Jamaica holidays
Jamaica holidays are so varied; one day you’ll explore the cascading Dunn’s River Falls and the Martha Brae River, and the next you’ll be snorkelling in a marine park.Immerse yourself in the Caribbean culture and explore the Blue Mountains, vibrant jungles and golden sandy beaches. This island is full of breath-taking landscapes, mouth-watering local dishes and the friendliest people. In the evening‚ wind down by taking in the stunning views of the tropical ocean or stay up late dancing until dawn to some traditional reggae music.
Things to do
Relax under the tropical sun on the sands of Seven Mile Beach and sip fresh fruit cocktails under the fronds of a huge palm tree. Take a hike up the Dunn’s River Falls but don’t forget your swimsuit because you’ll walk right through the middle of it! Refuel during your holiday with delicious street foods like spicy jerk chicken, curried goat, and peppered shrimp. After your lunch has gone down, why not take a quick boat trip to Lime Cay and snorkel in warm water over rich coral reefs?
25–29°C
Enjoy a tropical climate with t-shirt weather throughout the year. Winter is generally drier than summer while remaining wonderfully warm.
10 hours
When you travel on holiday to Jamaica, fly to Sangster International Airport, Norman Manley International Airport or Ian Fleming International Airport
Travel guide
Things to do
Currency
Travel guide
Travel guide
Weather & Climate
25-29°C.
Sitting in the tropics, there’s swimsuit weather all year round with even sea temperatures in the mid-high 20s (°C). Air temperatures hover in the high 20s (°C) throughout the year, often rising to 30 (°C) in the summer season.
The island sits in the Caribbean hurricane belt and although hurricanes aren’t very common occurrences on the island, it can experience tropical storms between July and November.
Book your holiday to Jamaica for the spring or winter for slightly more comfortable temperatures and up to 10 hours of sunshine a day. Winter holidays here are usually drier than summer.
jamzica is best for…
Adventurers: Visit Dunn’s River Falls, one of the country’s most incredible sights. Scale this vast, cascading waterfall that’s steeped in history for a breathtaking start to your holiday.
Culture lovers: The birthplace of Reggae music, take a Bob Marley tour or just stroll along the Hip Strip in Montego to head this island’s iconic sound. Plantations, Georgian architecture, and numerous historic sites give a great insight into the country’s intriguing past.
Sun seekers: Seven Mile Beach is famed for white sand, clear water, and palm trees. Dig your toes in and lie back under the Caribbean sun.
Fast facts:
Language: The language spoken is English.
Currency: The currency used on the island is the Jamaican Dollar ($) although US Dollars are accepted in popular tourist areas.
Local time: Jamaica is 5 hours behind GMT/UK time.
Fly to: Sangster International Airport. Montego Bay is just 30 minutes away, while transfers to Negril take 1 hour and 15 minutes. To Runaway Bay it takes 1.5 hours and Ocho Rios is 2 hours away.
Flight time from UK: The flight time to Jamaica is 9 hours.
Tourist Information: Further Jamaica tourist information can be found at www.visitjamaica.com.
Visa / Health:
Before you travel, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/jamaica for recommendations and advice if you need a visa and health for your holiday to Jamaica.
Events
A Reggae Extravaganza:: If you love Bob Marley’s music, the annual week-long celebration for his birthday will be a great sight on your holiday. Some of the greatest Marley tribute acts can be seen during this momentous festival every February.
carnival beats: Easter is carnival time in the Caribbean and Jamaica’s version is known as Bacchanal. With pounding soca and calypso music on every corner, the streets of Kingston become a flurry of sequins and feathers so remember your camera!
Getting around
By taxis: Taxis are a great way of getting around during your holiday, especially as many drivers are happy to act as tour guides for a fee. Booked taxis from your hotel will probably be priced in US Dollars while taxis you flag down will be in Jamaican Dollars. Always check the currency and negotiate a price before starting your journey. Taxis have meters, but they tend to go unused. Remember that fares are always negotiable, so start off by offering half the amount the driver asks for and go from there.
Safety and Security:
For up to date advice on travelling to Jamaica, please visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/jamaica/safety-and-securityThings to do
Jamaica is a tropical island with a landscape and history that merge at every corner. This country has everything from jungles filled with parrots and hummingbirds, to sandy beaches with Caribbean waters. With so many things to do in Jamaica, you’ll have a holiday filled with unforgettable sights and experiences.
Things to do
Pelican Bar Jamaica
This remarkable driftwood-stilted bar, just over 1km off the stunning turquoise shores of Parottee Bay, is like something out of a novel or film.Dolphin Cove
Travel to Dolphin Cove, which is just a half an hour drive away, for a marine experience of a lifetime. There are lots of activities to get …Green Grotto Caves Jamaica
Runaway Bay is in a fantastic location to explore all the nearby sights, including the spectacular Green Grotto Caves. The underground phenomenon …Kool Runnings Water Park Jamaica
For some light hearted fun, spend an afternoon at the Kool Runnings Adventure Park to enjoy a day in the sunshine on the different rides and …Rose Hall Great House Jamaica
There are several grand old plantation houses in easy reach of Montego Bay but if you only go to one, make it Rose Hall Great House. It’s said …Blue Hole Jamaica
; Take a day trip to Jamaica’s iconic Dunn’s River Falls to see the spectacular 600 foot waterfalls. Visitors can climb up the naturally …Dunn’s River Waterfall
Jamaica is home to tons of breathtaking waterfalls, surrounded by tropical plants and impressive rocks. However, the most famous of all is the …Runaway Bay Golf Club Jamaica
Enjoy a leisurely game of golf in the beautiful weather at the Runaway Golf Club. The course was built in the 1960s and still provides excellent …Rick’s Cafe In Negril Jamaica
Rick’s Café, the oldest public bar and restaurant on the West End Cliffs, is in a remarkable setting just metres above the sea, and has …Blue Hole
If you’re looking for heaven on earth the Blue Hole, Jamaica is idyllic. It’s completely unspoiled, a real haven for those wanting to …Montego Bay Marine Park
The best place for snorkelling is at the protected Montego Bay Marine Park. Just over an hour’s drive along the coast is the conservation area …Mayfield Falls Jamaica
Experience the spectacular Jamaica’s tropics and take a trip to the Mayfield Falls and Nature Park, only about a 45 minute drive away. The …Currency
Jamaica travel money
The official currency in Jamaica in the Jamaican Dollar. All Inclusive resorts and key tourist areas also use US Dollars. Credit and debit cards are accepted in major tourist areas, and you can withdraw Jamaican Dollars from ATMs.Which currency is best to take?
A spot of research before you go will answer any questions. If you’re heading to an All Inclusive Resort, then US Dollars will be ideal for any locally payable extras. Likewise, a major hotel in a tourist centre will accept USD. In tourist spots, prices will be in both USD and/or Jamaican Dollars. If you think you will spend all your time in the resort, then USD will be your best option. If you want to get out and explore more of what Jamaica has to offer, we recommend taking Jamaican Dollars. Using Jamaican Dollars often works out cheaper at smaller guest houses, local shops and restaurants, because of local exchange rates.What about notes and coins?
US Dollars are accepted in tourist areas, but if you pay with a note you’ll receive Jamaica currency coins as change. This can be an unfavourable rate. If you’re planning to go off the beaten track and explore less touristy areas as part of your holiday, we recommend taking Jamaican Dollars, to get the best pricesWhere can I buy Jamaica Currency?
Jamaican Dollars can be obtained at banks, cambios, and at hotels. Be cautious of airport exchange rates.Popular holiday resorts
