Sea temperature in Jamaica
Live water temperatures and swimming conditions across 13 beaches on the Jamaica coast.
Best time to swim in Jamaica
The sea in Jamaica peaks in July, when the water averages around 29°C.
The main swimming season runs from January – December, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 12 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
The coldest month is typically January at around 27°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Jamaica sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Jamaica shows an annual mean sea temperature of 28°C, ranging from 27°C in winter to 29°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 2°C between the coldest and warmest month — a useful yardstick when comparing years or checking whether the current sea is running above or below average.
Recent decades have trended slightly warmer at Jamaica, in line with regional sea-surface temperature records for the wider basin.
Monthly averages below are drawn from multi-decadal climatology and are updated as new observations arrive.
Values are area averages; individual beaches vary by exposure and depth.
Jamaica sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Jamaica?
July is the warmest month in Jamaica, when the sea averages about 29°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Jamaica?
The coldest month in Jamaica is typically January, when the water averages around 27°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Jamaica without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Jamaica runs from January – December — about 12 months a year when the sea sits above 20°C, the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Do I need a wetsuit in Jamaica?
Jamaica stays warm year-round, so most swimmers never need a wetsuit — a rash guard is usually enough for sun and wildlife protection.
What is the average sea temperature in Jamaica?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Jamaica is about 28°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Jamaica?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Jamaica, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Jamaica sea temperature by month
Average sea temperatures around Jamaica for every month of the year, based on long-term Open-Meteo marine climatology.
| Month | Average sea | Swimming comfort |
|---|---|---|
| January | 27.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| February | 27.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| March | 27.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| April | 27.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| May | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| June | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| July ⭐ | 29.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| August | 29.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| September | 29.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| October | 29.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| November | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| December | 27.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
Monthly figures are modelled climatology averages, not live readings. How accurate is our data?
Warmest beaches in Jamaica right now
| Beach | Region | Sea | Swim score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Bay | Portland | 29.6°C | Excellent |
| Seven Mile Beach | Westmoreland | 29.5°C | Excellent |
| Frenchman's Bay Jamaica | South Coast Jamaica | 29.4°C | Excellent |
| Cornwall Beach | Saint James | 29.2°C | Excellent |
| James Bond Beach | Saint Mary | 29.1°C | Excellent |
| Frenchman's Cove | Portland | 29.1°C | Excellent |
| Long Bay Negril | Negril | 29.1°C | Excellent |
| Bloody Bay Negril | Westmoreland | 29.0°C | Excellent |
| Hellshire Beach | Saint Catherine | 29.0°C | Excellent |
| Turtle Beach Ocho Rios | Ocho Rios & St Ann | 28.9°C | Excellent |
| Treasure Beach | Saint Elizabeth | 28.8°C | Excellent |
| Aquasol Beach | Montego Bay | 28.6°C | Excellent |
| Doctor's Cave Beach | Saint James | 28.4°C | Excellent |
Sea temperature in Jamaica — FAQ
How warm is the sea in Jamaica in September?
The sea off Jamaica averages about 29.0°C in September, based on long-term monthly averages for this coast.
When is the best time to swim in Jamaica?
Jamaica is warmest in July (around 29.0°C) and coldest in January (around 27.0°C). There are typically 12 months a year when the water sits above 22°C.
What is the average yearly sea temperature in Jamaica?
Across all twelve months, the sea in Jamaica averages about 27.9°C.
Do you need a wetsuit to swim in Jamaica?
In peak season (around July, ~29.0°C) most swimmers are comfortable without a wetsuit. Outside summer, when the water drops toward 27.0°C, a 3/2mm to 5/4mm wetsuit is recommended.