Jamaica is the largest English speaking island in the Caribbean; this is one of many reasons Jamaica is such a popular vacation destination. Another reason is the nice year round weather on the island. The annual average temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The hottest months are in the summer, from May to September. While hurricane season is officially June – November, Jamaica usually sees the largest weather impact in September. Of course I was there in August last year and we were visited by a hurricane. The “winter” season (December to March) is appreciably cooler. Areas of high altitude have chilly times. For example, the Blue Mountain Peak has an average temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit, and sometimes cooler, depending on the time of year or weather. The lower altitude (think beach!!) areas are still very nice during the winter season with an average temperature closer to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. December through April often is the best weather for your vacation, while May – November is often the best value.
SANDALS WHITEHOUSE JEWEL RUNAWAY BAY
One of my favorite reasons to visit Jamaica is the people and the culture. The people are warm, kind, hospitable, and downright fun!! Sometimes things do tend to be on “island time”, but no worries, it will get done, and it will be fun!
The main tourist areas of Jamaica are Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Negril. Runaway Bay and the South Coast also have some great options for your vacation. Jamaica offers the perfect blend of romance, quiet time, adventure, and excitement. There are activities and attractions all over this amazing island! Water sports – you name it, it’s here. Hiking, river tubing, cave tubing, zip lining, Bob Marly museum, Margaritaville, Appleton Rum estate tours (tasting included!), horseback riding, golf and so much more.
Montego Bay, Jamaica is where the majority of the flights land for the vacation destinations. Montego Bay is a lively destination with a wide variety of resorts to suit any needs. Montego Bay offers travelers to Jamaica a fantastic opportunity to experience the hustle and bustle of an energetic island city set in the midst of absolute paradise with awe-inspiring all-inclusive resorts, myriad golf courses to choose from, wonderful shopping and more.
Ocho Rios, Jamaica is about a 75 minute ride from the airport in Montego Bay, but it is worth the wait! Ocho Rios offers a mixture of natural beauty, including spectacular bodies of water encompassed by gorgeous, lush greenery. One of the area’s best-known attractions is Dunn’s River Falls, a 600 foot stair-stepped waterfall that cascades down the mountain. A sight not to be missed! Climbing the water falls is a great activity! You will make friends very fast as you are part of a human chain climbing the falls!
Negril, Jamaica is on the west end of the island, about 45 minutes from the airport, and offers the most stunning beach on the island (in my opinion). 7-mile beach is a world famous stretch of the white sand quintessential Caribbean beach. This is a hugely popular honeymoon or romance destination as it tends to be much more peaceful and tranquil.
While Sandals is the most well-known resort chain on the island, there are many fabulous resorts to choose from; there is literally something for everyone! Just this week alone I have stayed at The Jewel Runaway Bay, Sandals Whitehouse, and I will be staying at Secrets Wild Orchid before I return home. Be sure to keep an eye on my Facebook page as I will be posting pictures and updates from my Jamaica experience this week!
Kelley