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Jamaica is a vibrant, tropical paradise, filled with beautiful beaches, warm weather, and delicious food. If you’ve planned a vacation to Montego Bay or other areas in the country, you may be wondering what to pack for your trip. This is especially important if you plan to participate in a variety of excursions or explore different areas of the island – which you definitely should!
My husband and I traveled to Jamaica for a wedding and visited some of their top destinations and attractions while there. Based on this experience, I’ve created this ultimate Jamaica packing list that includes everything I brought or wish I would have packed.
Let’s dive in.
What to Wear in Jamaica: Style Tips
When visiting Jamaica, you’ll want to dress comfortably for the weather. Jamaica has a tropical climate, with hot and humid temperatures year-round.
The average temperature in Jamaica is between 68℉ and 95℉ – with the hottest months being May – October. We went during November, and it was still plenty hot (keep in mind: this is coming from folks who live in New Orleans).
To beat the heat, you’ll want to pack lightweight clothing. Linen and cotton fabrics are usually a great choice for this. You may also want to avoid darker colors that attract more UV rays like black and navy blue. Likewise, jeans may not be the best choice in the heat – I normally find them sticking to my skin.
For the most part, casual clothing is the norm in Jamaica. This includes clothing such as sundresses, shorts, t-shirts, and tank tops.
However, one important note is that while swimwear is acceptable for the beach, you’ll want to wear real clothing when walking around town.
What to Wear on the Plane to Jamaica: Cute & Comfy
For your flight to Jamaica, remember: comfort is key. Consider wearing a cozy two-piece set, leggings paired with a stylish top or a maxi dress. Bring along a light jacket or sweatshirt to stay warm if the plane’s air conditioning gets chilly.
Since you’ll be going through security, opt for slip-on walking shoes that are easy to take off and put on. If you plan to bring bulkier footwear, like tennis shoes, wearing them on your travel day is a smart choice to save space in your luggage.
What to Wear in Jamaica during the Day
During the day, you’ll want to pack for the weather as the afternoons can get hot and humid in Jamaica. Casual clothing is best, especially lightweight and breezy clothes. This is the perfect opportunity to pull out your vibrant colors to match the tropical atmosphere. As previously noted, you may want to avoid darker colors like black and blue on extremely hot or sunny days.
Sundresses
A lightweight sundress is the perfect thing to wear in Jamaica. Not only are sundresses cute and stylish, but they also are a great option for keeping cool in the Jamaican sun.
Bright, colorful sundresses are common around the island, especially at the resorts.
Plus, a sundress can easily be used as a swimsuit coverup, so you can go from the beach to shops or restaurants without having to change.
Tank-Tops and T-Shirts
Since casual wear is common in Jamaica, tank tops and t-shirts are great outfit options for keeping cool on hot days.
You’ll want to make sure any shirts you bring are lightweight materials like cotton or linen. Another thing to keep in mind is the fit of your shirt. If your sweat glands work overtime like mine, you’ll want a sleeveless shirt or something flowy – really anything that allows for some breeze.
Skirts and Shorts
Shorts are a perfect choice to stay cool during the sunny hours in Jamaica. If you plan on doing activities in Jamaica, like exploring local towns or seeing waterfalls, shorts are a great choice.
Lightweight and breezy, skirts are another great option. Plus, you can easily pair a skirt with a cute top for a fun casual outfit – or dress it up with heels for dinner and a night out on the town.
Keep in mind that both can be used as a coverup for your swimwear, easily allowing you to transition from the beach to the bars.
2 Piece Coordinating Set
One of my personal favorite outfits right now is 2 piece coordinating sets. They’re currently on trend and the best part is, I don’t even have to think about matching clothes!
You can find them in any combination, pants, skirts, or shorts. Whichever one you decide to wear in Jamaica, be sure that it’s made of lightweight material.
Also note, that just because it comes as a 2 piece set doesn’t mean that you have to always wear it as a set. The top or pants alone can make for a great piece in an entirely different outfit – so don’t be afraid to get creative!
Lightweight Pants
Lightweight pants made out of lightweight materials like linen, cotton twill, or hemp are good options to wear while traveling in Jamaica. This is especially true if you choose a looser style pant leg. You won’t have to worry at all about your pants getting sweaty and sticking to you, allowing you to enjoy Jamaica in comfort.
Sandals
Sandals are a must-have when visiting Jamaica. I would bring a pair of dressier sandals to wear with a dress for the evenings, as well as a pair of more casual sandals to wear around during the day.
You may also want to consider “athletic sandals,” that way you can transition from the beach to a more adventurous activity without worrying about changing shoes.
Tennis Shoes
There’s much more to Jamaica than just lounging at the beach. For my more adventurous readers, you should look into horseback riding, ATV rentals, or ziplining.
