Weather in Montego Bay in December

How December compares

December is the 11th warmest month of the year in Montego Bay and ranks 18th of 134 destinations we compare for December - see where else is hot in December. Against London's average high of 7.7°C in December, Montego Bay is 20.4°C warmer by day and 20.5°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in December

The typical December day in Montego Bay peaks at 28.1°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 29.6°C or more. About 98% of days top 25°C and 1 in 19 pass 30°C. Nights average 23.2°C; one night in ten drops to 22.0°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest December day here reached 31.5°C (2018-12-20) and the coldest night 19.1°C (2010-12-15).

Rain in December

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 12 days with 1 mm or more, 53 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest December was 2000 with 182 mm, the driest 1996 with 12 mm. Humidity averages 82%, which makes the heat feel heavier than the thermometer suggests.

Sea temperature in December

The sea averages 27.9°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 27.3°C to 28.3°C. For the warmest sea here, come in September (29.6°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 6.6 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 10.9 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:36 and sets about 17:38 local time in mid-December. Average cloud cover is 39%.

Is December a good time to visit Montego Bay?

It is a reasonable choice: hot days but expect showers. The best months for Montego Bay on our scoring are February, January, March; months averaging 25°C or more: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.

Hot by UK standards, even in a cooler month

December sits towards the cooler end of Montego Bay's year, but that is relative: it still feels hot compared with a UK winter. Days reach 25°C almost all the time, while only 5% reach 30°C. That suits travellers who want warmth without regularly facing higher temperatures, although humidity of 82% can make the air feel sticky. Pack loose, light clothing and keep strenuous outdoor plans away from midday if heat bothers you. Evenings remain warm rather than crisp, so do not expect much overnight relief. A light layer may be useful for comfort, but heavy winter clothing is not needed for typical outdoor conditions.

Allow for rain rather than planning around clear skies

Rain is the main compromise in December. About 12 days have measurable rain, so this is not a month to choose on the assumption that every outdoor plan will stay dry. That figure does not mean those days are complete washouts, but it also gives no guarantee of brief showers or convenient timing. Keep your schedule flexible and carry a lightweight waterproof that will not feel too heavy in the heat. Sunshine averages about 6.6 hours a day, leaving a useful amount of bright weather for time outdoors. December suits someone happy to adjust plans; it is less convincing if uninterrupted sunshine is essential.

Warm sea, with little need to brace yourself

The sea is a strong reason to consider December: at around 28°C, it is warm enough for comfortable swimming rather than a bracing dip. The year-to-year range of 27°C to 28°C also suggests that water temperature is a relatively dependable part of the decision. This makes the month a good fit if swimming matters more to you than completely dry weather. Take swimwear, sun protection and something light to cover up in between swims. Warm water does not tell you about waves or local conditions, though, so judge those separately when deciding where and when to get in.