Check the weather city by city, starting with Kingston.
Jamaica is the soul of the Caribbean: the birthplace of reggae and Bob Marley, home to the Blue Mountains and their world-class coffee, Negril's legendary sunsets and the lively beaches of Montego Bay. It is a vibrant, colourful and deeply musical island that defines Caribbean culture.
Montego Bay is Jamaica's tourism capital: Doctor's Cave Beach with its clear historic waters, Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Ríos (about 1h30 away by road), and Rose Hall Great House with its White Witch legend. It is also the island's main hub for excursions.
Highlights : Doctor's Cave Beach — historic crystal-clear waters, Dunn's River Falls (Ocho Ríos), Rose Hall Great House — the White Witch legend, Snorkelling at Coral Gardens (Montego Bay).
The Blue Mountains, a UNESCO-listed national park, rise to 2,256 metres and produce Blue Mountain coffee, one of the world's most prized and expensive coffees. The trek to Blue Mountain Peak, often starting around 2 a.m. for sunrise, is an unforgettable walk above the clouds.
Highlights : Blue Mountain Peak (2,256 m) — sunrise, Coffee plantation — small-batch roasting, Cloud forest — endemic birds, Mavis Bank — an authentic coffee village.
Negril is Jamaica's sunset capital: Seven Mile Beach, one of the longest beaches in the Caribbean, Rick's Café where locals dive from coral cliffs, and a newfound reputation as a laid-back reggae and nightlife hotspot.
Highlights : Seven Mile Beach — 11 km of golden sand, Coral reef diving (Throne Room Cave), Negril's legendary sunset.
Kingston is Jamaica's cultural capital: the Bob Marley Museum in the singer's former home, Trench Town where reggae was born, the National Gallery of Jamaica and Devon House with its legendary ice cream make for a uniquely rich cultural route.
Highlights : Bob Marley Museum (9 Hope Road), Trench Town — birthplace of reggae (guided tour), National Gallery of Jamaica (Caribbean art).
Jamaica is moderately expensive in the main tourist areas. All-inclusive resorts can be good value, while local life outside the tourist circuit is much more affordable. Unofficial taxis should be negotiated before departure.