What is the best time of year to go to Jamaica?

What is the best time of year to go to Jamaica?, Contributed by Nicola Fuller

So, you’re thinking about your next vacation - and Jamaica, the land of reggae, sea, sun and fun is on your radar?

Well, truth be told, the old saying "timing is everything” does play a key role in ensuring you get the best experience possible - depending on your style, taste and preferences.

If you press me hard enough though, I'd say the best time to visit Jamaica is... Christmas Time!

That said, here are a few things you may need to consider when contemplating the perfect timing for your Jamaican get-away.

1. Weather

   
   If you want warm beaches and long sunny days, you need to be aware that Jamaica like many other places with tropical climates are prone to hurricanes, the hurricane season begins June 1 and ends November 30, with a historical peak within August.
   
   If, you’re planning a trip between June 1st and November 30th, educate yourself on the any storm development that may affect the Caribbean and always opt for travel insurance. Read more about the Jamaican climate here.
   
   Mid-December to mid-April is statistically the tourism peak period where visitor records is consistently higher but so are the hotel rates. It’s the time of year when persons want to escape the winter cold for sunny days and the Caribbean’s cool night breeze.
   
   As there is higher demand, if booking a trip during December to April, I recommend that you do it months in advance to ensure hotel occupancy and secure plane seat - seriously.
   
   
   

2. Cost / Price

   
   Coming to Jamaica doesn’t necessarily have to cost an arm and a leg, if you chose to visit Jamaica during the tourism off-season, where hotel occupancy is typically lower, you may be able to tap into better deals for air fare and hotels during the months of mid-April to mid-November.
   
   Some hotels and tour deals can easily be less that 50% of the original cost. The off-season means no over-crowded beaches and greater access to restaurants, tours and available flights to Jamaica.
   
   Keep in mind however that hotel staff may be reduced to match the reduced occupancy and there is a slight chance that the hotel may schedule renovations during the off season.
   
   

3. Cultural Events

   
   Jamaica is known for its beautiful beaches, but if you want more than the beaches and all-inclusive hotel experience, plan your vacation to bask in the rich Jamaican culture.
   
   Below, is a list of most popular events (meaning, there is even more) in chronological order
   
   

   January

   
   The Accompong Maroon Festival
   A cultural festival that celebrates the war and peace treaty between the maroons and the British.
   Date: January 6, 2018
   Location: Accompong Town, Saint Elizabeth
   Website: http://www.kensdreamvacation.com
   
   Rebel Salute
   Reggae musical festival that started out as the birthday celebration of Reggae icon Tony Rebel. It is now in its 20th year drawing reggae lovers from all over the world.
   Date: 2nd or 3rd week in January
   Location: Richmond Estate Priory, St Ann
   Website http://www.rebelsalutejamaica.com
   
   

   February

   
   Bob Marley Celebrations
   Weeklong celebration of the life of Robert “Nesta” Marley, the world renowned reggae music icon.
   Date: February 1-6
   Location: Bob Marley Museum Kingston. Jamaica
   Website: http://www.bobmarleyfoundation.org
   
   

   March

   
   March Spring Break - sees students from American colleges converging in Jamaica, mainly Negril and Montego Bay to let off steam.
   
   
   

   April

   
   Jamaica International Kite Festival
   Day filled with Kite flying of all shape and sizes and concert.
   Date: April 2, 2018
   Location: Grizzley's Plantation, Richmond, Saint Ann
   Contact: darienhenry@gmail.com
   
   

   May

   
   Tmrw Tday Culture Fest
   Seven-day journey of consciousness exploration and enhancement, through nature, wellness, music, dance and art.
   Date: May 1-6
   Location: Negril, Jamaica
   Website: http://https://tmrwtday.com
   
   

   Mocha Fest

   
   Seven drink Inclusive parties over 5 days, which includes A Mardi Gras Beach Parade, featuring dancehall household name ‘Spice”
   Date: May 23-30
   Location: Jamwest Adventure Park Negril, Jamaica
   Website: http://www.mochafest.com/
   
   

   June

   
   Jamaica Ocho Rios Jazz Festival
   Jamaica International Ocho Rios Jazz Festival showcases world renowned international and Caribbean musicians and artists and it a great avenue to new talents to be exposed to the world”
   Date: June 3-8
   Location: Ocho Rios, St Ann
   Website: http://www.ochoriosjazzja.com
   
   

   July

   
   Fun in the Sun
   Jamaica’s biggest gospel concert showcasing local and international talent alike. Thousands of Jamaicans and international visitors flock this concert yearly.
   Date: July 14, 2018
   Location: National Heroes Park, Kingston Jamaica
   Website: http://www.funinthesonjam.com
   
   
   Reggaue Sumfest - The Biggest Reggae Show In Jamaica
   Annual 5-day music festival
   Date: Mid July each year
   Location: Montego Bay, Jamaica
   Website: www.reggaesumfest.com
   
   

   August

   
   Mobay Jerk Festival
   Come experience the famous authentic Jamaican Jerk and reggae and dancehall music with an outdoor vibe, festival is family friendly.
   Date: August 1, 2018
   Location: Montego Bay, St James
   Website: http://montegobayjerkfestival.com/main
   
   

   September

   
   World tourism day
   A day to build tourism awareness within Jamaica and the world.
   Date: September 27
   Location: Kingston
   Contact: 876-920-4926
   
   

   October

   
   Jamaica Food and Drink Festival
   If you’ve never experienced a Jamaican food festival, you don’t want to miss this one, visit Jamaica to experience the heart of Jamaica through its food and spirits prepared by featured chefs and culinary artistes.
   Date: October 28- November 1
   Location: Hope Gardens Kingston, Jamaica
   Website: http://www.jafoodanddrink.com/
   
   

   November

   
   Jamaica Classic
   “This is an inaugural National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division Men’s Basketball Tournament”.
   Date: November 17-19th
   Location: Montego Bay, Convention Centre
   Website: http://www.JamaicaClassic.com
   
   

   December

   
   Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon and 10k
   Reggae Marathon & Half Marathon incorporates the reggae vibe into marathon running for sport veterans and beginners alike.
   Date: December 1-2
   Location: Negril, Jamaica
   Website: http://www.reggaemarathon.com
   
   For more information use the below links:
   
   
   
   • Jamaica Tourist Board www.jtbonline.org
     
   • Meteorological Service of Jamaica www.metservice.gov.jm
     
   • www.visitjamaica.com
     

New! Get My Latest Book👇🏿

You asked, I've answered! You no longer need to save for months or years, to enjoy paradise! JAMAICA On A Budget is your passport to experiencing what I call 'The Real Jamaica' on a budget! I spilled the beans! sharing my top tips on finding cozy accommodations and secret gems, only the way a native could! Click Here to pick it up on my e-store and start saving now!

See The Best Of Jamaica - In Videos!

My channel reaches over 140,000 subscribers worldwide and has leveraged over 11 million views, sharing, what I call 'The Real Jamaica'. Subscribe today and join our family of viewers.

Read More ...