10 Things to Do in Montego Bay in October

October is a low-cost, low tourist season for touring Montego Bay, so you can save money and time on your sightseeing. It's also a great time to explore Jamaica's south coast.

Matías Rodríguez

Matías Rodríguez

11 min read

10 Things to Do in Montego Bay in October

Montego bay | Tyrone Sanders

If you're the kind of person who prefers to visit low-crowded tourist destinations on a budget, then visiting Montego Bay in October might be a good idea for you. During this month, Jamaica experiences pleasantly warm weather, but it's also a rainy time in the Caribbean, so tourist density decreases substantially, and with it so do the prices of accommodation and excursions.

Some of the best things to see and do in Montego Bay in October include taking a trip to Nine Mile to see Bob Marley's cultural legacy, taking a guided tour of the city, experiencing the Jamaica Food & Drinks festival, enjoying a catamaran tour of Negril, taking a private tour of the Blue Hole and visiting the Rastafari Indigenous Village.

1. Take a guided tour of Montego Bay

Montego Beach| ©Mel Stoutsenberger
Montego Beach| ©Mel Stoutsenberger

Taking a guided tour of Montego Bay in October is a fascinating experience that allows you to explore the charms of this vibrant Jamaican city. This destination, also known as MoBay, is famous for its beaches, lively nightlife and rich culture, so in the rainy season and with restricted access to the sea, you can make the most of your visit by taking in the city's best sights.

During excursions you can learn about Montego Bay's colonial past, the colourful Georgian-style houses and historic churches that line its streets. You'll also get a close-up view of the city's natural wonders, explore the crystal clear waters of the Luminous Lagoon, where you'll have the chance to witness the natural phenomenon of bioluminescence, and see Annie Palmer' s haunted house at Rose Hall.

On the guided tour there will be plenty of opportunity to enjoy live reggae music performances, sample local cuisine and learn about the influence of the Rastafarian movement in the city. You can also opt for some of the best boat tours in Montego Bay.

In addition, MoBay offers a wide range of activities, such as shopping at the Craft Market, where you can find unique handmade souvenirs.

Book a tour of Montego Bay including a visit to Rose Hall

2. Experience the Jamaica Food & Drink Food Festival

Montego Food| ©smilla4
Montego Food| ©smilla4

The Jamaica Food & Drink food festival in Montego Bay during the last week of October each year is an extraordinary culinary experience that will delight your senses and soak in the unique flavours and aromas of the island. During its celebration, the city becomes a gastronomic paradise, offering a wide range of traditional dishes and creative fusions.

At this event you can enjoy a variety of tastings and activities, such as cooking competitions, culinary and traditional dish demonstrations, and live music. From the famous Jamaican jerk chicken, seasoned with a unique combination of spices, to exquisite fresh seafood dishes and juicy tropical fruits, you will have the opportunity to sample a wide variety of authentic culinary delights.

In addition, the festival also offers vegetarian and vegan options, so you 'll find something for everyone. The event is so popular that you can get to the stall complex by public transport or even shuttle buses from Montego Bay Airport.

You can also meet the talented local chefs and producers. There you can interact with culinary experts, learn about local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, and take home new recipes.

Buy a ticket for the Montego Bay Airport Bus

3. Take a trip to Nine Mile when the crowds are low.

Nine Mile| ©Paige Ackerman
Nine Mile| ©Paige Ackerman

A trip to Nine Mile from Montego Bay in October offers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Jamaica's history and culture without the typical crowds of tourists. Located in the mountains of Saint Ann Parish, Nine Mile is the birth and final resting place of the legendary Bob Marley.

At Nine Mile you can admire the natural beauty of the region's mountains, which are characterised by lush vegetation, farmland and picturesque rocky landscapes. During your tour you can enjoy the serenity and tranquillity of the area on one of the best full day tours from Montego Bay.

On this tour you will get to see the house where the legendary musician grew up and experience the authentic atmosphere of his childhood. Guided by knowledgeable locals, you'll learn about Bob Marley's life and influences, exploring the rooms and personal items kept in the museum.

During this experience, you'll also have the opportunity to listen to live reggae music, participate in Rastafarian rituals, understand Bob Marley 's inspirations in Jamaica and enjoy delicious Jamaican cuisine. With a low tourist influx, you'll be able to interact more seamlessly with the locals at one of the country's most visited sites in the high season.

