EXPLORE
Jamaica
Described as ‘the land of food and water’ when first discovered by the Spanish in 1494, Jamaica has become a hotbed of culture, as the birthplace of reggae music and Bob Marley. The island has developed a unique local cuisine that has achieved immense popularity worldwide and is home to the delicious Blue Mountain Coffee. From jerk chicken and James Bond films to its own Winter Olympic bobsled team, Jamaica has left its imprint on the rest of the world. The island remains culturally and geographically vibrant, with stunning miles-long beaches (Negril extends for seven miles), lush rainforests, mountains, and waterfalls for travellers to fall in love with. Travellers can do as much or as little as they wish in Jamaica, an island with great heart and pride. We have four partner hotels to choose from.
BESPOKE JOURNEYS
Travelling in Jamaica
Ground Transportation
Visitors can navigate Jamaica using ground transportation, including private transfers, rental cars or taxis to explore the island's beautiful beaches and attractions at their own pace.
Weather
Jamaica is coolest at the beginning of the year, with an average temperature of 24°C rising to 25°C by March. These months also have the least rainfall, especially in February and March, which experience 30mm on average.
Best Time for Beach Relaxation and Outdoor Activities
24-25°C
AVG Temperature
8-10 HRs
Sunshine
1"
AVG Monthly Rainfall
26°C
AVG Sea Temperature
Jamaica gets hotter in the spring and early summer, rising to 27°C by June. Rain and rainy days increase during this time, though rainy spells are brief.
Best Time for Water Sports and Exploration
26°C
AVG Temperature
7-9 HRs
Sunshine
2"
AVG Monthly Rainfall
27-28°C
AVG Sea Temperature
By July, Jamaica is at its hottest, with an average temperature of 28°C, falling again to 27°C as autumn arrives. By September, there’s much more rainfall and an average of 14 rainy days as the wet season takes hold.
Best Time for Indoor Activities and Cultural Exploration
27-28°C
AVG Temperature
6-8 HRs
Sunshine
4"
AVG Monthly Rainfall
28°C
AVG Sea Temperature
As autumn turns into winter, Jamaica’s average temperature falls from 27°C to 25°C by December. October is the rainiest month, with the end of the year bringing some of the most rain.
Best Time for Lush Landscape Exploration and Mild Weather Activities
25-27°C
AVG Temperature
6-8 HRs
Sunshine
5"
AVG Monthly Rainfall
27°C
AVG Sea Temperature
Geography
Situated just off the Greater Antilles Island arc, Jamaica is southwest of Haiti and Cuba. An unusually mountainous island with many fine waterfalls, almost half of Jamaica is 300m above sea level. Unlike many Caribbean islands, Jamaica is formed mainly from limestone rock dated to the Cretaceous period rather than being volcanic in origin.
History
Archaeologists believe that Jamaica was first inhabited around 600 AD by indigenous people, the Redware tribe. Two hundred years later, this clan was replaced by the Arawak, who settled on many of the Caribbean islands during this time. Christopher Columbus discovered Jamaica in 1494 on one of his voyages to The New World, calling the island ‘Xaymaca’, which has since been anglicised to Jamaica. This name means ‘the land of food and water’. In 1655, the English captured Jamaica from the Spanish and slavery was officially abolished in the country in 1833. Jamaica gained full independence from the British in 1962.
