Negril has a tropical climate: warm and humid year-round, with the sun setting reliably in the west every evening. The differences between seasons are real but not extreme.
December to April is the dry season and the high season. Temperatures are in the mid-to-high 20s Celsius, the trade winds moderate the humidity, and it rarely rains for more than a brief shower. The beach is at its best. Hotels and flights are at their most expensive, and the beach will be busier.
May to November is wetter, with the most rain falling in May to June and again in September to October. Afternoon downpours are common but usually short. Prices drop significantly, the beach is quieter, and the landscape inland turns very green. Hurricane season runs from June to November; major storms are infrequent but possible, and most travellers visiting in this window choose October and November as the lowest-risk months.
The Negril Music Festival (formerly the Sumfest Negril Beach Party) draws reggae and dancehall acts to the beach in late July. The Rebel Salute festival is held in Saint Elizabeth in January and is the island's most serious roots-reggae event, worth combining with a Negril stay.
Water temperature is around 27°C year-round. There is no bad time to swim.