Book the Bob Marley Tour on Nine Mile

4. Enjoy a catamaran ride on Negril Beach at the best price

Catamarans in Montego Bay| ©Thomas Collins
Catamarans in Montego Bay| ©Thomas Collins

If you want to enjoy one of the best activities from Montego Bay and you prefer to do it at the best price, in October you can choose to take a catamaran ride on Negril Beach. In this experience you can combine the beauty of the Caribbean sea with the fun and luxury of sailing on a boat.

Negril Beach, with its kilometres of white sand and turquoise waters, is one of the main points of interest in Jamaica. There you can also see the Negril cliffs and the lighthouse, which is one of the most representative of the island and one of the most visited attractions in Jamaica.

The trip usually includes live music, dancing and water activities, making for a lively and fun experience. You can also enjoy drinks and food on board.

As October is a low season month, prices tend to be more affordable, giving you the opportunity to enjoy this tour at a lower cost. Also, with fewer tourists at this time of year, you'll have a more intimate and relaxed experience.

Book a tour to Negril

5. Tour Jamaica's south coast

Montego Bay Waterfall| ©pontla
Montego Bay Waterfall| ©pontla

Touring Jamaica's south coast in October from Montego Bay is a fascinating experience that allows you to discover some of the island's hidden gems. MoBay serves as an ideal starting point to explore this overlooked area of the island, which is full of scenery, beach paradises and a rich local culture that is generally underexplored during the summer months when the more famous beaches of the north take centre stage.

In the south you'll find mountain scenery, waterfalls and meandering rivers. You'll also have the opportunity to visit must-see destinations such as the famous YS Falls, where you can enjoy a dip in the natural pools. If you plan to visit Montego Bay in November, you can also watch the migrating seagulls on the southern beaches.

From picturesque Treasure Beach to Frenchman's Cove Beach, these beaches offer sun, sea and sand in a very relaxed setting, as they are less crowded than Jamaica's more popular tourist destinations.

On the south coast you can also discover Jamaica's cultural authenticity. From the vibrant nightlife of Kingston to the laid-back rhythms of roots music in Portmore, you'll find something for everyone.

6. Take an adventurous cycling tour of Blue Mountain

Blue Mountain| ©Erik
Blue Mountain| ©Erik

Taking a Blue Mountain adventure bike tour in October from Montego Bay is an activity that combines mountain scenery with the adrenaline rush of riding the trails. Blue Mountain is known for its greenery and famous coffee, and cycling here will allow you to enjoy the region's attractions.

During the tour, which you can do with an expert local guide, you 'll enjoy panoramic views, breathe in the fresh mountain air and admire the diversity of flora and fauna that characterises this area. And if you plan to visit Montego Bay in May, Blue Mountain is the place to discover some of Jamaica's best springtime scenery.

Blue Mountain has trails designed specifically for mountain bikers, with steep descents, hairpin bends and varied terrain to test your skills. The weather in October is ideal for these tours, but be aware that you'll only be able to do them on dry days.

Join a bike tour at Blue Mountain

7. See the Greenwood Great House

Greenwood Great House| ©Densil McIntosh
Greenwood Great House| ©Densil McIntosh

Visiting the Greenwood Great House in Montego Bay in October is a great activity that will allow you to immerse yourself in the history and colonial elegance of the country. This house was built in the 17th century and is an example of Georgian architecture that will give you a fascinating glimpse into the life of the Jamaican aristocracy in days gone by.

Here you can experience the charm of the mansion, with its spacious halls, beautiful gardens and antique furnishings. You will have the opportunity to explore the different rooms, admire the artwork and historical artefacts, and learn about the legends and stories surrounding the residence. In October, you can also enjoy guided tours without the sweltering summer heat.

At Greenwood you'll be visiting a mansion that has been carefully preserved over the years and boasts a rich collection of art and artefacts that represent the British heritage and influence in Jamaica.

8. Enjoy a snorkelling experience in Montego Bay

Snorkelling in Montego Bay| ©Casey LeFever
Snorkelling in Montego Bay| ©Casey LeFever

To enjoy a snorkelling experience in Montego Bay in October is to immerse yourself in an aquatic paradise full of colour and marine life. With its warm and pleasant weather, October is an ideal month to explore the coral reefs and discover the diversity of species that inhabit this part of the Caribbean.

In addition to the coral reefs, Montego Bay is also home to a variety of tropical fish, rays, sea turtles and, if you're lucky, even dolphins. Furthermore, the reefs are often accessible from the shore, which makes the snorkelling experience even easier.

