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Jamestown

Jamestown travel guide

City in New York, United States

Best time to visitAugust to September
Nearest airportJHW · 4 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−4
Population28,712

About Jamestown

Jamestown is a city in southern Chautauqua County, New York, United States. The population was 28,712 at the 2020 census. Situated between Lake Erie to the north and the Allegheny National Forest to the south, Jamestown is the largest city in the county. Nearby Chautauqua Lake is a freshwater resource used by fishermen, boaters, and naturalists.

Places to visit in Jamestown

  1. National Comedy Center

    National Comedy Center

    Museum

    An interactive museum dedicated to the history and art of comedy, with personalized exhibits, stand-up recordings and archival material. It is a fun, high-tech stop in Lucille Ball's hometown.

  2. Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum

    Museum

    A museum celebrating the stars of I Love Lucy, with costumes, memorabilia and recreated sets from the classic television series. Fans can also explore murals of Lucille Ball around downtown.

  3. Chautauqua Lake

    Chautauqua Lake

    Nature · 9 mi from centre

    A long lake just northwest of Jamestown lined with small towns, marinas and parks. It is popular for boating, fishing and summer cottages, and the lakeshore roads make a scenic drive.

  4. Chautauqua Institution

    Chautauqua Institution

    Historic · 14 mi from centre

    A historic lakeside community known for its summer season of lectures, concerts, theater and religious programs. Its Victorian cottages and tree-shaded walkways are pleasant to explore on foot.

  5. Roger Tory Peterson Institute

    Museum · 2 mi from centre

    A nature center honoring the Jamestown-born author of famous bird field guides, with exhibits of his artwork and wildlife art. The wooded grounds have short trails for spotting birds.

  6. Panama Rocks Scenic Park

    Nature

    A privately run park southwest of Jamestown with a trail winding through large ancient rock formations, crevices and small caves. A memorable, easy hike in a forested setting during the warmer months.

Where to stay in Jamestown

Popular hotels in Jamestown, out of 13 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Jamestown

Best time to visit Jamestown

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Jamestown is August to September, when average daytime highs are around 74–76°F and rain falls on about 9 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 18° – 29° 20
Feb 20° – 37° 12
Mar 29° – 50° 14
Apr 38° – 58° 16
May 49° – 67° 18
Jun 59° – 77° 16
Jul 62° – 81° 15
Aug 58° – 76° 10
Sep 54° – 74° 8
Oct 42° – 61° 10
Nov 34° – 47° 17
Dec 20° – 34° 20

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.

Jamestown weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 61° 35° 0%
  • Thu 22 Oct 61° 38° 0%
  • Fri 23 Oct 58° 38° 0%
  • Sat 24 Oct 60° 36° 0%
  • Sun 25 Oct 64° 39° 1%
  • Mon 26 Oct 64° 46° 7%

Know before you go

Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
English
Calling code
+1
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/New_YorkUTC−4
Capital
Washington, D.C.

Upcoming public holidays in United States

  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Presidents DayWashington's Birthday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Jamestown

These are the airports closest to central Jamestown. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • JHW Chautauqua County-Jamestown Airport4 mi (7 km) from the city centre
Search flights to Jamestown

Getting around Jamestown

You will need a car as public transportation is very limited. Chautauqua Area Regional Transit System (CARTS, soon to be rebranded CHQ Transit) has small buses that travel around Jamestown and into the western suburbs, but the schedules and routes are more suited to residents' needs than those of tourists.

Jamestown travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Jamestown?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Jamestown is August to September, when average daytime highs are around 74–76°F and rain falls on about 9 days a month.

What is the weather like in Jamestown?

July is usually the warmest month in Jamestown, with average highs of 81°F (27°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 18°F (-8°C). The wettest month is typically April, with about 155 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Jamestown?

Chautauqua County-Jamestown Airport (JHW) is the closest airport, about 4 miles (7 km) from the centre of Jamestown.

What time zone is Jamestown in?

Jamestown uses the America/New_York time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Jamestown?

You will need a car as public transportation is very limited. Chautauqua Area Regional Transit System (CARTS, soon to be rebranded CHQ Transit) has small buses that travel around Jamestown and into the western suburbs, but the schedules and routes are more suited to residents' needs than those of tourists.

What are the best places to visit in Jamestown?

Top sights in Jamestown include National Comedy Center, Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, Chautauqua Lake and Chautauqua Institution. An interactive museum dedicated to the history and art of comedy, with personalized exhibits, stand-up recordings and archival material. It is a fun, high-tech stop in Lucille Ball's hometown.

Where should I stay in Jamestown?

Popular areas for hotels in Jamestown include Jamestown and Carringtown. Well-reviewed options include My Place Hotel - Jamestown, ND and Hampton Inn & Suites Jamestown.

How many hotels can I book in Jamestown?

Destina Holidays currently lists 13 properties in and around Jamestown, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.