10 Things to Do in Montego Bay in October

October is an economical and low tourist season to visit Montego Bay, so you can save money and time in your tours. It is also the ideal time to visit the south coast of Jamaica.

Matías Rodríguez

Matías Rodríguez

11 min read

10 Things to Do in Montego Bay in October

Montego bay | Tyrone Sanders

If you are one of those who prefer to visit tourist destinations with little influx of visitors and at a good price, then visiting Montego Bay in October could be a good idea for you. During this month, Jamaica experiences pleasant and warm weather, although it is also a rainy season in the Caribbean, so the density of tourists decreases substantially, and with it also the prices of accommodations and excursions.

Some of the best things to see and do in Montego Bay in October include taking a trip to Nine Mile to learn about Bob Marley's cultural legacy, taking a guided tour of the city, experiencing the Jamaica Food & Drinks food festival, enjoying a catamaran ride around Negril, taking a private tour of Blue Hole and visiting the Rastafari Indian 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, which is also known as MoBay, is famous for its beaches, lively nightlife and rich culture, so in rainy seasons and with restricted access to the sea, you can make the most of your visit by seeing the city's best sites.

During the excursions you will learn about Montego Bay's colonial past, the colorful Georgian-style houses and the historic churches that line its streets. You will also get a closer look at the natural wonders of the city, explore the crystal clear waters of the Luminous Lagoon, where you will have the opportunity to witness the natural phenomenon of bioluminescence, and visit Annie Palmer 's haunted house in 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 Montego Bay tour including a visit to Rose Hall

2. Experience the Jamaica Food & Drink Festival

Montego Food| ©smilla4
Montego Food| ©smilla4

Experience the Jamaica Food & Drink gastronomic 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 flavors 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 contests, 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. This event is so popular that you can reach the stall complex by public transport or even shuttle buses from the Montego Bay airport.

You can also meet with 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 an excursion to Nine Mile when the crowds are low.

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

Taking a tour to Nine Mile from Montego Bay in October offers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Jamaica's history and culture without the typical tourist crowds. 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 characterized by lush vegetation, farmland and picturesque rocky landscapes. During your tour you will enjoy the serenity and tranquility of the area, in one of the best full day tours from Montego Bay.

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

During this experience, you will also have the opportunity to listen to live reggae music, participate in Rastafarian rituals, understand what Bob Marley's inspirations were in Jamaica and enjoy delicious Jamaican cuisine. With a low influx of tourists, 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 at 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 miles of white sand and turquoise waters, is one of the main points of interest in Jamaica. There you can also visit the cliffs of Negril 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, so you can live a lively and fun experience. You can also enjoy drinks and food on board.

As October is a low season month, prices are usually more affordable, which will give you the opportunity to enjoy this tour at a lower cost. Also, since there are fewer tourists at this time of year, you can enjoy a more intimate and relaxed experience.

Book a tour to Negril

5. Tour the south coast of Jamaica

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 forgotten area of the island, which is full of scenery, paradisiacal resorts and a rich local culture, usually little explored during the summer months, when the more famous beaches of the north take center stage.

In the south you will find mountainous landscapes, waterfalls and meandering rivers. You will 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 most 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 bike tour through Blue Mountain

Blue Mountain| ©Erik
Blue Mountain| ©Erik

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

During the excursion, which you can do in the company of an expert local guide, you will contemplate wonderful panoramic views, breathe the fresh mountain air and admire the diversity of flora and fauna that characterizes this area. In addition, if you plan to visit Montego Bay in May, Blue Mountain offers some of the best springtime scenery in Jamaica.

Blue Mountain has trails designed specifically for mountain biking enthusiasts, with steep descents, hairpin turns and varied terrain that will test your skills. The weather in October is ideal for these tours, although you should be aware that you will only be able to do them on dry days.

Join a Blue Mountain Bike Tour

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 offer you a fascinating glimpse into the life of the Jamaican aristocracy in times gone by.

Here you can experience the charm of the mansion, with its spacious halls, beautiful gardens and antique furniture. You will have the opportunity to explore the different rooms, admire the works of art and historical objects, and learn about the legends and stories that surround this residence. In October, you can also enjoy guided tours without the sweltering summer heat.

At Greenwood you will be visiting a mansion that has been carefully preserved over the years and features a rich collection of art and artifacts that represent the British heritage and influence in Jamaica.

8. Enjoy a snorkeling experience in Montego Bay.

Snorkeling in Montego Bay| ©Casey LeFever
Snorkeling in Montego Bay| ©Casey LeFever

To enjoy a snorkeling experience in Montego Bay in October is to immerse yourself in an aquatic paradise full of color 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 area of the Caribbean.

In addition to the coral reefs, in Montego Bay you can also find a variety of tropical fish, rays, sea turtles and, if you're lucky, even dolphins. On the other hand, the reefs are usually accessible from the shore, which makes the snorkeling experience even easier.

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

Book a catamaran ride with snorkeling experience

9. Take a private tour to 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 impressive 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 learn about the site that inspired James Bond's hideout.

By opting for a private tour, you will be able to live a personalized and exclusive experience, with the comfort of a private guide and the flexibility to adapt the itinerary to your preferences. In addition, by taking the tour in a small group, you can avoid the crowds at Blue Hole, which in summer is one of the most visited sites in Jamaica.

Among the activities available at Blue Hole are 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 Jamaica's natural beauty.

In addition, the weather in October is usually pleasant, with warm and less sweltering temperatures, allowing you to get the most out 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 Rastafari community, where visitors can learn about their beliefs, traditions and lifestyle. If you plan to visit this destination in October, you can get to know the main Rastafarian village with a low influx of tourists 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 this Jamaican movement, and participate in activities such as meditation, music and spiritual ceremonies. It 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 characterizes 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 tinge 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.

Keep in mind that while temperatures are warm, October is part of the rainy season in the Caribbean, so I advise you to always have adequate clothing on hand to be able to ride out the drizzle.

Montego Bay's tourist flow in October

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

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

Due to the decrease in the 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 will also be able to find deals and promotions on accommodations and transfers, giving you the opportunity to enjoy a quality experience at lower prices.

Prices in Montego Bay 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, transportation 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.

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

What to pack to visit Montego Bay in October?

Luggage| ©JamesDeMeyer
Luggage| ©JamesDeMeyer

In October the temperatures in Montego Bay are usually warm, although some rain showers are also present, so I advise you to include the following in your suitcase:

  • Swimsuit
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Beach shoes
  • Raincoat
  • Umbrella
  • Mountain footwear
  • Lightweight T-shirts
  • Lightweight pants
  • Comfortable footwear
  • Light coat