For these activities, you’ll want to make sure to have a good pair of sturdy shoes to keep your feet safe against the rugged terrain. Some activities, like horseback riding, will even require closed-toe shoes or tennis shoes to participate – so pack accordingly!
Water Shoes
If you plan to go to Blue Hole Falls or cliff jump at any of the waterfalls, you may want to add water sandals to your Jamaica packing list. Many times you’ll have to do a little climbing to get to where you need to be. Not to mention that the waters aren’t always clear of branches, rocks, and other natural elements that may be uncomfortable to bare feet.
Jamaica Packing List: Beach Wear
One of the highlights of visiting Jamaica is spending time at the beautiful beaches. Below, you’ll find a few must-haves when deciding what to wear as you’re splashing in the sun.
Swimsuits
Of course, the most important beachwear is a swimsuit. I recommend bringing a few different swimsuits to choose from so that you have a variety of styles while there. Also, there’s nothing worse than putting on a still-wet-from-yesterday swimsuit, so bring at least 2!
Bright, colorful, and fun swimsuits are the best choice for Jamaica to match the vibrant island atmosphere. No matter if you prefer sexy swimsuits or more conservative swimsuits, all are welcome in Jamaica.
In fact, Jamaica is the perfect place to bust out those bikinis. Just make sure to have additional clothing in tow, in case you head into town.
Likewise, if you plan to participate in water activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, or jet skiing, you’ll want a comfortable swimsuit that will keep all of your parts in place, if you know what I mean.
Beach Coverups
Bringing a beach cover-up is a great idea for your trip to Jamaica. They’re highly versatile, suitable for wear around the resort, or as a stylish piece for going to and from the beach. Not to mention, cover-ups are specifically designed for a breezy, comfortable option to wear over your wet swimsuit (If you’ve ever had to pull on jeans after the beach then you know why this is important)!
There are plenty of options for beach coverups – from sundresses, kaftans, oversized shirts, rompers, and more.
I suggest bringing a couple of different coverup options, especially since most coverups can also be cute casual outfits for the daytime.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are another must-have item for Jamaica. The sun rays are strong here, so you’ll need some good protection. Keep those eyes safe and your vision clear with a quality pair of shades, preferably ones with UV-blocking properties.
Plus, sunglasses make for a cute accessory and add to any daytime or beach outfit. I personally always carry a few pairs of sunglasses as they can totally change the mood of an outfit.
Beach Bag
Bringing a waterproof beach bag is super convenient, simply toss in everything you need: your towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, coverup, a book, and anything you want.
Another option is a cute straw bag, which can be used during daytime or nighttime.
I do recommend keeping any valuables like your phone or wallet in a waterproof pouch and with you at all times, as petty theft does happen occasionally on the island.
Sunhats
Last but not least, a sun hat is a perfect accessory to wear to the beach. Not only does a chic sun hat add to your outfit, but it also protects you from the strong UV rays.
I recommend bringing a rollable sun hat that can easily fit in your luggage or beach bag.
What to Wear in Jamaica at Night
Just like during the day, you’ll want to wear something on the more casual side in Jamaica at night.
Nighttime in Jamaica is still warm, but there are still some nights when it can get slightly chilly, especially by the ocean. So, you’ll want to bring something like a lightweight sweater, jean jacket, or a pashmina scarf in case of a sea breeze.
What to Wear to Dinner in Jamaica
If you are heading to one of the all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, you’ll want to pack some smart-casual outfits for dinner.
These resorts offer several different dining experiences, from casual to fine dining, so your outfit will of course depend on where you are going. Don’t forget to check for any restaurant-specific dress codes before leaving for your trip.
For the most part, you’ll want to have a casual, yet dressy look. Nothing too fancy, but also a nice outfit for dinner and drinks.
For women, this can be a chic dress or a cute sundress paired with some nice sandals to dress it up. You can also opt for a romper or maxi dress paired with statement jewelry to add to the look.
If you’re a heels girl, you can bring them to go out to a fine dining restaurant. If you plan on going out afterward, you may choose to ask a local about the dress code as many clubs/bars are rather casual.
Jamaica Packing List: Must-Have Toiletries
Sunscreen
The UV rays are strong in Jamaica, no matter what time of year you visit. So, it is super important to add waterproof sunscreen to your Jamaica packing list.
If you plan on going snorkeling, make sure to bring some reef-safe sunscreen as this helps protect the coral reefs and marine life.
Aloe
In case you do get a sunburn, bringing some Aloe is always a great idea as it will help to heal your skin quickly and prevent peeling.
