Today's weather for Runaway Bay, Jamaica24th Nov 2009 15:00

back to top

Weather Overview for Runaway Bay

Runaway Bay has a tropical climate. High temperatures last through the wet and dry seasons. The resort is on the north side of Jamaica, where all of the island’s most popular beaches lie. Hurricane season lasts from June till November, though the risk of being hit is never incredibly high. Jamaica is one of the Greater Antilles, along with Cuba and the island of Hispaniola, shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic, sitting in the Caribbean Sea with the North Atlantic to the east.

The dry winter season, from December till April, sees a gradual lessening of rainfall. However, the term ‘dry’ is a little deceptive as Jamaica is a tropical island; Runaway Bay can expect the odd thunderstorm at any time of year. Wet weather is usually due to cold fronts blowing over from the USA. March is the driest month of the season. The temperature in winter is just right: around 27°C from December till March, creeping up to 28°C in April. This heat is tempered by the northeast trade winds, keeping conditions pleasant throughout the day and encouraging an average night time low of 17°C. Humidity is at its lowest in this season and the sun comes out for seven or eight hours per day on average. These favourable conditions make winter the most popular time of year to visit the area; prices are accordingly high and the beaches accordingly crowded.

The wet summer season, from May till November, receives two peaks in rainfall at either end of the season. The period from June till August is actually about as dry as the dry season. The heaviest rainfall comes in October and November. Rain does not necessarily mean an overcast sky and the season sees almost as much sun as the dry season; rain falls in short, heavy and sometimes violent storms which quickly leave the sky clear again. The risk of hurricanes increases and is at its highest in August and September. Severe weather is often inconvenient due to flash flooding and the havoc it plays with transportation, not to mention sunbathing schedules, but can also be dangerous. Temperatures and humidity are also increased, seeing average high temperatures at 30°C in July and August. Night times can remain uncomfortable around 20°C.

Runaway Bay owes its climate to Jamaica’s position and topography. The island’s southerly position guarantee high temperatures but the surrounding waters help to keep away extremes of heat. It is in the path of the cooling, northeast trade winds, but also hurricanes. Mountains in the central regions of the island force rain to fall more on the windward side of the island, so while Runaway Bay, in the north, is characterised by lush, rainforest vegetation, the southern side is more arid.

back to top