When to Go & Travel Tips
Jamaica is warm year-round. Rain and hurricane risk are the bigger seasonal factors. Airports, money and getting around are here too.
When to go
Mid-December to mid-April
The driest and busiest season, and the most popular with Canadians escaping winter. Book early, especially around school holidays.
Late April to early June
Warm, a little quieter, and often better value. Showers usually come and go quickly.
June to November
Atlantic hurricane season, with the highest risk from August to October. Travel insurance with trip cancellation and interruption coverage matters more in these months. I don't sell travel insurance directly, but I can connect you with someone on Trevello's support team who can help arrange coverage.
Hurricane Melissa: where things stand
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in southwestern Jamaica as a Category 5 storm on October 28, 2025 — the strongest on record to hit the island. Communities in the west and southwest took the heaviest damage.
Jamaica is open to visitors, flights have returned, and most resorts in Negril, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios are welcoming guests again. Some properties, particularly along the Rose Hall strip east of Montego Bay, are still rebuilding, with several reopening dates set for late 2026 or 2027.
Before booking, I confirm the current status of the specific resort and any excursions you have in mind, rather than relying on last year’s reviews or photos.
Getting there and arriving
- Sangster International (MBJ) in Montego Bay handles most holiday flights. Norman Manley International (KIN) serves Kingston.
- Non-stop flights run from several Canadian cities, mostly into Montego Bay, with the most seats in winter.
- Canadians do not need a visa for a tourist visit. Bring a valid passport and proof of onward or return travel.
Getting around
- Use taxis arranged by your hotel or licensed by JUTA, identified by red-and-white PP licence plates. Taxis are not metered, so agree on the fare first.
- Pre-book airport transfers, especially if you are staying in Negril, Ocho Rios or Port Antonio.
- Book excursions through your resort or a reputable, licensed operator.
- Seatbelts are mandatory in cars and taxis, and helmets on scooters and motorcycles.
Practical notes
- The currency is the Jamaican dollar (JMD). US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas. Plugs are type A and B, 110 V — the same as Canada.
- Tipping policies vary by resort: some all-inclusives include gratuities and others do not.
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent.
- The Government of Canada advises a high degree of caution, mainly because of violent crime outside tourist areas. Most visitors stay in resort areas and travel with licensed transfers and reputable tour operators. Avoid walking alone at night.
Entry rules and advisories change. Before you book and again before you fly, check travel.gc.ca.
Jamaica planning questions
Is Jamaica open to tourists after Hurricane Melissa?
Yes. Jamaica is open, flights have returned, and most resorts and attractions have reopened. Some properties, particularly around Rose Hall near Montego Bay, are still rebuilding into 2027. I check the status of each resort and excursion before booking.
Which part of Jamaica is best for a first trip?
For a classic beach week, Negril or Montego Bay. Negril has the long beach and sunsets; Montego Bay has the shortest airport transfer. If waterfalls and excursions are the priority, Ocho Rios is better placed. Port Antonio suits travellers who want quieter, greener and more independent.
Is Jamaica safe for tourists?
The Government of Canada advises a high degree of caution in Jamaica, mainly because of violent crime outside tourist areas. Most visitors stay in resort areas and travel with licensed transfers and reputable tour operators without trouble. Use JUTA-licensed or hotel-arranged taxis, avoid walking alone at night, and check travel.gc.ca before you go.
Do Canadians need a visa for Jamaica?
Canadians do not need a visa for a tourist visit. You will need a valid passport and proof of onward or return travel. Entry rules can change, so check travel.gc.ca before you fly.
Let’s plan your Jamaica trip
Tell me who is travelling, when, and whether you are picturing an all-inclusive, a boutique stay or a bit of both. I’ll match the coast and the resort, confirm what is open, and book the transfers.
The initial 30-minute consultation is complimentary. The professional research fee is $50 per traveller aged 2 or older, paid before research begins.