Sea temperature in Jamaica
Live water temperatures and swimming conditions across 22 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.
Warmest beaches in Jamaica right now
| Beach | Region | Sea | Swim score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seven Mile Beach Negril | Westmoreland | — | — |
| Doctor's Cave Beach | Saint James | — | — |
| Frenchman's Cove | Portland | — | — |
| Boston Bay | Portland | — | — |
| James Bond Beach | Saint Mary | — | — |
| Seven Mile Beach | Westmoreland | — | — |
| Doctor's Cave Beach | Saint James | — | — |
| Frenchman's Cove | Portland | — | — |
| Treasure Beach | Saint Elizabeth | — | — |
| Negril Seven Mile | Westmoreland | — | — |
| Bloody Bay Negril | Westmoreland | — | — |
| Cornwall Beach | Saint James | — | — |
| Hellshire Beach | Saint Catherine | — | — |
| Long Bay Negril | Negril | — | — |
| Doctors Cave Beach | Montego Bay | — | — |
| Cornwall Beach | Montego Bay | — | — |
| Aquasol Beach | Montego Bay | — | — |
| Turtle Beach Ocho Rios | Ocho Rios & St Ann | — | — |
| James Bond Beach | Ocho Rios & St Ann | — | — |
| Frenchman's Cove | Ocho Rios & St Ann | — | — |
| Treasure Beach | South Coast Jamaica | — | — |
| Frenchman's Bay Jamaica | South Coast Jamaica | — | — |