With less crowds of tourists compared to the high season months, you can enjoy a more relaxed experience. In addition, the weather conditions are usually favourable with warm waters and good visibility, allowing you to appreciate the richness and beauty of the local underwater world even more, especially if you plan to be in Montego Bay in September and into October, or during the months that follow.

Book a catamaran tour with snorkelling experience

9. Take a private tour to the Blue Hole

Blue Hole| ©Best Jamaica
Blue Hole| ©Best Jamaica

Taking a private tour to Blue Hole in Montego Bay in October is an exciting experience that allows you to discover one of Jamaica's most breathtaking natural treasures. Blue Hole, also known as Secret Falls, is a hidden paradise in the Ocho Rios Mountains, where you can enjoy crystal clear waterfalls, natural pools and lush landscapes, as well as see the site that inspired James Bond's hideout.

By opting for a private tour, you can enjoy a personalised and exclusive experience, with the comfort of a private guide and the flexibility to tailor the itinerary to your preferences. Plus, by taking the tour in a small group, you can avoid the crowds at Blue Hole, which in summer is one of Jamaica's most visited sites.

Activities available at Blue Hole include swimming in waterfalls, sliding down natural slides, jumping off cliffs and exploring hidden caves. The abundant tropical vegetation and panoramic mountain views provide an idyllic setting to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Jamaica.

In addition, the weather in October is usually pleasant, with warm and less sweltering temperatures, allowing you to make the most of the adventure of touring Blue Hole on one of the best tours from Montego Bay.

10. Visit the Indigenous Rastafari Village

Rastafari Indigenous Village| ©Coussier
Rastafari Indigenous Village| ©Coussier

Montego Bay is home to a vibrant and welcoming Rastafarian community, where visitors can learn about their beliefs, traditions and lifestyle. If you're planning to visit this destination in October, you can experience the main Rastafarian village in low tourist crowds and also on more relaxed excursions, where you can interact better with the local culture.

At the Indigenous Rastafari Village you can learn about the history and philosophy of the Jamaican Rastafari movement and participate in activities such as meditation, music and spiritual ceremonies. This is a unique opportunity to connect with a community that has played an important role in the local identity.

During the visit you can learn about the rituals of this community, such as the use of sacred marijuana and the relationship with nature, and appreciate the reggae music and simple lifestyle that characterises these villages.

October is also a good time to enjoy Rastafari festivities and celebrations, such as the commemoration of Haile Selassie's order of uprising, which adds a special flavour to the visit.

Temperatures in Montego Bay in October

Montego Bay| ©Clive Metcalfe
Montego Bay| ©Clive Metcalfe

Temperatures in Montego Bay during October are generally pleasant and warm. This month is part of the transitional season between summer and winter in Jamaica, which means that temperatures tend to be moderate. During the day, temperatures range between 25° and 30°, offering ideal weather for enjoying the beaches and outdoor activities.

Please note that while temperatures are warm, October is part of the rainy season in the Caribbean, so it is advisable to always have adequate clothing on hand to cope with the drizzle.

Montego Bay's October tourism in Montego Bay

Streets of Montego Bay| ©Blake
Streets of Montego Bay| ©Blake

Montego Bay in October tends to be moderate compared to the high season months. This can be beneficial if you are looking for a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere, avoiding the crowds and long lines at popular tourist attractions.

Due to the reduced flow of visitors you will be able to enjoy the best tours in Montego Bay at more affordable prices than during the summer months. In addition, you can also find offers and promotions on accommodation and transfers, giving you the opportunity to enjoy a quality experience at lower prices.

Montego Bay prices in October

Money in Euros| ©Ibrahim Boran
Money in Euros| ©Ibrahim Boran

Prices in Montego Bay in October tend to be cheaper compared to the high season months, which means that the costs of accommodation, transport and tourist activities tend to be lower. If you want to make the most of your budget and get special offers and promotions, October is a good month for you to visit the island.

You'll also find discounted prices on local cuisine ranging from street stalls to high-end restaurants, allowing you to find options to suit your budget and enjoy delicious Jamaican cuisine without spending a fortune.

What to pack for a visit to Montego Bay in October?

Luggage| ©JamesDeMeyer
Luggage| ©JamesDeMeyer

October temperatures in Montego Bay tend to be warm, although some rain showers are also common, so pack the following:

  • Swimming costume
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Beach shoes
  • Rain jacket
  • Umbrella
  • Hiking shoes
  • Lightweight T-shirts
  • Lightweight trousers
  • Comfortable footwear
  • Lightweight coat