When it rains in Jamaica, for us it is usually a welcomed break from the heat and humidity. However, when you’re on vacation, you might feel frustrated, after all, aren’t you here for endless beach days and crystal-clear waters, not rain clouds rolling in?
What if you could flip the script and make rainy days just as memorable?
Here’s how you can turn those rainy moments into unforgettable experiences.
10 Must-Do’s When It Rains in Jamaica
If you’re on the island during the rainy season, then it is not that comforting hearing the sound of raindrops falling on their vacation.
That’s not to say that a little rain can’t be refreshing, but when it pours all day, it’s hard to enjoy yourself. If you’re caught in this predicament, here are some things you can do:
1. Relax and Catch Up on Some Sleep
If the rain starts to fall, take it as a sign to slow down and catch up on some well-needed sleep. Sure, soaking up the sun on the beach sounds great, but sometimes the best part of vacation is simply unwinding…especially since you’re in Jamaica.
Find a cozy spot in your hotel or a hammock on the porch, and let the sound of the rain put you to sleep. Once it clears up (and it won’t be long), you’ll be fully recharged and ready for the rest of your trip!
Read a Book or Watch a Movie
When it rains, it’s the perfect time to relax with a good book or movie in your hotel room. You could watch Jamaican classics like The Harder They Come or Cool Runnings, or finally dive into that book you’ve been meaning to read.
The last time I was in Negril, rain shifted my plans, and I got so absorbed in A Brief History of Seven Killings that I didn’t even notice the sun coming back.
Honestly, I have to thank the rain for that unexpected moment of peace. Luckily, Jamaican showers usually don’t last long.
Do an Indoor Tour or Activity
Nobody wants the rain on vacation, but Mother Nature does not always agree with us. That is why we suggest doing a tour or indoor activity that doesn’t require you to be outside.
If you are in Montego Bay, you can visit the Rose Hall Great House. Kingston, there is the Bob Marley Museum, along with many other museums and galleries.
If you are staying at a resort, they are bound to be plenty of activities to do on the property.
Check Out the Hotel Bar
If you’re not feeling like staying in your room, then take a walk around the hotel and check out the bar. You’ll find travelers like yourself, enjoying a few drinks, while waiting for the rain to ease up.
It’s the perfect place to swap travel stories and forge new friendships over Jamaica’s famous rum punches.
Escape to Another Parish
Jamaica is a “relatively” small island and that means, you can literally outrun the weather! While you’re getting soaked in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios or Kingston be enjoying beautiful sunshine, 2-3 hours away.
So, here’s what you do! When rain shows up in the forecast, pack your day bag and turn it into an adventure! Head to wherever the sun is shining and explore a completely different side of Jamaica you might have otherwise missed.
Visit a Highly Rated Restaurant
The rain is the perfect excuse to enjoy some of the best food that Jamaica has to offer. Do a quick search for the highest-rated restaurants near you (trust me, there are some absolute gems waiting to be discovered).
While it might be wet outside, you can enjoy a delicious meal in the comfort of a warm restaurant, enjoying the flavour the island has to offer.
Go Shopping
Haven’t picked up your souvenirs yet or forgot to pack certain items? Use the rain as an opportunity to do some shopping. You can visit one of the many duty-free shops or local stores nearby to find what you are looking for.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to check out the local supermarkets! The rain might keep you indoors, but it’s a great chance to stock up on snacks and discover unique local products.
Take a Cooking Class
If you love Jamaican food and want to learn how to make some of your favorite dishes, then consider taking a cooking class. There are many classes available that will teach you how to cook authentic Jamaican cuisine. This is a great activity to do with the whole family or a group of friends.
Listen to Some Sweet Reggae Music
Rain on vacation isn’t ideal, but reggae music and a rainy day in Jamaica? That’s a whole vibe. Pull up a YouTube mix or Spotify playlist, kick back, and let the ‘big chunes’ take over, with the rain providing the perfect background riddim.
You can enjoy the classics from legends like Bob Marley, Barrington Levy, and Dennis Brown, or vibe to the sounds of new school reggae artists like Chronixx and Mortimer.
It’s also a fantastic opportunity to explore fresh genres, roots reggae, dancehall, or lovers rock. You might just discover a new favorite that stays with you long after the trip is over.
Write Out Your Goals
A rainy day in Jamaica is the perfect excuse to take a break and reflect on your life. Grab a pen and paper, and write down your goals, personal, work-related, or anything else on your mind.
I remember doing this in Port Antonio while the rain poured outside my hotel window. At first, I was annoyed to be stuck inside, but as I wrote down my goals, I found myself feeling inspired and focused on what I wanted to achieve.
So, let the rain spark your motivation to dream big and plan your next steps!
Just Be Present
Rain crashing your Jamaica party? I get it, not what you paid for! But there’s something about a good tropical shower that creates this perfect excuse to just… stop.
Even though the rain might seem like a pause in your plans, suddenly you’re present in a way you haven’t been in months. Consider it Jamaica’s way of saying, “hey mon, this moment right here? It’s worth your full attention too!”
Final Thoughts
Having a rainy day on your vacation can be a bit of a bummer. But, if you are prepared and have a plan, then you can make the most of it. With a little creativity, you can have just as much fun on a rainy day as you would on a sunny one.
So, when you ask what is there to do in Jamaica on a rainy day? Just pull any suggestion from our list. The most important thing is to relax and enjoy your vacation, rain or shine.
Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments below what your favourite rainy day activities are in Jamaica.
