Current Local Time
Time Zone
Jamaica Time (JAM)
UTC/GMT -5 hours
Current Weather in Kingston
30°C
Partly Cloudy
Feels like: 33°C
Wind: 15 km/h SE
Humidity: 68%
Mon
31°C
Tue
30°C
Wed
29°C
Thu
31°C
Country Information
Capital
Kingston
Population
2.8 million (2023)
Area
10,991 km²
Government
Parliamentary democracy under constitutional monarchy
Prime Minister
Andrew Holness
Currency
Jamaican Dollar (JMD)
GDP per capita
$5,200 (2023)
Languages
English (official), Jamaican Patois
Travel Information
Best Time to Visit
Dec-Apr (Dry season)
Visa Requirements
Visa not required for many nationalities (90 day stay)
Electricity
110V/50Hz (Type A/B plugs)
Driving Side
Left
Emergency Number
119 (Police), 110 (Ambulance/Fire)
Time Zone
Jamaica Time (UTC-5)
Internet TLD
.jm
Calling Code
+1 876 / +1 658
Top Attractions
Jamaica offers stunning beaches, lush mountains, vibrant culture, and world-famous music heritage.
Dunn's River Falls
Iconic terraced waterfalls cascading directly into the Caribbean Sea.
Ocho Rios
Seven Mile Beach
Pristine stretch of white sand beach in Negril with crystal clear waters.
Negril
Blue Mountains
Home to Jamaica's famous coffee and breathtaking hiking trails.
Eastern Jamaica
Bob Marley Museum
Former home of reggae legend, now a museum celebrating his life and music.
Kingston
Luminous Lagoon
Magical bioluminescent bay that glows at night when disturbed.
Falmouth
Rick's Cafe
Famous cliffside bar with stunning sunsets and daring cliff jumpers.
Negril
Historical Timeline
1494
Christopher Columbus lands in Jamaica
1509
Spanish colonization begins
1655
British capture Jamaica from Spain
1692
Port Royal earthquake destroys pirate capital
1834
Slavery abolished in British Empire
1865
Morant Bay Rebellion leads to political reforms
1938
Labor riots lead to formation of political parties
1944
Universal adult suffrage introduced
1962
Jamaica gains independence from Britain
1970s
Reggae music gains international fame
1988
Hurricane Gilbert causes widespread damage
2011
Usain Bolt becomes fastest man in history
Cultural Highlights
Ethnic Composition
Black
92.1%
Mixed
6.1%
East Indian
0.8%
Other
1.0%
Traditional Cuisine
Jerk Chicken
Ackee & Saltfish
Bammy
Callaloo
Blue Mountain Coffee
Red Stripe Beer
Music & Dance
Reggae
Dancehall
Ska
Rocksteady
Mento
Nyabinghi
Adventure Activities
From waterfall climbing to river tubing, Jamaica offers thrilling experiences.
Waterfall Climbing
Climb Dunn's River Falls with guides
Luminous Lagoon Swim
Swim in glowing bioluminescent waters
Catamaran Cruise
Sail along coast with snorkeling stops
Blue Mountain Hike
Sunrise hike to Jamaica's highest peak
River Tubing
Float down Martha Brae River on tubes
Horseback Riding
Beach or mountain trail rides
Ziplining
Canopy tours through rainforest
Scuba Diving
Explore coral reefs and shipwrecks
Jamaica on the Map
Coordinates
18.1096° N, 77.2975° W
Neighboring Countries
Cuba, Haiti, Cayman Islands
Coastline
1,022 km
Travel Tips & Advice
When to Visit
- High Season (Dec-Apr): Best weather, cultural events, higher prices
- Shoulder Season (May-Jun): Fewer crowds, beginning of rains
- Low Season (Jul-Nov): Hurricane season, best deals, lush landscapes
Getting Around
- Route Taxis: Shared taxis running fixed routes (cheapest option)
- Private Taxis: More expensive but convenient
- Rental Cars: Expensive but flexible; drive on left
- Buses: Limited but cheap intercity options
Money Matters
- Jamaican Dollar (JMD) is official currency
- US dollars widely accepted but get JMD for better rates
- ATMs available in tourist areas
- Budget $100-200 per day depending on travel style
Cultural Tips
- English is official language but Patois is widely spoken
- Greet people with "Good morning/afternoon/evening"
- Dress modestly when not at beach resorts
- Tipping expected (10-15% in restaurants)
- Respect Rastafarian culture and traditions
Fun Facts About Jamaica
Reggae Birthplace
Home of Bob Marley and reggae music
Sprint Capital
Produced fastest sprinters including Usain Bolt
Coffee Excellence
Blue Mountain coffee among world's best
Jerk Origin
Birthplace of jerk cooking technique
Rum Pioneer
Appleton Estate rum since 1749
Rainforest
28% of land is forested
Rivers
Over 120 rivers flow through island
Beaches
50+ public beaches across the island