Jamaica Travel Guide: Where to Go and When

The Jamaica Tourist Board organises the island into resort areas. This guide covers Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios and Kingston, plus the Blue Mountains near the capital.

The tourist board describes a hot and humid tropical climate all year round. The board also keeps a travel alerts page; read it before you book.

Places to visit in Jamaica

Montego Bay

The Montego Bay resort area is made up of the parishes of Trelawny and St. James. The tourist board mentions Doctor's Cave Beach, Rose Hall Great House and the Hip Strip, also called Jimmy Cliff Boulevard, which has restaurants, bars and shops.

Negril

The tourist board describes Negril as the island's westernmost town. It is known for its Seven Mile Beach, cliffs overlooking the water, Rick's Café and its sunsets.

Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios is on Jamaica's northern coast. The tourist board lists Dunn's River Falls, the Green Grotto Caves, Dolphin Cove, Prospect Plantation, Shaw Park Gardens and Bob Marley's mausoleum among its attractions.

Kingston and the Blue Mountains

Kingston is on the southeastern coast and is both the capital and largest city of Jamaica. The tourist board lists the Bob Marley Museum, Devon House and the National Gallery of Jamaica, and suggests a drive up to the Blue Mountains.

Getting to Jamaica

The Jamaica Tourist Board says Jamaica is a well connected destination with international airports. Its airports page covers Sangster International Airport, Norman Manley International Airport and Ian Fleming International Airport, which it places just outside Ocho Rios, close to villas, attractions and resorts.

Getting around

The tourist board says public transportation provides a variety of options, including buses and taxis. It suggests that renting a car may be the best choice, and that you can cut down travel time by air. In Jamaica you drive on the left side of the road.

Check the current road and tour conditions for the area you plan to visit on the tourist board's travel alerts page.

When to go to Jamaica

Dry season (December to April)

The tourist board's South Coast page describes a dry season from December to April.

Rainy seasons (May to June, September to November)

The tourist board says there are two rainy seasons a year, from May to June and from September to November. Its South Coast page also describes a wet season from May to November.

Hurricane season (1 June to 30 November)

The tourist board says hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from 1 June to 30 November, with the peak period from August to October.

Temperatures

The tourist board gives temperatures from 19 to 32 degrees Celsius.

What to book ahead

• Check the Jamaica Tourist Board travel alerts page before you book.
• The tourist board advises you to check directly with the tour provider for the most up-to-date information and booking availability.
• Guided day trips often run on fixed days. Check departure dates and pick-up points before you fix your route.
• Check the official entry requirements page for any online declaration form well before you travel.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements depend on your nationality and change over time. Check the current rules on the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) website before you book, and confirm again shortly before you travel. The tourist board's entry requirements page links the agency and the online declaration form.

Official source: Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA).

Frequently asked questions

When is the rainy season in Jamaica?

The tourist board says there are two rainy seasons a year, from May to June and from September to November.

When is hurricane season in Jamaica?

The tourist board says it runs from 1 June to 30 November, with the peak period from August to October. Check the travel alerts page and your local weather source close to your trip.

Which side of the road do they drive on?

The tourist board says that on the island people drive on the left side of the road.

What are the main places to base yourself?

The tourist board lists resort areas including Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios and Kingston. Ocho Rios is on the northern coast, Negril is the westernmost town and Kingston is on the southeastern coast.

Do I need a visa for Jamaica?

It depends on your nationality and the rules change. Check the PICA website before you book.