Before traveling, people often have inquiries about the place they will visit. Amongst many questions, many search for the perfect time to make their trip. If you also look forward to knowing the best time to go to Jamaica, you have come to the right place. This country is a year-round destination with many tourist attractions. But if you want to make the most of your trip, you must visit during certain months, which we will discuss in this article.
Also Read:
- 23 Best Things to Do and Places to Visit in Jamaica
- 20 Unique Things To Buy In Jamaica
- Top 14 Authentic Things to Do in Montego Bay, Jamaica
December-April: Best Time To Go To Jamaica
The best time to visit Jamaica is between December and April. These are the driest months, with sunny days and pleasant temperatures. It will also be a perfect summer getaway for Europeans and North Americans from the cold weather back home. They can enjoy beach days, explore towns and markets, indulge in watersports, and go on tours.
The only downside of this time is its expensive prices. During this peak tourist season, hotels charge higher than usual rates, and tourist attractions are costly and crowded. Still, visitors will enjoy the liveliness and make many unforgettable memories. Check out some things to do between December and April.
Try River Tubing At YS Falls
- Address: 45RC+3PH, Middle Quarters, Jamaica; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 5 PM
- Social Media: Official Website
Jamaica’s renowned tourist attraction, YS Falls, opened in 1992. Since then, it has welcomed thousands of visitors from worldwide. This seven-tiered waterfall looks breathtaking with its clear water, lush surroundings, and pleasant environment. You can enjoy a refreshing swim in its natural pool.
If you prefer something more, how about trying river tubing? You will enjoy floating down the river while enjoying the stunning landscapes and tranquil environment. Visitors often include a tour of the Appleton Estate and Black River during their expedition to YS Falls. If you want some suggestions, check out the following handpicked activities:
- YS Falls, Black River Safari, Appleton Rum Tour, OR Pelican Bar (Choose Up to 3)
- YS Falls, Black River Safari, and Floyd’s Pelican Bar Day-Trip (Transportation)
- Private Tour Appleton Estate, YS Falls from Montego Bay, Falmouth
Enjoy A Nice Beach Day At Seven Mile Beach
- Address: Cayman Islands; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 24 hours
- Things To Do: Swimming, Snorkeling, Sightseeing
Did you know Seven Mile Beach is not seven miles long? It is slightly shorter than its namesake, at 6.3 miles. Nonetheless, it is the longest beach in the Cayman Islands, extending to Hereford Inlet. This place is world-famous due to its pristine white sands, turquoise waters, and stunning surroundings. It was even listed as the 2015 Carribbean’s Best Beach.
Visitors will find many things to do here, including swimming, snorkeling, fishing, surfing, and other watersports. They can also have a lovely picnic with their friends and family. Likewise, anyone can take an evening stroll around the area. Don’t hesitate to walk around at night.
Check Thes Handpicked Activities:
- Negril Day Trip to Seven Mile Beach and Rick’s Cafe
- From Falmouth: Seven Mile Beach, Margaritaville & Ricks Cafe
- Negril: Beach Visit, Times Square, and Sunset at Rick’s Café
Climb The World Famous Dunn’s River Falls
- Address: Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM -4 PM
- Social Media: Official Website
Your trip to Jamaica will be incomplete without visiting the iconic Dunn’s River Falls and Park. It is open 365 days a year and is favorable to explore during the high and low tourist seasons. In addition, the entry fee is fairly affordable, with adults paying $25 and kids paying $17. You can explore the entire park in two and a half hours.
The first thing to do is climb the falls. You can book a guided walking tour or follow the trail using a guidebook. While the climbing is not challenging, it is slippery. Hence, prepare water shoes and climbing gear beforehand. If you can’t climb or have little children, you can relax at the base and take snaps.
See These Handpicked Activities:
- Dunn’s River Falls and Blue Hole Combo Tour From Ocho Rios & Runaway Bay
- Dunn’s River Falls & Blue Hole Combo Tour from Ocho Rios
- Dunn’s River Falls and Blue Hole Private Tour from Ocho Rios
Leave Your Footprints Behind Runaway Bay
- Address: Jamaica; Google Map
- Top Destinations: Jewel Paradise Cove Drive, Green Grotto Caves, Runaway Beach
- Things To Do: Sightseeing, Taking Pictures, Buying Souvenirs
Did you know Runaway Bay is one of Jamaica’s most naturally beautiful places? It has many tourist attractions, all-inclusive hotels, restaurants, and beaches. This town is a relatively safe neighborhood with a fairly low crime rate. Still, beware of petty thefts and harassment.
Runaway Bay’s top attraction is Green Grotto Caves. It is a speleologist’s dream with a historical significance. Visitors primarily tour the place with an informative guide and learn its history. Another most-visited place is the beaches. This town has the best beaches in the Caribbean with crystal-clear waters.
