Last updated: January 18, 2025
St. Mary, Jamaica, is characterized by a tropical savanna climate, classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Aw. This region experiences a temperature spectrum that ranges from a cool minimum of 18°C (65°F) in January to a sweltering maximum of 35°C (95°F) in July. The annual average temperature hovers around 26°C (79°F), facilitating a lush environment that supports diverse ecosystems and contributes to the vibrant local culture. Understanding these climatic patterns is essential for sustainable planning and development in this beautiful Jamaican parish.
In St. Mary, Jamaica, temperature patterns reveal a distinct seasonal trend characterized by warm, tropical conditions year-round. January marks the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 18°C (65°F), gradually rising as spring approaches, reaching a peak of 19°C (66°F) in February and March. By April, warmth intensifies, as temperatures climb steadily, peaking at 35°C (95°F) in the height of summer during July. The summer months of June through August showcase consistently high temperatures, averaging 28°C (82°F) and maxing out at 34°C (94°F). As autumn approaches, a gradual cooling trend emerges, with average temperatures dropping to 26°C (80°F) by October and slipping further to 25°C (77°F) in December, providing a mild end to the year and maintaining St. Mary’s reputation for a warm and inviting climate.
Oracabessa experiences a mild climate, with January temperatures reaching a minimum of 20°C (68°F) and peaking at 33°C (92°F) in September. For more detailed monthly temperature insights, visit monthly temperatures in Oracabessa.
St. Mary, Jamaica, exhibits a pronounced wet season, particularly from May to October, when rainfall peaks and the landscape flourishes. January marks the onset of the year with relatively low precipitation, totaling 61 mm (2.4 in), followed by February's even drier 43 mm (1.7 in). As spring approaches in March and April, rainfall increases to 74 mm (2.9 in) and 80 mm (3.1 in), respectively, signaling the transition into the wetter months. Notably, May experiences a significant surge in precipitation, with 114 mm (4.5 in) recorded, setting the stage for the rainy season.
The heart of the rainy season occurs from June through November, with October being the wettest month at 172 mm (6.8 in), accompanied by 24 days of rainfall, maximizing the potential for heavy tropical showers. September also stands out, yielding 122 mm (4.8 in) across 18 days, while November brings a notable 139 mm (5.5 in) over 20 days. This sustained rainfall contributes to the lush, vibrant ecosystem synonymous with St. Mary, making it a verdant paradise that attracts both locals and visitors alike.
In St. Mary, Jamaica, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, with hours steadily increasing from winter through summer. January begins the year with 245 hours of bright sunshine, gradually rising to 300 hours in February. The transition into spring showcases an impressive increase, peaking in March at 342 hours, just slightly lower in April with 341 hours. As May approaches, the sunshine remains abundant at 329 hours, suggesting that the early months of the year set a sunny foundation for the lush landscapes that characterize this tropical paradise.
The summer months of June through August continue to deliver impressive sunshine totals, with July reaching a high of 350 hours, marking one of the sunniest months of the year. August closely follows with 339 hours, while September sees a mild decline to 319 hours as the rainy season begins to take hold. By the time October arrives, sunlight hours decrease to 304 hours, signaling the transition into fall. The trend continues into November, which records 288 hours, before December bounces back to 308 hours. Overall, the annual sunshine pattern in St. Mary highlights the region's splendid climate, making it a desirable destination for those seeking warmth and brightness throughout the year.
In St. Mary, Jamaica, the UV Index reflects a notably high level of solar radiation throughout the year, suggesting a heightened need for sun protection. Starting in January, the UV Index registers at 9, categorized as "very high," with a recommended burn time of just 15 minutes. As the months progress, February sees a significant jump to an 11, transitioning to an "extreme" exposure category with an alarming burn time of only 10 minutes. This trend continues, peaking in April with a UV Index of 14, indicating the most intense sun exposure. The summer months maintain an unyielding high UV Index of 13, emphasizing the necessity for precautions during daily outdoor activities.
As the year winds down, the UV Index gradually decreases but remains significant. November experiences a drop back to 9, while December ends with an 8, both falling within the "very high" exposure category that calls for caution. Across these months, the consistency of extreme and very high UV levels underscores a crucial message: residents and visitors in St. Mary must be vigilant about sun safety, wearing adequate sunblock and protective clothing, especially during peak hours of solar radiation. Engaging in outdoor activities should be balanced with awareness of the ever-present risks associated with high UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
In St. Mary, Jamaica, daylight duration showcases a relatively consistent pattern throughout the year, with slight variations that reflect the changing seasons. The year begins with 11 hours of daylight in both January and February, providing ample sunlight for outdoor pursuits. As spring arrives, March and April see an increase to 12 hours of daylight, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy longer days. This trend toward longer daylight continues into June and July, where each month boasts 13 hours of sunlight, marking the peak of the summer season and ideal conditions for exploration.
As summer fades into autumn, daylight duration begins to taper off, with August returning to 12 hours. September also maintains this light availability, while October, November, and December revert back to 11 hours of daylight per day. Despite these fluctuations, St. Mary's overall daylight duration remains favorable year-round, enabling a vibrant outdoor lifestyle. The consistent daylight hours underscore the region's yearlong appeal as a tropical destination, where sunshine and natural beauty can be enjoyed in abundance regardless of the month.
Oracabessa, Jamaica, enjoys a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 25°C (77°F) in January and February to a peak of 28°C (83°F) in the summer months. Rainfall is more abundant from May to November, with October and November experiencing the highest precipitation, averaging 129 mm (5.1 in) and 138 mm (5.4 in), respectively. Despite the rainfall, the area receives significant sunshine, particularly in March and April, with over 340 hours of sunlight each month. For more detailed information, visit Oracabessa climate.
In conclusion, St. Mary, Jamaica, offers a compelling climate characterized by high temperatures, ample sunshine, and significant UV exposure throughout the year. With a tropical savanna climate that features a distinct wet season and a steady pattern of daylight duration, this region is well-suited for outdoor activities and leisure. The high UV Index serves as a reminder for residents and visitors to prioritize sun safety while enjoying the vibrant natural beauty that St. Mary has to offer. Ultimately, the favorable climatic conditions make this Jamaican parish an attractive destination for those seeking warmth, adventure, and a rich cultural experience in a stunning tropical environment.