Jamaica

Jamaica is the Caribbean with a soundtrack. Days start on white sand and warm, clear water, and end with live reggae, jerk chicken from a smoking drum and a rum punch as the sun drops into the sea. Between the two you can climb a waterfall, float down a river on a bamboo raft and visit the village where Bob Marley was born.

Why go

Climb the limestone terraces of Dunn's River Falls near Ocho Rios, one of the few waterfalls in the world that runs straight into the sea. Swim in the electric-blue pools of the Blue Hole, watch cliff divers at Rick's Café in Negril, and take a boat through the mangroves of the Black River to look for crocodiles. At night, trail your hand through the Luminous Lagoon near Falmouth and watch the water glow. Most hotels are all inclusive, so the holiday itself is easy.

When to go

Jamaica is hot all year, with temperatures of roughly 19–32°C. The driest, most popular months are December to April, which is ideal winter sun from the UK. There are two rainier spells, around May–June and September–November, and the hurricane season runs from June to November. In October 2025 Hurricane Melissa hit the west of the island hard. Most resorts, airports and attractions have reopened, and we check the status of every hotel and excursion when we quote.

Getting there from the UK

Most holidays fly into Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, on the north-west coast. There are direct flights from London and from regional airports such as Manchester and Birmingham, and the flight takes around 10 hours. Kingston's Norman Manley airport serves the capital and the south-east. From Montego Bay, transfers take about 20 minutes to the Rose Hall hotels, about 1 hour 30 minutes to Negril or Ocho Rios, and a little less to Runaway Bay. Tell us your airport and dates and we'll find the best routing.

Where to stay

• Negril: the far west, with Seven Mile Beach, Bloody Bay and the West End cliffs. Laid-back, great for sunsets and couples.
• Montego Bay: closest to the airport. Rose Hall has big beach resorts and golf; the Hip Strip has bars and restaurants.
• Trelawny and Falmouth: newer resorts on quieter beaches between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, close to the Luminous Lagoon.
• Runaway Bay: small and relaxed, with family resorts on the north coast.
• Ocho Rios: the adventure hub, close to Dunn's River Falls, the Blue Hole, the White River and Nine Mile.

What to do

• Climb Dunn's River Falls hand in hand with a guide.
• Jump into the pools at the Blue Hole (Island Gully Falls).
• Spend a day on Seven Mile Beach and stay for sunset at Rick's Café.
• Float down the White River on a bamboo raft.
• Visit Bob Marley's birthplace and resting place at Nine Mile.
• Head to the south coast for YS Falls and a Black River boat safari.
• Take a night boat on the Luminous Lagoon.

Food

Jerk is the national flavour: chicken or pork rubbed with allspice and scotch bonnet pepper and smoked over pimento wood. Try ackee and saltfish, the national dish, for breakfast, plus beef patties, rice and peas, fried bammy and peppered shrimp from Middle Quarters on the way to YS Falls. Drink Red Stripe beer, Blue Mountain coffee and, of course, Jamaican rum.

Good to know

• Currency: Jamaican dollar (JMD). US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas.
• Time: GMT−5, so 5 hours behind the UK in winter and 6 hours behind in summer.
• Plugs: types A and B (US-style), around 110 V. Bring an adaptor.
• Language: English, with Jamaican Patois widely spoken.
• Entry: UK citizens don't usually need a visa for a holiday. Check the latest rules on GOV.UK before you travel.

Ready to plan? Tell us your airport, dates and the kind of holiday you have in mind, and we'll tailor your Jamaica trip.