Look At These Handpicked Activities:
- Hour Horseback Riding Guided Tour from Runaway Bay
- Private Tour From Runaway Bay to Ocho Rios, Blue Hole, Sightseeing and Shopping
- Rafting and shopping from Bahia Principe Grand & Luxury Jamaica
May-June: Beginning Of Hurricane Season
Jamaica is located within the Atlantic hurricane belt and experiences hurricane season from May to the end of November. These months see fewer tourists, so attractions are usually uncrowded. Visitors are advised to practice caution and buy travel insurance. They will find many activities to enjoy during these months, such as:
Step Back In Time At Bob Marley Museum
(Source: Bob Marley Museum Facebook)
- Address: 6, 56 Hope Rd, Kingston, Jamaica; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 4 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Instagram, Official Facebook
Reggae legend Bob Marley was born in Jamaica. In 1987, the Bob Marley Museum was established in Kingston, Jamaica, to honor his life and legacy. It is Marley’s former place of residence at 56 Hope Road. His wife, Rita Marley, converted their home into a museum after his tragic demise.
The museum has many attractions, including the Tuff Gong Record Shop, Museum Gift Shop, and Museum Record Shop. Visitors can buy books, apparel, CDs, classic vinyl records, DVDs, albums, and merch from these stores. They will also tour the house with a guide for an hour and a half. Everything in the rooms is kept as it was when Marley lived there.
See These Handpicked Bob Marley Museum Tours:
Catch Panoramic Views From Rose Hall Great House
- Address: Rose Hall Road, Montego Bay, Jamaica; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 9:15 AM – 8 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Instagram, Official Facebook
Step back to the eighteenth century at Rose Hall Great House. This gorgeous architectural masterpiece was the home of the notorious White Witch of Rose Hall, Annee Palmer. The lady allegedly murdered her three husbands, whose ghost still haunts the mansion. Spooky huh? If you don’t believe in such tales, we dare you to take a Haunted Night Tour from 6 to 8 PM.
This place offers day and night guided tours in over ten languages. The guide will lead you through the lush gardens inside the 18th-century mansion. The tour also includes visits to the graveyard, museum, dungeon bar, and Annee’s Treasure. Visitors can also enjoy bird watching and nature walks.
Look At These Handpicked Activities:
- Rose Hall Haunted Great House Night Tour from Montego Bay
- Rose Hall Great House & Luminous Lagoon -Customize Night Tour from Montego Bay
- Rose Hall Great House Night Tour
Attend Jamaica Ocho Rios International Jazz Festival
- Address: The Jazz Center, 1 Harmony Close, Harmony Hall, Tower Isle, St. Mary, Jamaica
- Date: Usually held at the beginning of June
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook
June is Jazz Month in Jamaica. If you are a fan of Jazz music, you must attend the annual Jamaica Ocho Rios International Jazz Festival. It initially started as an experimental one-day event in 1991. However, no one expected the event to gain popularity among locals and tourists. As such, it grew from one to eight days and is the most anticipated event in the country.
Throughout the festival, Jamaica is shrouded in a lively musical atmosphere. Many Jazz artists from the Caribbean and other regions attend the event and participate in daily free concerts. Some distinguished performers are Jerry Gonzalez, Chares Earland, Roy Hargrove, Etta Jones, and Kevin Mahogany. There will also be a large-scale photo exhibition, a Youth Program, and many events.
July-September: Best Time For Budget Conscious Travelers
As mentioned earlier, Jamaica is prone to hurricanes. Humidity peaks in July, and hurricanes primarily occur in August and September. Thus, these months are the cheapest times to visit the country. Business is usually slow, and most hotels close their doors for renovations. Nonetheless, there are many activities to try, such as:
Go For A Private Tour Of Blue Hole
- Address: 1 Blue Hole Mineral Spring Road, Brighton District, Jamaica; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM
- Social Media: Official Facebook
If you are wondering what to do in July in Jamaica, you must visit the gorgeous Blue Hole Mineral Spring. This picturesque place is a series of natural limestone sinkholes with untouched and secluded falls. It got its name from the deep azure hue of the water. In addition, you can swim, cliff dive, river tube, and hike here.
This picturesque water spring offers a peaceful retreat from busy city life. Visitors can breathe in refreshing air, walk down leafy paths, and dip in cool, blue waters. This place is easily accessible through public and private vehicles. Tourists often include a Dunn’s River Falls trip during their Blue Hole expedition. You can leisurely visit both places on the same day.
Check These Handpicked Activities:
- Blue Hole Private Tour from Ocho Rios
- River Tubing and Blue Hole Private Tour from Ocho Rios
- Private Tour From Ocho Rios To Blue Hole & Konoko Falls
Attend The Annual Reggae Summerfest
- Location: Catherine Hall, Montego Bay; Google Map
- Duration: 7 Days
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Jamaica has many music festivals throughout the year. However, the Annual Reggae Sumfest ranks among the most anticipated events locally. This event will occur at Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex from July 14 to 20, 2024. The seven-day event will vibrantly celebrate Reggae music and Jamaican culture.
