The average annual temperature is 25 deg C 77 deg F, and yearly rainfall is 813 mm 32 in. During the summer season temperatures are only a couple of degrees warmer than in the winter. The rainy season is usually during the fall. Usually brief showers followed by sunshine. Overcast days are rare.
There is a fresh sea breeze by day and a gentle breeze from the mountains by night. The high season in Jamaica is the winter season from December 15 to April 14. The winter season is when Jamaica is windiest. The winter season is the most popular time to visit Jamaica and the most expensive also requiring the greatest amount of pre-planning.
You should make your reservations 2 or 3 months prior to your desired winter season visit to assure that you can get your desired accommodations.
HOW TO REACH
Public transit - Buses leave from Half-Way Tree (HWT) and the massive Parade country bus park to all of Jamaica. For Port_Antonio, there are buses leaving from HWT. For Negril/Montego Bay and Ocho Rios ("Ochi"), the Parade country bus park is the best bet. Only totally packed buses leave, so try to get on the fullest you can find, and keep a tight hold of your bags.
By plane - Norman Manley International Airport . Located in the southeastern part of the island, overlooking Kingston Harbour on the Palisadoes peninsula.
By car - Island Rental Cars has offices at the NMIA airport, in downtown Kingston, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, and will allow you to do one-way rentals. Remember to drive on the left!
By bus - Kingston has an extensive bus system that is not too well documented. Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) runs the bus system for the government, while private contractors also run the same routes. Buses generally go through one or more of the 3 central transportation hubs 1 downtown, 2. Half-Way Tree or 3. Cross Roads. Maps of the bus system can be found on whagwan.org.
