What the governments of the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada tell their own citizens about travelling to Jamaica, in their own words, plus practical help with packing.
Travel advice levels
Each government rates the risks for its own citizens, on its own scale. The levels are shown exactly as published; they are not equivalent to each other and are not combined here.
UK
United KingdomForeign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Does not advise against travel
No numbered levels
Updated 6 May 2026
Latest change, in the source's words:New information on incidents of sexual assault in tourist areas and advice on personal safety measures ('Safety and security' page).
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
Emergency numbers
From the section “Emergency services in Jamaica” of the UK government's travel advice for Jamaica, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Ambulance: 110
Fire: 110
Police: 119
Local laws and customs
From the section “Laws and cultural differences” of the UK government's travel advice for Jamaica, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
It’s illegal to smoke marijuana (ganja) in Jamaica. There are penalties for all drug offences including those involving marijuana. For possession of amounts of up to 2 ounces you will get a fine of 500 Jamaican dollars, to be paid within 30 days. Severe penalties apply for all other drug related offences, including attempting to export narcotics.
All prison sentences are served in full in Jamaica. Prison conditions are harsh. Always pack your own luggage and do not carry anything through customs for someone else.
LGBT+ travellers
Male same-sex sexual activity is illegal, but the law is not always strictly enforced. The attitude of many Jamaicans towards same-sex relationships is hostile. Be mindful of local attitudes and be aware that showing affection in public may receive unwanted attention.
Take care when using dating apps in Jamaica, especially those used by the LGBT+ community. Criminals have used apps to lure victims to meet in a public place but later assault and rob them.
From the section “Medication” of the UK government's travel advice for Jamaica, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
From the section “Extreme weather and natural disasters” of the UK government's travel advice for Jamaica, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Hurricane season is normally from June to November. We are seeing more uncharacteristic weather in Jamaica and the region is increasingly vulnerable to climate change impacts.
Hurricanes can cause fallen trees, damaged or blocked roads and flooding. Check your route in advance. Exercise caution in areas close to swamps, rivers, gullies and mangroves.
Practical suggestions from Trip Rulebook, based on open data and fixed rules. They are not safety or legal advice: rules on clothing, medicines and restricted items are covered only by the official text on this page.
Chargers and plugs
Plug typesAB
Voltage110/190 V
Frequency50 Hz
Plug and voltage data: Wikipedia, “Mains electricity by country”, CC BY-SA 4.0 (licence), retrieved 2026-09-29. Sockets in hotels can differ; the label on your charger (for example “INPUT 100–240V”) tells you which voltages it accepts.
Clothes for the weather
Rainfall Average temperature
January
Average
24 °C (76 °F)
Lows
20 °C (67 °F)
Highs
29 °C (84 °F)
Rain
78 mm (3.1 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Some rain on average: a compact umbrella.
February
Average
25 °C (76 °F)
Lows
20 °C (68 °F)
Highs
29 °C (84 °F)
Rain
62 mm (2.4 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Some rain on average: a compact umbrella.
March
Average
25 °C (77 °F)
Lows
21 °C (69 °F)
Highs
29 °C (85 °F)
Rain
106 mm (4.2 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Frequent rain on average: a rain jacket or umbrella.
April
Average
26 °C (78 °F)
Lows
22 °C (71 °F)
Highs
30 °C (86 °F)
Rain
142 mm (5.6 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Frequent rain on average: a rain jacket or umbrella.
May
Average
26 °C (79 °F)
Lows
23 °C (73 °F)
Highs
30 °C (86 °F)
Rain
280 mm (11.0 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very wet month on average: waterproof jacket, quick-dry clothes and a dry bag.
June
Average
27 °C (80 °F)
Lows
23 °C (74 °F)
Highs
31 °C (87 °F)
Rain
134 mm (5.3 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Frequent rain on average: a rain jacket or umbrella.
July
Average
27 °C (81 °F)
Lows
23 °C (73 °F)
Highs
31 °C (88 °F)
Rain
165 mm (6.5 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Frequent rain on average: a rain jacket or umbrella.
August
Average
27 °C (81 °F)
Lows
23 °C (74 °F)
Highs
32 °C (89 °F)
Rain
168 mm (6.6 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Frequent rain on average: a rain jacket or umbrella.
September
Average
27 °C (80 °F)
Lows
23 °C (73 °F)
Highs
31 °C (88 °F)
Rain
226 mm (8.9 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very wet month on average: waterproof jacket, quick-dry clothes and a dry bag.
October
Average
26 °C (79 °F)
Lows
23 °C (73 °F)
Highs
30 °C (86 °F)
Rain
312 mm (12.3 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very wet month on average: waterproof jacket, quick-dry clothes and a dry bag.
November
Average
26 °C (78 °F)
Lows
22 °C (71 °F)
Highs
30 °C (86 °F)
Rain
200 mm (7.9 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Frequent rain on average: a rain jacket or umbrella.
December
Average
25 °C (77 °F)
Lows
21 °C (69 °F)
Highs
30 °C (85 °F)
Rain
119 mm (4.7 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Frequent rain on average: a rain jacket or umbrella.
National averages for 1991-2020. Coasts, mountains and regions can be very different, and any given year can be warmer, colder or wetter. Suggestions come from fixed rules based on these averages. Climate data: World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal, observed climate data (CRU TS), CRU TS (cru_ts4.09), Climatic Research Unit, University of East Anglia, CC BY 4.0 (licence).
Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality and change often, so Trip Rulebook does not summarise them. Each government explains the rules for its own citizens. If you travel on another passport, check with the embassy or the official immigration website of Jamaica.
This page is guidance, not legal advice. Laws and advice change without notice and are written for each government's own citizens, so they may apply to you differently. Confirm everything with the official source before you travel. Terms of use.