Rainy Day Plans In Jamaica
So, What Do You Do When It Rains?

Market Day | Rainy Day Plans In Jamaica

You came (to Jamaica) for sunshine, beautiful beaches and that gorgeous Caribbean blue sky. Then you wake up one morning, pull back the curtains and…

Rain!

Don't panic.

One thing I've learned living here in Jamaica is that rain doesn't necessarily mean your entire day is ruined. In fact, sometimes it pours in one area while the sun is shining a few miles away. And sometimes that heavy shower is gone before you've even figured out what to do next.

So if you're looking for Rainy Day Plans In Jamaica, here are some ideas to help you make the most of your day - even when our famous Jamaican sunshine decides to take a little break.

First, Don't Cancel Everything Just Yet

Jamaica has a tropical climate, and rain can come and go surprisingly quickly.

Our official tourism information identifies May to June and September to November as our main rainy periods, but showers can happen at other times too.

And many of those showers are just that - showers.

You might get a heavy downpour in the afternoon and beautiful weather again later.

jamaica Rainfall History

So before cancelling that excursion you've been looking forward to, check the forecast, call the attraction or speak with your hotel or tour operator. Of course, there's a big difference between a passing tropical shower and dangerous weather.

If there is lightning, flooding, a tropical storm, hurricane warning or other official weather advisory, forget about trying to “make the most of the day.”

Safety comes first.

But if it's simply one of our good old Jamaican rainy days, you still have options.

Make It a Jamaican Food Day

Gungo Peas Soup

This may be my favourite solution. :-)

If you can't lie on the beach, why not eat?

Use the opportunity to try something you've never had before.

• Find a good local restaurant and order some oxtail, curry goat, brown stew chicken, escovitch fish or ackee and saltfish.
• Try a Jamaican patty.
• Have some jerk chicken or pork.
• And if the weather gets a little cool - and yes, Jamaicans will call it cold! - a nice bowl of Jamaican red peas soup or chicken foot soup might be just what you need.
• You could even ask your hotel whether they offer a Jamaican cooking class or food experience.

Rain or no rain, you still have to eat.  Might as well make an experience out of it!

Discover Some Jamaican History and Culture

Ras Natango Gallery | Rainy Day Plans In Jamaica

A rainy day can be a great opportunity to discover the Jamaica beyond the beaches.

If you're in Kingston, you're especially spoilt for choice. The capital has museums, galleries and historic attractions including the Bob Marley Museum, National Gallery of Jamaica and institutions showcasing our music, art and history.

Kingston is actually one of the easiest places in Jamaica to fill a rainy day because there is so much happening beyond outdoor attractions.

In Montego Bay, consider places such as the Montego Bay Cultural Centre or a tour of historic Rose Hall Great House.

Around Ocho Rios, you could look at cultural and historical attractions in the wider area or even consider the Green Grotto Caves if conditions and the attraction's operators say it's suitable that day. Always call ahead though.

Some Jamaican attractions -even those with indoor sections—include outdoor walking between areas.

Go Shopping

Mobay Hip Strip | Rainy Day Plans In Jamaica

Well… you needed souvenirs anyway, didn't you? :-)

Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Kingston and the major resort areas have shopping centres, plazas, boutiques and souvenir shops where you can spend some time while waiting for the weather to improve.

• Pick up some Jamaican coffee.
• Get a nice piece of Jamaican art or craft.
• Buy a shirt.
• Look for Jamaican seasonings or snacks to take home.
• Or just browse and talk with people.
  If you are in the Mobay area, please check out my friend, Ms V' souvenir shop on the Hip Strip!

Sometimes these unplanned afternoon like that produces some of the best memories of the trip.

Enjoy Your Hotel or Resort

Omeil Gayle at Ocean Coral Springs | Rainy Day Plans In Jamaica

Here's something we sometimes forget: You paid for the hotel too!

If you're staying at a resort, see what activities are happening on property.

Depending on where you're staying, there may be games, entertainment, cooking demonstrations, a gym, spa treatments, covered bars, restaurants, children's activities or other things happening indoors.

