About Montego Bay
Montego Bay is the capital of the parish of St. James in Jamaica. The city is the fourth most populous urban area in the country, after Kingston, Spanish Town, and Portmore, all of which form the Greater Kingston Metropolitan Area, home to more than half a million people. As a result, Montego Bay is the second-largest anglophone city in the Caribbean, after Kingston.
Places to visit in Montego Bay
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Doctor's Cave Beach
Beach · 2 mi from centreA famous beach on the Hip Strip with calm, clear water and soft sand. It charges an entry fee, which includes facilities and lifeguards, so come early for a good spot.
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Rose Hall
Historic · 7 mi from centreA restored 18th-century Georgian mansion east of the city, linked to the legend of the White Witch. Join the evening tour for a spooky take on its history.
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Hip Strip
NeighborhoodThe busy tourist street along the coast, packed with bars, restaurants and souvenir shops. It is lively in the evening, but expect persistent vendors and keep valuables secure.
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Martha Brae River
Nature · 19 mi from centreA peaceful river where guides pole long bamboo rafts through tropical forest. Book a rafting trip in advance, and bring sunscreen and cash for tips.
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Dunn's River Falls
Nature · 51 mi from centreA famous waterfall near Ocho Rios that visitors climb in guided human chains. Wear water shoes with good grip, and go early to avoid cruise ship crowds.
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Negril Seven Mile Beach
Beach · 30 mi from centreA long stretch of white sand beach in the resort town of Negril, west of Montego Bay. Stay until sunset and head to Rick's Cafe on the cliffs for cliff diving and views.
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Sam Sharpe Square
HistoricThe central square of Montego Bay, honoring national hero Sam Sharpe, who led a slave rebellion in 1831. Look for the old stone Cage jail, and explore nearby shops and markets.
Things to do in Montego Bay by type
49 tours, tickets and experiences across 6 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Outdoor activities & Adventure 14 experiences Chukka Good Hope Aventure: Bamboo Rafting and River Tubing -
Gastronomy & nightlife 5 experiences Chukka Appleton Estate & YS Falls -
Cruise & Water Tours 4 experiences Discover Ocho Rios, Dunn's River Falls and 9 Miles – Full-Day Tour -
Zoo, Aquarium & Nature 4 experiences Chukka Ocean Outpost Horseback Ride 'N' Swim -
Amusement Parks 3 experiences Chukka Good Hope Ultimate Explorer Pass -
City tours 2 experiences Montego Bay City Tour
- 3-6 hours 10
- Over 6 hours 8
- Youth 13
- Couples 13
- Families 12
- Senior 10
Top experiences in Montego Bay
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 49 available.
Discover Ocho Rios, Dunn's River Falls and 9 Miles – Full-Day Tour
From $161 per adult
Montego Bay City Tour
From $47 per adult
Negril Catamaran Cruise with Transport
From $156 per adult
Negril Beach and Ricks Cafe
From $68 per adult
Negril Sunset and Dolphin Cove Admission
From $89 per adult
Negril sunset and Dolphin Cove Encounter
From $166 per adult
Negril Sunset and Dolphin Cove Swimming Tour
From $193 per adult
Chukka Appleton Estate, Black River Safari & YS Falls -Montego Bay
From $165 per adult
Montego Bay City Tour and White Witch
From $83 per adult
Chukka Good Hope Nature Explorer Pass
From $113 per adult
Chukka Good Hope Eco Explorer Pass
From $145 per adult
Chukka Good Hope Ultimate Explorer Pass
From $186 per adult
Where to stay in Montego Bay
Popular hotels in Montego Bay, out of 88 properties you can book.
Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort Spa All Inclusive
From $367 per night
Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa All In
From $322 per night
Deja Resort All Inclusive
From $224 per night
S Hotel Montego Bay
From $674 per night
The Signature Level Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton
From $413 per night
Royalton Blue Waters Autograph All-Inclusive Resor
From $300 per night
Hotel Grand A View
From $136 per night
Iberostar Waves Rose Hall Beach All Inclusive
From $476 per night
Half Moon
From $879 per night
Emerald Villas
From $97 per night
Ocean Eden Bay - Adults Only - All Inclusive
From $575 per night
Round Hill Hotel & Villas
From $851 per night
Best time to visit Montego Bay
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Montego Bay is January to February, when average daytime highs are around 83–84°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Montego Bay weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 87° 74° 83%
- Thu 22 Oct 87° 72° 49%
- Fri 23 Oct 87° 72° 88%
- Sat 24 Oct 86° 73° 88%
- Sun 25 Oct 87° 72° 65%
- Mon 26 Oct 87° 73° 79%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Jamaican dollar (JMD)1 US dollar ≈ $159
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the left
- Time zone
- America/JamaicaUTC−5
- Capital
- Kingston
Upcoming public holidays in Jamaica
- Christmas Day
- St. Stephen's DayBoxing Day
- New Year's Day
- Ash Wednesday
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Montego Bay
These are the airports closest to central Montego Bay. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- MBJ Sangster International Airport3 mi (4 km) from the city centre
Getting around Montego Bay
Gloucester Avenue-which is lined with tourist hotels, shops, and restaurants-has sidewalks on both sides and is best visited on foot. Aside from this road, walking may be considerably less safe.
By bus, taxi
Buses, minibuses and route taxis arrive and depart from the transportation station off Barnett St at the south end of St James St. There’s an inspector’s office (7AM-6PM) inside the gate where you can ask for the departure point of the bus you’re seeking.
Montego Bay travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Montego Bay?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Montego Bay is January to February, when average daytime highs are around 83–84°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.
What is the weather like in Montego Bay?
September is usually the warmest month in Montego Bay, with average highs of 90°F (32°C). February is the coolest, with average lows of 72°F (22°C). The wettest month is typically October, with about 312 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Montego Bay?
Sangster International Airport (MBJ) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (4 km) from the centre of Montego Bay.
What currency is used in Montego Bay?
Montego Bay uses the Jamaican dollar (JMD). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $159.
What time zone is Montego Bay in?
Montego Bay uses the America/Jamaica time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Montego Bay?
Gloucester Avenue-which is lined with tourist hotels, shops, and restaurants-has sidewalks on both sides and is best visited on foot. Aside from this road, walking may be considerably less safe.
What are the best places to visit in Montego Bay?
Top sights in Montego Bay include Doctor's Cave Beach, Rose Hall, Hip Strip and Martha Brae River. A famous beach on the Hip Strip with calm, clear water and soft sand. It charges an entry fee, which includes facilities and lifeguards, so come early for a good spot.
What are the top things to do in Montego Bay?
Popular experiences you can book in Montego Bay include Discover Ocho Rios, Dunn's River Falls and 9 Miles – Full-Day Tour, Montego Bay City Tour and Negril Catamaran Cruise with Transport. Destina Holidays offers 49 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Montego Bay?
The most popular types of experiences in Montego Bay are outdoor activities & adventure (14), gastronomy & nightlife (5), cruise & water tours (4) and zoo, aquarium & nature (4). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Montego Bay?
Popular areas for hotels in Montego Bay include Montego Bay and Falmouth. Well-reviewed options include Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort Spa All Inclusive and Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa All In.
How many hotels can I book in Montego Bay?
Destina Holidays currently lists 88 properties in and around Montego Bay, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
