9 Expert Travel Tips for Planning a Trip to Jamaica

Jamaica is a beautiful Caribbean destination with expansive beaches, bustling cities and tropical weather. To make the most of your trip to the island nation, use these tips from our travel experts.

1. You’ll need a valid passport to enter Jamaica. As long as your trip is less than 90 days, you won’t need a tourist visa.
2. Thanks to a tropical climate, you can expect beautiful weather almost year-round. Peak season begins in December and ends in April. Jamaica has two rainy seasons, one in May and June, and the other in October and November. Hurricane season stretches from June to November with most activity in September.
3. Temperatures climb into the 80s most days, but evenings can be chilly, with temperatures falling into the 60s and 70s, depending on the time of year. Pack your suitcases accordingly!
4. Prepare for a relaxing trip, thanks to the laid-back atmosphere of the island. It’s hard to stick to an action-packed itinerary here. Give yourself lots of time between activities.
5. Ask your travel agent to arrange transportation to and from the airport, as well as for any excursions you want to enjoy. With potholes, stray animals and aggressive drivers, renting a car isn’t for the faint of heart.
6. There are accommodations for every type of traveler in Jamaica. Whether you prefer a luxury all-inclusive or family-friendly villa, you’ll feel right at home here.
7. Try local delicacies. Jerk chicken is perhaps the most well-known Jamaican specialty. You’ll also find plantains, rice and beans, and saltfish and ackee (the country’s national dish).
8. The water in Jamaica is safe to drink. If you’re worried about the possibility of contamination, bottled water is widely available.
9. Experience all Jamaica has to offer with at least one or two excursions from your hotel or resort. Beyond the beach, there are safaris, snorkeling, hikes and waterfalls, not to mention the shopping in cities like Montego Bay.