Bug Spray
Jamaica does have mosquitos, so adding bug spray to your packing list is a must. Mosquitoes tend to be more frequent in the evenings and by water. I’d also recommend wearing bug spray in forested areas, such as excursions to waterfalls.
Baby Powder
Using baby powder is one of the best ways to get sand off your skin, so it is worth bringing some for any beach vacation.
Makeup and Makeup Bag
While Jamaica has a casual vibe, you may still want to bring your favorite makeup to dress up for nighttime. I recommend bringing travel-size makeup in a small makeup bag.
Keep in mind that any liquids need to be 3.4 ounces or under in a carry-on bag, so if you have larger items you’ll want to check a bag.
Face Wipes
Face wipes are great for clearing makeup off your face at night. Jamaica is also hot and humid, so it can also be convenient to wipe away sweat during the day.
Jamaica Packing List: Essential Items
Travel Insurance
Any time you are traveling internationally, you should get travel insurance. Depending on the policy you choose, travel insurance can cover you for a variety of things – from lost bags to unexpected medical expenses.
Especially since your US health insurance is not valid overseas, getting a travel insurance policy is always a good idea.
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Waterproof Bag and Phone Case
Bringing a waterproof bag will help keep your valuables nearby and dry while on the beach. A waterproof phone case is also a good idea, especially if you want to snap some splashing pics!
Portable Power Bank
If you’re spending all day out at the beach, having a portable power bank is a great way to keep your phone charged without having to go back to your hotel room. This is also a great item for travel days.
Waterproof Speaker
Having a waterproof speaker is perfect for listening to music while out at the beach. Find one that’s compact and Bluetooth pairable for the most convenience.
What Not to Wear in Jamaica
There aren’t many rules when it comes to what you can and cannot wear in Jamaica, so for the most part you are free to dress casually and comfortably!
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when packing for Jamaica. The first is that you should leave any camouflage clothing at home, as this style of clothing is only worn by military personnel in Jamaica.
Another thing to note is that while swimwear is totally acceptable for the beach, you will want to put on shoes and clothes when entering shops and restaurants, or walking around town.
What to Wear in Jamaica by Season
Jamaica has a tropical climate with two distinctive seasons: a wet season and a dry season. Below, you’ll find a few tips on what to wear in Jamaica based on the season you are visiting.
The Wet Season (June to November)
During the wet season, Jamaica experiences frequent rainfall and hot, humid weather. Tropical storms and hurricanes can happen during this time, although major hurricanes do not hit the island very frequently.
You will want to prepare for some frequent rain showers and thunderstorms, but these typically only last 1-2 hours. If you travel in the wet season it’s a good idea to pack a poncho or rain jacket.
The Dry Season (December to May)
The dry season is a great time to visit Jamaica, as it is typically dry and sunny. Temperatures are still quite warm and average between 71°- 88° F.
It’s a perfect time to visit the beach, although you may want to pack a lightweight jacket for nighttime in case it gets chilly.
What to Wear in Jamaica
In Jamaica, you’ll find that casual clothing is common. This includes sun dresses, t-shirts, shorts, and tank tops. Due to the warm climate, you will want to opt for lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen to keep cool during the day.
While Jamaica has a warm and tropical climate, it can still get slightly chilly at night time, especially out by the water. Bringing a light jacket or a jean jacket is a great way to stay warm on cooler nights.
Shorts and other casual clothing are accepted and commonly worn in Jamaica, especially during the day. If you are staying at an all-inclusive resort, you may want to dress up in a more smart-casual attire for the evenings.
Packing List for a Week in Jamaica
Below you’ll find my recommended Jamaica packing list:
Clothes & Shoes
- A comfy outfit for traveling
- 3 sundresses or 2 piece coordinating set
- 3 pairs of shorts/skirts
- 5-7 tank tops or shirts
- Undergarments
- Lightweight jacket
- Tennis shoes or active-wear sandals
- Dressy sandals
Beach Wear
- 5-7 swimsuits
- 3 coverups
- Beach Bag
- Waterproof phone case
- Flip Flops
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
Toiletries
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen
- Aloe
- Bug Spray
- Makeup
- Toothbrush
- Deodorant
- Face Wipes
- Hair styling supplies & accessories
Electronics
- Waterproof speaker
- Headphones
- Phone charger
- Power bank
Conclusion: What to Wear in Jamaica
Jamaica stands out as a perfect destination for a tropical getaway, offering breathtaking beaches, a vibrant and lively culture, and a truly unique atmosphere. Among the many Caribbean destinations I’ve visited, Jamaica easily became one of my favorites. This comprehensive packing list is designed to help you plan your wardrobe for Jamaica, ensuring you’re perfectly prepared to enjoy every moment of your vacation on this stunning island.