Thousands of people attend this event to watch electrifying performances by local and international reggae artists. Starting on July 14, there will be a family carnival attraction. The next day, the Sumfest Street Dance will occur in Catherine Hall. Reggae Sumfest Nights 1 and 2 will feature renowned musicians such as Babyface, Luciano, Capleton, Jada Kingdom, Malie Donn, Anthony B, and more.
See What The Fuss Is All About Rick’s Cafe
(Source: Rick’s Cafe Facebook)
- Address: 7J3P+MJV, W End Rd, Negril, Jamaica; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 12 PM – 10 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Instagram, Official Facebook
It might be surprising to see a cafe on our list of things to do between July and September. However, Rick’s Cafe is not your typical coffee house. Its location above a 35-foot cliff in the West End makes it stand out. Also, let’s not forget its special tropical cocktails and delicious Jamaican dishes. They hook customers after one taste.
This world-famous cafe has had many setbacks. Hurricane Ivan destroyed it on September 11, 2004. Before that, Rick’s Cafe faced Hurricane Gilbert in September 1988. Thankfully, it is restored to its original state and is one of the hottest spots in the town. 100 hospitable staff cater to guests’ every requirement.
Check These Handpicked Activities:
October-November: The Wettest Months In Jamaica
If you love rainfall, October-November is the time to visit Jamaica. These are the year’s wettest months, experiencing an average of about 180 mm (70 inches) of rainfall. However, heavy rain showers usually last for a few hours, allowing visitors much time to explore attractions. Hence, don’t let the rain dampen your trip.
Learn A Thing Or Two About Devon House
(Source: Devon House Facebook)
- Address: Shop 5, 26 Hope Rd, Kingston, Jamaica; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 6 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Instagram, Official Facebook
Since October and November in Jamaica are not suited for outdoor activities, let’s explore some indoor attractions such as Devon House. It was Jamaican Black Millionaire George Stiebel’s architectural dream. He earned his fortune from gold mining in South America and built the gigantic mansion on Hope Road. It is a perfect blend of Caribbean and Georgian architecture.
This historic landmark oversees a vast expanse of perfectly manicured green lawns. You must have an ice cream while touring the place, as Food Journal listed it as one of the Top 10 Places To Eat Ice Cream In The World. Furthermore, the inside is equally beautiful, featuring huge rooms with a curated collection of English, Jamaican, and French antiques.
Look At These Handpicked Activities:
- Devon House Tour with Ice Cream from Kingston
- Devon House Heritage Tour with Ice Cream from Kingston
Take A Walk In Emancipation Park
(Source: Emancipation Park Facebook)
- Address: 2636+53W, Oxford Road and Knutsford Blvd, Kingston, Jamaica; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 5 AM – 11 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook
Sometimes, a simple stroll could prove more fruitful than a planned excursion. If you take a walk in Emancipation Park in Jamaica, you will interact with locals, learn about their lifestyles, and make new friends. Moreover, the park’s gigantic bronze statues are a tribute to freedom. This 11-ft. sculpture, Redemption Song, symbolizes the nation’s triumph over the tragedies of slavery.
While art lovers marvel at the statue’s design, historians fondly reminisce about the meaning behind its creation. It symbolizes hope and freedom to the Jamaican people. Likewise, the park’s 7-acre green space features many colorful flowers, beautiful fountains, and a jogging path. Families and friends often come here to have a picnic.
See Ways To Experience Blue Mountains
- Address: Jamaica; Google Map
- Highest Mountain: Blue Mountain Peak (2,256 m)
- Things To Do: Hiking, Cultural Tour, Food Tour, Sightseeing
Dominating the eastern third of Jamaica, the Blue Mountains border St. Thomas, Portland, St. Mary, and St. Andrew. They are the longest mountain range in the country and feature the 2,256-m Blue Mountain Peak. Moreover, this region is often called a hiker and camper’s paradise due to its breathtaking scenery and distinctive routes. It offers easy, intermediate, and challenging hikes.
The Blue Mountains have rich flora and fauna. They boast over 800 species of endemic plants, 200 bird species, 239 frog species, and numerous fish species. Some of its wildlife include White-chinned Thrush, Jamaican Elaenia, Jamaican Blackbird, Jamaican Hutia, Orangequit, Jamaican Coney, and Crested Quail-Dove.
See These Handpicked Activities:
- Blue Mountain Coffee Day Trip from Kingston
- Scenic Blue Mountain Hike from Kingston
- Kingston Daytrips/Nightlife
In a nutshell, the best time to go to Jamaica depends on travelers’ preferences. December to April is their month if they are outdoorsy and have a soul for adventures. They can enjoy thrilling watersports, island excursions, and other activities. However, if visitors prefer fewer crowds, July-November is the time they must visit. They can follow our suggested activities during their trip.
Jamaica is a great tourist destination regardless of the high and low seasons. Visitors can adopt safety measures while it might not be the safest destination. Most crimes against travelers are centered around petty theft. You can avoid them if you visit Falmouth, Negril, and Ocho Rios, where there is tight security for tourists.
