Headed on an island adventure? Or ready to relax? Be prepared for sunshine and warm weather in Jamaica with plenty of opportunities to sit by the beach at a resort, or go for an adventure to explore the natural beauty of the country.
Don’t know what to pack for Jamaica? We created this packing list for you as a guideline to prepare for your trip, including a downloadable checklist for you to print out.
Contents
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Climate in Jamaica
Temperature in Jamaica
You’re likely on your way to Jamaica because of the beach and sunny weather and that’s what you should expect year round. This graph gives you an overview of Montego Bay in the north coast of Jamaica’s average high and low temperature by month:
July and August are typically the hottest months of the year, followed by June and September, with most months following closely behind.
Rainfall in Jamaica
The wettest season in the Montego Bay area of Jamaica is autumn and winter, with October being the month with the most rainfall followed by November.
What’s the rain really like? I visited Montego Bay in November and my phone’s weather app would show rain for about one to three hours during the day. During these hours in the afternoon it did rain, but more like a light drizzle and not very consistently. Plus, you might be in the pool or ocean so you’ll be wet anyway.
What to Pack
Bags
- One suitcase or large backpack
- Daypack for everyday use
Luggage
You won’t need to bring big bulky sweaters and jackets to Jamaica. Your clothes will be lighter and thinner so try fitting it all in a carry on bag like one of Victorinox’s lightweight carry on roller suitcases, the Victorinox Spectra Carry-On.
But if you’re a heavy packer, prefer to bring several options of every outfit or are staying for an extended amount of time, bring a large suitcase. Most visitors to Jamaica will stay at a resort and remain there. So you can bring this large suitcase like the Dakine Split Roller DLX Bag and leave it in your room for the duration of your stay. No need to lug it around everywhere from destination to destination like in other countries where you may encounter an on the go style of traveling.
Read More: Eco Friendly Luggage for the Sustainable Traveler
Daypacks
- Beach bag: Bring a large beach bag to dump all your necessary beach items in and head right to the beach. One from bagallini will fit these things, plus exterior straps to put your towel in and a front pocket for your phone.
- Daypack backpack: If you’re going on an adventurous excursion around the island, bring a backpack with you for all your essentials. This lightweight and easy to pack backpack is under $25.
Clothing
This is for staying at an all-inclusive resort for four nights, including a day trip outside for an adventure of some sort. Use this list as a guideline for packing and add any other necessities you may need.
Clothes to Pack for Men
- 2 swim shorts
- 1 light sweater (for plane or air conditioned places)
- 3 t-shirts
- 2 dress shirts (for dinners)
- 2 pairs of shorts
- 1 long chinos or khakis
- pajamas
- 4 underwear (or more if not hand washing or using laundry service)
- sandals/flip flops
- dress shoes for dinners
- walking shoes
- 2 pairs of socks
- workout clothing (optional, if headed to resort’s gym)
- hiking shoes (optional)
- hiking/adventure travel pants (optional)
Clothes to Pack for Women
- 2 bathing suits
- 1 cover up
- 1 light sweater (for plane or air conditioned places)
- 1 t-shirt
- 2 pairs of shorts
- 2 blouses
- 2 dresses or skirts (for dinners)
- accessories (costume jewelry, belts)
- pajamas
- 4 underwear (or more if not hand washing or using laundry service)
- 2 bras
- sandals/flip flops
- dress sandals for dinners
- walking shoes
- 2 pairs of socks
- workout clothing (optional, if headed to resort’s gym)
- hiking shoes (optional)
- hiking/adventure travel pants (optional)
Footwear
- 1 sandals/flip flops
- 1 dress shoes for dinners
- 1 walking shoes
- 1 hiking shoes (optional)
For walking/hiking shoes, the Garmont Tikals are a lightweight hiking and walking shoe. Read our review of the Garmont Tikals here.
Toiletries and Hygiene
If you’re traveling with just a carry on bag, remember to adhere to the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule. And to pack extra light, you don’t need to bring shampoo, conditioner or body wash since the resort will provide these things. That is, unless you need to use specific products.
We list out all the details plus of bringing toiletries, plus a toiletries packing list. Check out our printable Toiletries Packing List so you won’t forget any toiletries.
Read More: Toiletries Packing List
Electronics to Pack for Jamaica
- Phone
- Chargers for phones, external batteries and laptops
- Laptop
- Camera and gear (lenses, tripods)
A lot of new and updated resorts will have USB ports so you don’t need an adapter or converter. If you’re from the US, you won’t need an adapter.
Travel Essentials and Miscellaneous
- Passport with appropriate visa
- Americans do not need a visa for visiting Jamaica. A visa is only required if you plan on staying in Jamaica for over 90 days per the U.S. Department of State.
- Wallet
- Credit cards
- Cash (it’s always a good idea to bring a few notes just in case and for tipping)
- Luggage lock
- Keep your belongings secure. Check out our list of 7 Best Luggage Locks for Travelers, which are all TSA friendly and inexpensive.
- Sunglasses
- Small purse for bringing small items out to dinners
- Fitness watch like one from Suunto
Download a Printable Version
[click here to download a printable version of this packing list]
What Not to Bring to Jamaica
- Showy jewelry – you’ll probably be on the beach or on a hike so there’s no need to wear it or risk leaving it at your hotel.
- Umbrella – you probably won’t need it and a poncho would be of better use.
- Heels and other impractical shoes.
Top Attractions in Jamaica
- Hiking to waterfalls
- River safaris to see crocodiles
- Bicycle tour of the Blue Mountains
- Bob Marley Museum
- Relaxing at the resort’s beach
- ATV tours
- Scuba diving
- Parasailing
- Golfing
- Surfing
- See more at Visit Jamaica
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