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Wondering what to pack for Jamaica? Keep reading to find out what to bring for your fun-filled beach vacation!
Jamaica Packing List
Written by: Lily Kim
Table Of Contents
Jamaica is known for its beach resorts, and the dress is mostly casual unless you’re attending a destination wedding that requires formalwear. You won’t need much party clothing for nightlife even in Mo’ Bay or Ocho Rios, but try packing a variety of attire including the items below.
What to Wear in Jamaica: Clothing
Paper Bag Linen Pant in Cabana Stripe
Pants
Opt for light, breezy fabrics. Linen wide leg pants or cropped pants are perfect if you prefer a more covered appearance while shorts of any material will fly to show off your gorgeous legs!
These are the best linen clothing items for vacation!
Embroidered Eyelet Flutter Sleeve T-shirt in Honey Brown
Tops
Since you’re on vacation, skip the tees and choose pretty blouses and tops in different sleeve lengths! Gorgeous blouses are always encouraged but avoid polyester. Rayon, viscose, and 100% cotton are your best bet.
Vacay Isla de Culebra 2-Piece Dress
Dresses
Same as with bottoms, look for dresses in light fabrics. Stick to 100% paper thin cotton or rayon for a cool and comfortable feel.
Whether a cute romper or a maxi dress, go all out with color and vibrant prints. You’re going to Jamaica!
Shop our favorite travel dresses!
Sociala Deep Plunge One Piece Monokini Bathing Suit
Swimwear
Jamaica is a stunning beach destination so bring two-three bathing suits to rotate during your trip. For minimalist packers, opt for two pairs. Wear a suit one day, then let it dry on the day you wear your other one.
From bikinis to one piece bathing suits, these are our top picks!
Nike Dri-FIT Sleeveless Golf Polo
If you’re a golfer…
and will be in Montego Bay, don’t forget to pack for the golf courses, which are the best in the West Indies.
Under Armour has HeatGear, which helps people to stay cool, dry and light with fitted clothing that feels like an extra layer of skin. It’s ideal for sun-sensitive people, and also, for people who are worried about mosquitos.
What to Wear in Jamaica: Shoes
Slim Tropical Sandal Flip Flop
Beach Shoes
Any beach or resort vacation requires flip flops for the beach and pool. This is a roundup of our reader’s favorite flip flops!
Vionic Rest Kirra Brown Backstrap Sandal
Cute Sandals
Next, bring cute but comfortable walking sandals for sightseeing and activities. Last, wedges are perfect for special events or else stick to dressy sandals.
What to Wear in Jamaica: Accessories
J.Crew Wide-Brim Packable Straw Hat
Sun Essentials
Don’t forget to take a few stylish accessories such as cute sunglasses, fun beach tote, and sun hat – that’s for sure a must!
If you plan on snorkeling, bring your own mask, especially if it’s your first time. It will make the experience much more enjoyable than using an old rental. We recommend this one!
These are snorkel tips for beginners!
Shaka Knot Earrings in Mustard Yellow
Costume Jewelry
NOTE: Don’t pack expensive or valuable jewelry. It’s not uncommon for hotel guests to report theft even when staying at an upscale resort. Stick to costume jewelry. You can find Bali-style accessories, coconut-shells, and bangles are sold beside beaches or at tourist sites.
What to Bring to Jamaica: Toiletries
Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50
Sun Protection
Good quality sunscreens with high SPF should be brought to Jamaica, even though cheaper versions are sold at gift shops.
Estee Lauder’s pocket-sized Double Wear waterproof concealer with mirror will cover small imperfections and dark circles under the eye—even under sunscreen—without smudging or fading. L’Oreal’s Intense Liner is also water resistant for morning-to-night cat eyes (both in and out of the pool).
Bug Repellant
Avon’s Skin-So-Soft might protect exposed shoulders during an evening on the Tiki-lit patio, but also bring packets or swabs of Off! Or Repel bug repellant to avoid mosquito bites.
For more insect repellant, shop our recommendations!
Jamaica Practicalities
Multi-purpose Rfid Organizer Holder
- U.S. dollars in small denominations for tipping is recommended—even at all-inclusive resorts
- For an affordable calling option, use “Just Talk” phone cards that can be bought with cash and are sold at kiosks, newsstands and pharmacies.
- ATMs can be inadequate, so be prepared with travelers’ checks if necessary, and beware of hidden credit card fees while traveling.
- Know the exchange rate before you go. Inform yourself of the Jamaican dollar value in advance by checking currency exchange rates on xe.com in advance or download the XE app to access during your trip.
