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Montego Bay

Montego Bay travel guide

City in Cornwall, Jamaica

Things to do49 experiences
Best time to visitJanuary to February
Nearest airportMBJ · 3 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−5
Population123,994

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.

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.

How long
  • 3-6 hours 10
  • Over 6 hours 8
Good for
  • Youth 13
  • Couples 13
  • Families 12
  • Senior 10
Browse all things to do in Montego Bay

Top experiences in Montego Bay

Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 49 available.

See all things to do in Montego Bay

Where to stay in Montego Bay

Popular hotels in Montego Bay, out of 88 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Montego Bay

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.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 73° – 84° 11
Feb 72° – 83° 9
Mar 73° – 86° 17
Apr 74° – 86° 16
May 76° – 88° 20
Jun 77° – 89° 23
Jul 77° – 89° 21
Aug 78° – 89° 20
Sep 77° – 90° 22
Oct 77° – 87° 27
Nov 75° – 85° 20
Dec 74° – 84° 16

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.

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
Search flights to Montego Bay

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 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.