When to Go

High season in Jamaica runs roughly from mid-December through mid-April. From May through mid-December, you can save from 20% to as much as 40% on rates, more if you use value-oriented travel packagers. There are several annual events in Jamaica that draw huge numbers of visitors.

Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival is in Montego Bay each January.

In Ocho Rios, the biggest event of the year is the Jamaica Ocho Rios International Jazz Festival held each June.

Reggae Sumfest is usually sometime between mid-July and early August.

The Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament is held every October.

The largest islandwide festival is Carnival, which is held in Kingston, Ocho Rios, and Mo'Bay every March and April and in Negril every May.