What to Wear in Jamaica: Packing checklists and clothing tips for your vacation (2024)

General Style Tips

Go forcomfort over style.
Casual clothes inlightweight natural fabrics(cotton, silk and linen) will work best – it is warm and sunny but not unbearably hot all year round.
Howeverthe nightstend to be a little cooler so a sweater or wrap is worth popping in your case.
Daytime essentialsinclude t-shirts orcamisoles, sarong and shorts as most people spend their time on the beach or by the pool.
Buy sunscreen (we love theRiemann P20 rangefor 10 hour protection) before you arrive as it is expensive here and do wear plenty. Also really important:sunglassesand a sunhat.
On the beach after dark, hundreds of tiny sand flies come out as the sand cools down; their bites cause terrible itching, so wear plenty ofinsect/mosquito repellentand take somebite relief cream– or avoid the beach in the evenings.
Mosquitoescan also be a problem, so use repellent and cover up with long sleeves and pants when you can, particularly in the evenings if you are outdoors. Avoid wearing any scent or perfume.
Also be aware that it isillegal to have army/combat type clothing or print.
Pack lightas it's very easy to get clothes laundered.

If you plan to explore the island, take somelightweight comfy shoesfor walking. We loveHotter shoes, for total comfort along with style.
Be sure to pack someflat sandals for the beach. We love theLindsay Phillips Switch Flopsrange – using interchangeable shoe and flip-flop bases with snap-on decorations, you can change your look from day to evening in an instant whilst still packing light.

Our advice would be to keepswimwearto the beach and pool, and cover up with akaftanor sarong when walking around public areas.
For evenings,dress is casual; ladies tend to wear short summer sundresses – and take apashminaas just after a downpour it cools very quickly but only temporarily.
Your pashmina will be aversatile piecethat will dress up any outfit.
And a few well-chosen pieces ofcostume jewelrywill transform any outfit too.

If you're looking forversatile and stylish beachwear, try theMadda Fellarange of shirts, shorts, polos and swimwear.
For evenings,dress is mostly casual; long shorts or pants and short-sleeved shirts.
But fordinner at Jamaica Inna collared shirt and long pants are expected – definitely no shorts and t-shirts there.

May, June, July, August, September, October and November isofficially the rainy season, although it tends to start earlier these days. You do still get lots of sunshine in the rainy season, but it is interrupted by deluges of rain which last for up to 30 minutes at a time. Take a lightraincoatand/or smalltravel umbrellafor these times.
We love the Weather+ app – it gives an accurate 6 day forecast for day and night, which when you're planning from home is really helpful. You can keep all the places you've been to too – a nice way to remember your trip 🙂 Download for iPad/iPhone or Android

If you are keen totrek in the mountainsbe sure to pack suitable footwear.
Walking up theDunn's River Fallsis a popular trip. Youcando it barefoot and in swimwear, but for a bit more protection we'd opt for shorts and a t-shirt, anddive shoes would be good for your feet (which will get wet!).

A lightweight day sack or beach bag will come in handy to carry yoursightseeing essentials.
The tap water is safe to drink in the main tourist areas, but if you do tend to buybottled waterconsider carrying aLifeStraw Filtration Water Bottle– fill up from any source and get clean, safe drinking water without wasting plastic bottles.
Look after yourmobile phonewith aphone bunjee– it protects against loss, theft and damage.
To useelectrical gadgetsyou may need atravel adapter plug, and also a step up voltage converter if your devices are not designed forlocal voltage (110V).
If you're aiming to travel with justcarry-on baggage, try theCabinMaxsoft-sided rucksack– it's light, roomy and has plenty of pockets to keep your stuff organized.
Avoid paying unexpectedbaggage fees– use an accurateluggage scaleto ensure you keep within the weight allowance. Don't forget to leave room forsouvenirson the way home!Rumof course is a popular buy, as areBlue Mountain coffee,spicesandseasonings. Just remember any liquids must go in your hold luggage. For non-edibles look for localartworksandmusic CDs.