Jamaica offers up an excellent climate all year round with temperatures ranging from 70 degrees to 90 degrees. The high season is from November to April and the rainy season is from May to June and September to November- though “rainy season” should be a term used very loosely.

Jamaica’s hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30, with the peak months being August and September. The majority of storm activity takes place in the late summer and fall.

Jamaica is vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms during this time. The Caribbean Sea and Jamaica experience their most favorable conditions for storm development during the Atlantic hurricane season.

Jamaica’s official language is English, but they also speak Jamaican or Patois (or Patwa) – a colorful, descriptive and emphatic Creole dialect that has been shaped by the African, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and English colonial heritage. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas, so language barriers are minimal.

Jamaica has some of the highest crime rates in the Western Hemisphere. However, the crime is largely confined to specific cities and neighborhoods in Montego Bay and Kingston where tourists rarely visit.

The majority of visitors stay in resort areas, which tend to have strong security measures. We recommend traveling with a tour group when you are visiting attractions outside the resort area.

Safety: We recommend you stick with reputable transport services, such as the in-house transfer services offered by your hotel/resort. It’s always a good idea to avoid leaving your valuable possessions unattended. You can store them in your in-suite safe if you want them to be really secure, but generally, you just need to make sure you don’t abandon your belongings anywhere. Stick to tourist-centric locations or organized tours, and avoid wandering into unfamiliar neighborhoods. Like many cities, it’s advisable to avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or secluded areas.

Yes, Jamaica has strict water safety standards and the tap water is generally considered safe to drink.

Montego Bay operates in the Eastern Standard Time (EST) zone, without daylight saving time.

The official currency of Jamaica is the Jamaican dollar. The most common abbreviation is JMD, but you can also find it abbreviated as: J$, the J serving to distinguish it from other dollar-denominated currencies.

Tipping is customary in Jamaica. A 10 – 15% tip is standard for restaurants and service staff. Some restaurants include a service charge in the bill, so check before tipping extra.

Jamaican cuisine is known for its bold flavors. Some common dishes include Jerk chicken/pork, Ackee and saltfish (the country’s national dish), curry goat, and fresh seafood. And for dessert, try the rum cake or Jamaican patties (savory pastries).

Dress is generally casual, especially in beach areas. However, upscale restaurants and resorts may have a dress code for dinner, so it’s a good idea to bring some smart-casual outfits.