With warm sunshine and cool breezes, Jamaica is known for it's consistently beautiful weather. While temperatures along the coast only fluctuate a small amount, the mountainous areas of the island's interior are quite a bit cooler.  Though there is a remote chance of a hurricane or tropical storm disrupting your plans during the summer season, our detailed month-by-month guide to Jamaica's weather will help you plan ahead...

Your dream vacation is closer than you think. Our planning tips will help you with everything from creating a budget to deciding the best time to visit.  With our planning guides, you can make your dream of the perfect Jamaican vacation a reality...

When to go

To escape the crowds, plan your trip to Jamaica during the off-season, which occurs between the months of April and December.  Hotel and restaurant prices are often reduced during this time as well...

Clothing and Attire

Because rain can occur suddenly and seemingly out of nowhere, it is recommended that visitors bring a waterproof jacket or an umbrella with them on their Jamaican vacation.  More. . .

Before you travel to Jamaica, take some time to learn about the island beyond the most affordable resorts and exciting activities. Jamaicans are a dynamic group of people with a storied past. Learning about the island's history, culture, religion, and economic state will assist you in understanding Rastafarians and other intriguing people and things you will encounter on your vacation...

History

Jamaica was home to the Arawak Indians long before 1494 when Christopher Columbus introduced the introduced to the rest of the world to the island he deemed the “fairest isle mine eyes ever beheld.” From that point forward, the peaceful island faced constant hardship and upheaval.  Slavery was eventually replaced with freedom and independence...

Economy

For much of Jamaica's history, sugar cultivation was the top industry on the island; Jamaica was even the top producer of sugar in the world during the 18^th century...

Crime

Portions of Jamaica experience some one of the highest crime rates in the Caribbean. Learn which areas to avoid, and how to protect yourself and your belongings during your vacation by reading our guide to Crime in Jamaica...

Currency and Credit Cards

Jamaican law specifies that the Jamaican dollar is the only form of currency to be accepted on the island, however, many local shop keepers are known to bend the rules...

Customs

If you plan to pick up a few souvenirs on your Jamaican vacation, keep in mind that they must pass through customs before returning home with you. Find out everything you need to know about entry and exit requirements here...

Adventurous travelers who prefer to take their time, travel on their own schedule, and enjoy independence as they explore have three options: bike, scooter, or car rental. Bicycle rentals are a great option for travelers whose hotel are within the city and want a quick and efficient way to get around town...

Ferries and Boats

Travelers who would like to visit Navy Island from Jamaica have but one choice of transportation, which is to take a ferry. A ferry trip to the island takes only seven minutes, and vessels leave Jamaica around the clock...

Buses

For a true cultural experience, consider using Jamaica's public transportation system as your means of traveling throughout the island...

Taxis

Taxis are not only the most popular method of transportation in Jamaica, but the most reliable as well. Official taxi drivers are members of the Jamaican Union of Travelers Association, or JUTA, and their cabs sport red license plates with the initials PP or PPV printed on them...