Jamaica

A bass line drifts from a shop doorway or a passing minibus, and it is usually the first thing you meet. Reggae was born on this island, and people sing along and dance wherever the beat lands. Behind the music, green hills climb toward the Blue Mountains and the sea is always close.

The weather is hot and humid, with cooler air in the highlands and a drier south coast. Autumn brings storm season, so keep plans loose. A Local Friend picks the next stop when your plans run out, from a roadside stall to a late evening session.

0Local Gurus

0Local Friends

0Cities with Local Friends

Population

2.84 million

2025 estimate, World Bank

Independent since

6 August 1962

Independence from the UK; joined the UN on 18 September 1962.

Climate

Tropical, hot and humid

Cooler inland highlands; drier south coast; in the hurricane belt.

Capital

Kingston

Seat of national government.

Did you know?

9.58 s: 100 m world record

Set by Jamaica's Usain Bolt on 16 August 2009.

Good to know about Jamaica

Language, money, timing and the details travelers sort out before they land.

Official language: English
Official by law; most Jamaicans also speak Jamaican Patois.
Currency: Jamaican dollar (JMD)
ISO 4217 code JMD, numeric 388.
Time zone: UTC−5
One time zone nationwide; no daylight saving time.
Best time to visit: Year-round
Warm all year; Sep–Nov is hurricane season, with fewer visitors.
Area: 10,990 km²
Total surface area, World Bank, 2023

Also worth knowing

Driving side: Left
Vehicles keep to the left.
Calling code: +1876
International dialling code (ITU E.164).
UNESCO sites: 2 World Heritage Sites
1 cultural, 1 mixed; shared sites count for each state.