For many people, the prospect of getting married in Jamaica is a dream. It’s not hard to see why. This Caribbean destination is full of natural beauty, year-round great weather, and many high-end resorts. But planning a wedding in Jamaica has to start with choosing a date.
But don’t worry, this guide will go over everything you need to know about the best time to get married in Jamaica, from avoiding crowds to booking great deals.
What is the Best Month to Get Married in Jamaica?
As a general rule, it is recommended that October through early December is the best time to get married in Jamaica. That is because this time of year has fewer crowds, good weather, and generally offers good deals for bookings.
That said, the answer to this question is a bit more complex. To choose the best time for your Jamaica destination wedding, you will have to take a few more factors into consideration.
Budget — The costs of a Jamaica wedding vary considerably depending on when you book. Your budget should be one of the first things you and your partner discuss after announcing your engagement. Booking a date during peak season will likely cost more and may limit availability, while low season is likely to be more open and affordable.
Remember that the earlier you book, the more likely you are to get the date that you want — and you may even get access to early-bird discounts and special deals.
Weather — Jamaica generally has lovely weather year-round. That said, December to April is considered the peak season because the weather tends to be dry and mild, with temperatures in the mid-70s. In the summer months, temperatures can get quite hot — into the 90s — while there is a higher chance of rain.
Guest Comfort — Consider your guests’ experience. Do you have elderly people attending who might be unable to withstand high temperatures? Are you hoping they’ll be able to enjoy watersports, scuba diving, or other outdoor activities? Remember that they’ll be there for an extended stay as well, so it’s your job as the host to make sure their time is as comfortable as possible.
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High Season vs. Low Season – Which is Better?
When it comes to planning a Jamaica destination wedding, you have to consider the “high” season vs. “low” season. This impacts far more than just the weather. The timing of your wedding can also strongly impact the costs of your bookings, from airfare to resort fees. Additionally, you may have to fight for available venues, which can end up altering your wedding plans altogether. Crowds, temperature, and weather patterns are also all things to consider!
High Season Weddings (December – April)
As we mentioned above, December to April is the peak season for tourism in Jamaica, particularly when it comes to destination weddings. This is primarily because the weather is excellent during this time of year, warm and mild with clear skies. You’re almost guaranteed an idyllic wedding day!
But all this also means that it is peak tourist season. You can probably expect more expensive airfare and hotel costs. You might also have to deal with crowded beaches and resorts.
So does that mean you shouldn’t plan your wedding for peak season in Jamaica? Not necessarily! But bear in mind that you will be fighting for availability. Book far in advance (at least 18 months) to secure your preferred venues.
Low Season Weddings (May – November)
Low season is generally considered to run from May to November. During this time, you can expect to pay lower rates for travel, hotels, and wedding packages. You will also encounter fewer crowds and more venue availability, meaning that you can plan the wedding you have always dreamed of.
That said, there is a reason that this is the less popular time to visit Jamaica. Temperatures in the summer can get very hot; this is also the wet season, which means you might be driven inside by sudden rain.
Jamaica can also experience hurricanes. September and October are peak hurricane season, so it may be best to avoid booking during this time.
If you want to plan your destination wedding for the low season, mid-October to early December is the ideal spot for a good balance of pleasant weather and affordability.
Weather Considerations for a Jamaican Destination Wedding
Jamaica’s seasonal weather patterns tend to follow this pattern —
Warm, mild, and dry: December through April, with January to April being the driest period. From February to April, you can expect about nine hours of sunshine a day, with low humidity and an average daily high of about 83 degrees.
Starting in May, Jamaica tends to experience heavy thunderstorms and much higher humidity levels. August through October are the wettest months, occasionally resulting in flooding. During this time, temperatures will climb into the high 80s and low 90s.
Although hurricane season officially runs from June to November and peaks from September to October, it’s worth noting that Jamaica doesn’t experience hurricanes regularly. The island is affected by nearby hurricanes once every five years on average, with landfall occurring once every ten years.
So how can you prepare for the chance of rain during your destination wedding in Jamaica? Consider booking tent rentals if you are having an outdoor celebration. Alternatively, ask your Certified Destination Wedding Specialist if you can reserve an indoor venue as a backup if you are rained out.
Although rainfall during the wet season tends to be sudden and hard, it is also usually quick, with showers lasting between 10 and 30 minutes on average. So don’t despair if you get a shower or two on the morning of your wedding — you may still be able to celebrate as planned!
Budgeting for Your Dream Wedding in Jamaica
In general, you can expect high-season vs. low-season costs to vary significantly. This applies to airfare, resort bookings, wedding packages, and other costs. Travel fares, for example, may increase between 20 and 50 percent during peak season.
There are plenty of cost-saving measures available. Booking flights and venues early will save you a significant amount of money, and you may even find deals for those who book by a certain date.
All inclusive resort and wedding packages also offer some relief for your wallet. The offerings vary depending on the package in question, but many of them include discounts on rooms and other costs rolled together.
If you choose to book your venue during the peak season, try to avoid holiday weeks, where crowds will be thick and prices will soar. These include Christmas and New Year’s, Easter, and spring break.
The bottom line: September through November is usually the most affordable time to book your Jamaica destination wedding, particularly when it comes to travel and resort costs.
RELATED: How to Get Married in Jamaica
Choosing the Right Venue Based on the Season
So how does the timing of your wedding affect the venue that you should choose?
An outdoor venue — such as a beachfront ceremony — is more likely to be warm, dry, and pleasant during peak season. But that’s not the only consideration. If this is the wedding you envision, make sure to book well in advance. These popular spots fill up fast during the peak season, and you may find yourself struggling to find availability if you wait too long.
Planning for the low season will likely offer more flexibility in terms of venue choices and changes of plans. If you aren’t set on a specific venue for your wedding, this may be a better choice. You are likely to have more options since there is less demand and you won’t be competing against nearly as many other wedding couples for space.
If you do book during the rainy season, consider choosing a hybrid venue with both indoor and outdoor space. This will let you alter the plan quickly if a rainstorm suddenly hits, allowing you and your guests to keep celebrating in comfort.
Final Thoughts – When Should You Get Married in Jamaica?
We’ve gone over everything you should know about when to get married in Jamaica. Let’s recap those key takeaways:
Best months that offer a combination of budget-friendliness and comfort — October, early December, March-May
Best weather (dry, mild, and warm) — December-April
Most affordable months — September-November
The bottom line is that there is no right answer across the board. You and your partner should sit down and discuss your priorities in terms of budget, guest comfort, and flexibility. As you examine your options, you will find the perfect time for your wedding — whether you’re planning to brave the crowds during peak season or want the freedom of celebrating in the low season with more availability.
Start Planning Your Dream Destination Wedding in Jamaica!
Even if you’re early in your planning stages, it is important to start booking venues right away. Our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists can help you compare package deals at top resorts to find the one that is perfect for your vision and budget. Fill out a destination wedding planning form to get started!
Get expert advice from a Destination Wedding Specialist and plan an affordable celebration today >>
