Montego Bay
Country: Jamaica · Region: Western Caribbean · Currency: Jamaican Dollar
Montego Bay is Jamaica's tourist capital and second-largest city, known as a popular cruise destination with duty-free shopping, beautiful beaches, and water activities. The cruise port (Montego Freeport) is about 3 km south of downtown, with easy access to attractions and local culture.
Top sights
Doctor's Cave Beach, Rose Hall Great House, Dunn's River Falls, Mayfield Falls, Rockland Bird Sanctuary, Cornwall Beach
Things to do
- Rose Hall Great House
- Historic Georgian plantation house museum on a hilltop with ocean views offering a glimpse into Jamaica's colonial history.
- Dunn's River Falls & Park
- Scenic waterfall in Ocho Rios about two hours from Montego Bay where tourists can climb the cascading falls in a human chain.
- Mayfield Falls
- A less-touristy waterfall option 1.5 hours southwest of Montego Bay where guided tours include climbing, jumping in pools, and diving through tunnels.
- Rockland Bird Sanctuary
- Nature sanctuary located on Rocklands Road featuring a variety of bird species and peaceful grounds.
Beaches
- Doctor's Cave Beach
- Famous sheltered beach with crystal clear turquoise waters offering swimming and snorkeling, located on Gloucester Avenue.
- Cornwall Beach
- Beach offering snorkeling, swimming, and other fun activities with palm trees for shade.
Where to eat
- Pier One Seafood
- Open-air restaurant on Howard Cooke Boulevard serving seafood and tropical drinks with views of the bay.
- Pork Pit
- Restaurant on Gloucester Avenue serving Jamaica's best jerk chicken and pork cooked over coals.
Bars and nightlife
- Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville
- Tourist spot on Gloucester Avenue featuring jerk and curry chicken, entertainment, a hot tub, and a 110-foot water slide into the ocean.
Forecast for Montego Bay
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Weather in Montego Bay by month
Averages from 2015 to 2024, not a forecast. Within about two weeks of a date, the live forecast above is the one to trust.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rainfall | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 83°F | 72°F | 2.1 in | 12 |
| February | 83°F | 71°F | 2.1 in | 11 |
| March | 84°F | 72°F | 2.7 in | 15 |
| April | 86°F | 73°F | 3.8 in | 20 |
| May | 87°F | 75°F | 7.7 in | 24 |
| June | 88°F | 76°F | 5.4 in | 19 |
| July | 88°F | 77°F | 4.1 in | 18 |
| August | 89°F | 77°F | 5.5 in | 22 |
| September | 89°F | 77°F | 6.5 in | 24 |
| October | 87°F | 76°F | 7.7 in | 25 |
| November | 84°F | 75°F | 4.5 in | 18 |
| December | 83°F | 74°F | 2.6 in | 14 |
Getting around
Taxis from the cruise terminal to downtown cost about US$10, or take the shuttle bus service (US$2 per person each way); within town, Gloucester Avenue is walkable and lined with shops and restaurants.
What to eat
Try jerk chicken and pork at Pork Pit on Gloucester Avenue, or enjoy fresh seafood at Pier One Seafood with bay views; Red Stripe beer and tropical drinks are popular.
Tips
Book tours through recognized companies and avoid unmarked taxis; your hotel can recommend trustworthy drivers like Frankly or Smith.
Best for
Beaches, snorkeling, water activities, shopping
More ports in Western Caribbean
Belize City · Costa Maya · Cozumel · Falmouth · Grand Cayman · Ocho Rios · Progreso · Roatan