Runway Bay is located on the north shore of Jamaica and is a year-round destination for those looking to enjoy the sun and the surf of the Caribbean. However, there is still a definite high season of December through April with the low season coming in the summer and fall months. This is mainly due to the fact that hurricane season begin June 1 and lasts through November 30 and storms can threaten the island on a yearly basis. Still, this is a great time to get a good deal on both flights and a hotel and the threat of actually taking a trip at the same time of a tropical storm is very low.
Thanks to its tropical nature, the region sees year round warm temperatures both on land and at sea and with its location it is an easy spot to get to from either North or South America. There are consistent rainfall figures throughout the year, but this does not put tourists off visiting this beautiful destination.
Winter Weather in Runaway Bay
Winter consists of December, January and February in Runaway Bay and is also part of the high season for tourists. With the tropical nature of the island, now is an ideal time to visit the region and escape colder climates elsewhere. Average afternoon temperatures remain consistent over the three-month period with highs reaching 27°C (81°F). Despite being winter months, conditions are close to perfect for beach weather and warm enough for shorts and t-shirts. It is slightly cooler in the morning hours and just cool enough for long sleeves and pants as well as a light jacket. Average overnight low temperatures fall to 18°C (64°F) in December and only a degree or two less in January and February.
Over the same time period, average rain amounts are fairly high with 186mm of precipitation expected in December, 148mm in January and 121mm in February. As the total amount of rain diminishes, so do the rainfall days with 9 days of rain expected in December falling to just 7 days by the time February rolls around. As a result, most of the month is dry making this a prime time to visit the island.
Sea temperatures are still plenty warm enough for vacationers to enjoy all of the water sports the area has to offer. Overall, sea surface temperatures remain fairly stable from one month to another with water temperatures hovering around 27°C (81°F).
Spring Weather in Runaway Bay
When the calendar ticks over to March, April and May, spring has officially arrived in the region. Despite the fact that the year is moving by, average afternoon high temperatures are very similar to what the region experiences over the winter months. Temperatures in the afternoon will climb to approximately 27°C (81°F) over the three month period. However, overnight lows will see their numbers steadily climb over the same period of time. Average overnight lows hover around 18°C (64°F) in March, but climb to 20°C (68°F) in May. This is still cool enough for vacationers to need a light jacket or at least some long sleeves early in the day.
Average sea temperatures are also steady in the same time period. Sea temperatures are around 27°C (81°F) in both March and April before climbing slightly to 28°C (82°F) in May.
March is the driest of the three months with only 71mm of precipitation expected over a period of 7 days. Rainfall amounts jump up considerably to an average of 102mm in April and 193mm in May. If visitors are planning a vacation during this season, March is the time to go, but do be prepared to pay more for hotels and flights.
Summer Weather in Runaway Bay
June, July and August make up the summer months and actually begin the off-season for the area. Rainfall amounts during this time of the year are lower, but are also very dependent on whether any tropical systems affect the area. Rain in June is expected to average 111mm, 70mm of precipitation in July and 122mm in August. Rainfall days average around 13 to 14 days each month, meaning that vacationers are likely to have to dodge raindrops while visiting. Due to the tropical nature of the region, some of these thunderstorms can be quite heavy at times.
Temperatures during this time of the year continue to warm both at night and during the day. Average afternoon temperatures are at their coolest in June with highs reaching 29°C (84°F). By August, high temperatures have climbed to an average of 30°C (86°F). Average overnight lows have also climbed to a point that visitors can leave the jackets at home. Temperatures will bottom out between 20°C (68°F) in July to 21°C (70°F) in both June and August.
The average sea surface temperature over the three month period stays at 29°C (84°F). With waters this warm, there is no excuse not to get out and enjoy the region's various water sports.
Autumn Weather in Runaway Bay
Autumn arrives with September, October and November and is still a good time to visit although this does include the height of hurricane season. Because this is the off-season, now is a good time to get a good deal and save some money while on vacation. Moreover, there are still 6 lovely hours of sunshine to enjoy every day which is more than seen in European destinations during this time of year.
Average afternoon temperatures will drop a little over the three months from 29°C (84°F) in September to 28°C (82°F) in both October and November. Low temperatures also fall a few degrees from 20°C (68°F) in September and October to 19°C (66°F) in November. This is once again cool enough to warrant a few long sleeve shirts and light jackets if there is a breeze.
This is one of the rainiest times of the year with substantial rains expected near the end of the year. In September, 156mm of rain is expected, but those numbers jump to 223mm in October and 253mm in November. Rainfall days are very high with much of the month being wet. As a result, visitors will need to be prepared and be sure to bring raingear with them while on vacation.
Sea temperatures remain steady for all three months at 29°C (84°F). As a result, guests can enjoy a swim despite the lateness of the year.
Hazard: Hurricanes
Hurricane season does pose a threat to the island and runs from June 1 through November 30. The peak of hurricane season comes in late August through mid September. Hurricanes can be forecast well in advance so if a vacation is planned during this time, it is imperative that visitors consult an extended forecast before leaving home to make sure they are not going to run into any weather issues.