220873131388236/

Phone:  876-922-0610

Carnival of Speed

Want to see a car race? It’s not Nascar, but, it’s pretty cool. Jamaica Race Drivers Club puts on exciting races on Independence Day at Dover Raceway, St. Ann. If you miss it, you can always catch it on Easter Monday, or Heroes Day 

Date:  There is usually a race on or around Independence Day, August 6th. Check their website to confirm the date. Their Facebook page seems inactive.

Location: Dover Raceway is on the way to Browns Town, about 20 minutes or so from Discovery Bay

Website: http://www.jrdc.org/

Phone:  876-758-5732

Relay for Life

Walk the track. Light a luminaria bag. See the exhibits. Show your support for the fight against cancer.

Date: Generally in late August. 

Location: Turtle River Park, Ocho Rios, St. Ann

Website: www.jamaicacancersociety.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamaicacancersociety/

Phone: 876-927-4265 (Kingston); 876-974-2790 (St Ann/St. Mary Chapter)

Have you been to Jamaica in August? Did we miss something? Do you know of an event in Jamaica in August that we should include? Let us know so that we may update the post.

Note: 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

Considering a visit to Jamaica with a group? 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 and groups, retreats, and intimate destination weddings and vow renewals.

Visit our website: https://MakeItJamaica.com

Give us a call: 833.624.7684 (toll-free) or 914.709.0457

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About the Author Sherry

Sherry & Darrell, owners of Mais Oui Tennis & Spa Villa in Discovery Bay, Jamaica, consider themselves unofficial ambassadors for Jamaica. They look forward to using their insider knowledge to help guests create priceless vacation memories. Feel free to say hi!

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About the Author Sherry

Sherry & Darrell, owners of Mais Oui Tennis & Spa Villa in Discovery Bay, Jamaica, consider themselves unofficial ambassadors for Jamaica. They look forward to using their insider knowledge to help guests create priceless vacation memories. Feel free to say hi!