White-sand beaches flanking turquoise water, jerk chicken shacks, and sweet reggae music set the backdrop for life in Montego Bay, Jamaica's foremost tourist destination. Here, you'll find all the trappings of a quintessential Caribbean Island destination within easy day-tripping distance of many of the island's finest attractions. Some of the best things to do in Montego Bay are beyond city limits, from the terraced cascades of Dunn's River Falls to the quiet waters of Martha Brae River, best experienced aboard a bamboo raft.
Like all of Jamaica, Montego Bay is most popular from December to April, when visitors enjoy average temperatures of 82°F (28°C) to 85°F (29°C) and gentle breezes. Given these idyllic conditions, it’s no surprise the sands get busy in winter and early spring.
January’s Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival and the island’s Carnival celebrations are also big draws. For fewer crowds, visit in spring (April through June), when it gets a little bit rainy, or in November, when the summer’s tropical hurricanes have tailed off.
There is no official public bus network in Montego Bay, so tourists use hotel courtesy shuttles and private cabs. Before jumping in a cab, however, make sure it has the red license plates issued to government-endorsed vehicles. You can also rent a car, but be ready for the frenetic traffic and bumpy roads. Alternatively, you can book guided tours or give the local route taxis a go; these cheap (often crowded) minibusses pick up and drop off along all main routes.
If you’re looking for a quick bite, skip MoBay’s fast-food chains and head to a local legend: the Pork Pit. It may be rough and ready, but this rickety, bright yellow shack sitting on Gloucester Avenue opposite Walter Fletcher Beach is famous for its super-unctuous barbecued jerk chicken. Order your meat at the smoky pit, take a seat at a picnic table in the shade of a giant cotton tree, and enjoy your meal with a cold beer for a moment of bliss.