The secret to packing light is to create the perfect travel capsule wardrobe which can easily fit into a carryon suitcase with the help of packing cubes to compress your clothing!
Jamaica Travel Tips
Compass Rose Secret Bra Wallet
- Jamaica is balmy year-round. Spring can be warm and breezy during late high season and very hot and humid in summer with temperatures ranging from 22C – 31C or 71 F- 88F. March or early spring is a good time to travel — before storms and then hurricane season, which lasts from June to late November.
- Once you’ve researched the weather, you can focus on creating a capsule travel wardrobe, which should easily fit in a carryon suitcase with the help of packing cubes to compress your clothing.
- Negril’s beaches are the absolute best, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios have the finest resorts on the island, and places like Runaway Bay are quieter.
- Booking hotel transfers in advance is suggested to ensure a safe and convenient journey to your hotel.
- You can expect that your baggage will be checked when exiting the country.
- Don’t forget to bring an anti-theft device such as our Secret Bra Wallet along with luggage with lockable zippers and keep it locked even when staying at a high end resort.
What are your tips on what to wear in Jamaica? Please comment!
For more Caribbean packing tips, please read:
Suggested Travel Resources:
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Author Bio: Lily An is a Canadian educator and Vancouver-born nature enthusiast. When she isn’t working or traveling, she is likely to be skiing, diving, or mountain biking with her family.
I’d also recommend water shoes if you’re visiting Dunn’s River Falls.
Negril is a great place to go. It rains every day at about 3 p.m. and lasts about 5 minutes.
I will be going to Jamaica to Couples Swept Away, in Negril from May 29 until June 5th for my son’s wedding. I have had Rheumatoid Disease since I was 19, and will need to rent an Electric Scooter. I am looking for some advice on who to contact, as my travel agent has not been very helpful. Thanks so much for any help!
Hi Patricia, I am really sorry to hear that, I will keep you in my thoughts. I would highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post your question here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that love to share their advice and travel tips and I am sure one of our female adventurers might be able to help you. Sorry I could not have been of more help. Hope you have an amazing time and massive congratulations to your son. Please pass on all my best wishes for the future!
My husband and I are going to Runaway Bay in June for our 10 year anniversary. Any tips for first timers?
Hi Nicolena, to get you the best travel advice possible, I have gone ahead and posted your question on TFG’s facebook page. Our readers have the best experiences to share so keep your eyes out for their replies from Wednesday: https://www.facebook.com/TravelFashionGirl/ Hope this helps. Congratulations on your anniversary, have the most awesome trip!! 🙂
Hi Nicolena, here are our readers’ replies in response to your question: https://www.facebook.com/TravelFashionGirl/posts/2273359619354360 Hope this helps! 🙂
My husband and I honeymooned on the South Coast in a rural fishing village and have returned to the area many years since. I want to give a shout out to the many beautiful locations and the warm and lovely people who are off the beaten path, in the countryside. Do you have any tips for women who want to venture outside of resort areas and who want a more active vacation in nature (hiking, riverwalks, etc.)?
Not sure if you mentioned this in the article, but it’s quite important to note the material.
Cotton Cotton Cotton! It’s one of cheapest and most appropriate things for this weather!
Also lots and lots of bug spray, the mosquitoes come down very heavily in the evening and nights (even if you apply the bug spray, you may still inhale some mosquitoes)
great tip Zoe, thanks!
Yeah really helpfull Zoe thanks
Hey I will traveling to Jamaica in October what is the weather like an How should we dress
Hi Tina, thank you for reaching out! To get you the best advice for your question, I have gone ahead and scheduled it to appear on TFG’s facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/TravelFashionGirl/ Our readers have the best travel tips and knowledge to share so please keep your eyes out for their replies from Thursday. Hope this helps. Have an awesome trip!
Hi Trina, here is the FB thread with our readers responses to your question: https://www.facebook.com/TravelFashionGirl/posts/2362257383797916 hope this helps. Have an incredible time!
Great info!
Thank you for the great advice!!!
Thanks Shannon!
Info was great for young women. How about older a bit over weight ladies
Try this: https://travelfashiongirl.com/category/fashion/travel-clothes-extended-sizing/
can’t wait for summer and summer outfits!
I’m a bit new yet but very excited about the blog I hpe you check it out and follow and let me know what you think! 🙂 this its the fb page (where i post the links and great quotes&pics!)
https://www.facebook.com/malibluemymind
Thanks Lau! Beautiful images 🙂