And there is absolutely nothing wrong with spending an afternoon on your balcony with a drink, watching the rain fall across the Caribbean Sea.

You're still in Jamaica!

Have a Spa Day

The Spa Retreat In Negril

Maybe Jamaica is telling you to slow down.

• Book a massage.
• Have a facial.
• Relax in the spa.
• Take a long nap afterwards.

We, and I mean myself too, often plan vacations as if we're competing to see how many attractions we can squeeze into seven days. Dunn's River today.  Rafting tomorrow. ATV at 10. Catamaran at 2. Dinner at 7. Go, go, go!

Then you return home needing a vacation from the vacation. A rainy afternoon might be the perfect excuse to do absolutely nothing for a few hours.

Turn It Into a Jamaican Tasting Experience

Some of the all inclusives do have this, so ask about organised rum, coffee, chocolate or Jamaican food tastings near where you're staying.

Even without a formal tour, you can create your own little Jamaican tasting experience.

• Try different local snacks and drinks.
• Compare our sodas.
• Taste some Blue Mountain coffee.
• Try Jamaican chocolate.
• Get a few fruits you've never eaten before.

But please, if somebody offers you something and says: “Taste this roots - it good fi yuh!” Remember to ask what's in the bottle first. :-) Read more on Jamaican roots here.

Ask a Jamaican

This might actually be one of my best Rainy Day Plans In Jamaica. Ask as local:

“What would you do around here if you had a few hours and it was raining?”

Your hotel staff, driver, tour guide or host may know somewhere nearby that never appeared on your itinerary. 

• A small restaurant.
• A local shopping area.
• A museum.
• A café.
• A craft shop.
• Or somewhere that is sunny right now!

Remember what I said earlier, Jamaica isn't that large, but our weather can be remarkably local. My church is just about 5km from my home, and sometimes I leave rain at church and none is at home!

What About Dunn's River Falls, Rafting and Other Outdoor Attractions?

A little rain doesn't automatically close every outdoor attraction. You're going to get wet climbing Dunn's River Falls anyway!

But don't assume that means every weather condition is safe.

Heavy rainfall can affect rivers, roads, visibility and water conditions. Lightning creates another concern altogether. So for attractions involving rivers, waterfalls, boats, hiking, rafting or the sea, contact the operator before heading out.

Let the people managing the attraction make the call based on actual conditions.

Keep a Small Rainy-Day Kit

When travelling around Jamaica, especially during our wetter months, I'd keep a few simple things handy:

• A small umbrella
• Lightweight rain jacket or poncho
• Waterproof pouch for your phone
• Shoes that won't become a disaster when wet, and 
• A change of clothes if you're going far from your hotel

Nothing elaborate; just remember that as a tropical island, a little rain comes with the territory.

The Rain Is Part of Jamaica Too

We advertise the sunshine - and believe me, we have plenty of it. But the rain is part of what makes Jamaica look the way it does.

• Our lush green mountains
• Our rivers
• Our waterfalls
• Our tropical vegetation

They need rain too.

So if you lose two hours of beach time, don't let it spoil an entire day you've spent thousands of dollars travelling here to enjoy.

Change the plan.

• Try some Jamaican food.
• Learn something about our history.
• Go shopping.
• Talk to somebody.
• Relax.

And when the rain stops -and quite often it will -put the swimsuit back on and carry on with your Jamaican vacation.

After all, you're still in Jamaica. And that's not a bad place to be on a rainy day.

References & Works Cited for Rainy Day Plans In Jamaica

1. Jamaica Tourist Board. “Things to Know.” Visit Jamaica. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.
2. Jamaica Tourist Board. “Montego Bay.” Visit Jamaica. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.
3. Jamaica Tourist Board. “Kingston: Things to Do.” Visit Jamaica. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.
4. Jamaica Tourist Board. “Ocho Rios: Things to Do.” Visit Jamaica. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.
5. Jamaica Tourist Board. “Explore Museums and History.” Visit Jamaica. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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