10 Things to Do in Montego Bay in May

In May, Jamaica's second largest city is full of energy, with an exciting variety of activities for all tastes. Among the best things to do in Montego Bay during this month, you'll always find something special in store for you.

Are you passionate about literature? Don't miss the Calabash International Literary Festival. If you're looking for adventure, go bamboo rafting and take to the waters of the Martha Brae River. Need to relax? Take part in yoga and meditation classes on the beach or enjoy a spa experience in the middle of the Jamaican jungle. And when it comes to special events, celebrate Mother 's Day with the adventures below.

Mocha Fest is an incredible vacation experience that offers a unique sense of freedom.

Every year, music lovers flock to Negril to spend five days enjoying the best beach parties to the beat of Hip Hop. And if you feel like extending the party, Negril is home to the world-famous Rick's Café, one of the best beach bars in the world.

During these days, in addition to the possibility of hiring a classic Negril tour, you can take advantage of the retro party, the Black Out and the Bikini Brunch. It's a week of entertainment and Caribbean flavor of international class! Mocha Fest is an epic party experience that is definitely worth a trip to Montego Bay for.

Details of interest

• Address: Norman Manley BLVD, Negril.
• Date: Last week of May.
• Price: Free of charge.

Looking for the perfect way to pamper Mom during her special day in May? A bamboo rafting experience in Montego Bay is the ideal option to create unforgettable memories while enjoying the natural Jamaican beauty. In addition, the second Sunday of May is Mother 's Day in Jamaica, as in many other countries, which makes this activity even more meaningful and special.

The Martha Brae River is the perfect setting for this adventure. Here, you can enjoy a 5 km bamboo raft ride in a serene and tranquil environment. On the other hand, during the rafting, limestone massages are offered, giving mom a unique spa experience while gently gliding down the river.

But the experience doesn't end there. Many bars and pubs around the Martha Brae River often host special promotions and events to celebrate Mother's Day. You can take advantage of these offers to enjoy a refreshing cocktail or a delicious meal while sharing quality time with Mom.

Details of interest

• Address: Rocklands Rd, Wiltshire, 10 km from downtown Montego Bay.
• Date: If you want to surprise mom, the best date would be the second Sunday of May to celebrate Mother's Day.
• Price: from 96 € per person.

This is **Negril'**s wellness event. It features a series of invigorating activities aimed at promoting physical and mental well-being. Attendees enjoy rejuvenating yoga sessions, meditation sessions and natural healing therapies.

The Tmrw Tday Culture Fest also includes uplifting performances of mindful music. The highlight of the week-long festival is usually a concert and beach party, often set on one of Negril's best beaches such as Seven Mile Beach.

Attendees enjoy the pulsating rhythms of reggae and sokka music while lounging by the sea. In addition, various dining options are offered to suit personal dietary preferences. All in all, the event is a perfect blend of wellness, taste and entertainment.

Details of interest

• Address: Negril. When booking, the exact location of the event is indicated.
• Date: usually between the first two weeks of May.
• Price: variable.

The Calabash International Literary Festival, an annual event for literature lovers, takes place in the last weeks of May in southern Jamaica. There are 3 days committed to promote the development of literary arts in the Caribbean between talks, workshops, seminars and presentations that end with live DJs to the rhythm of rock, afrobeat and reggae.

Come to this Book Festival whose combination of sun, sea and books make this festival a tempting destination. At least 30 authors and musicians from different parts of the world perform readings and performances. This free festival also combines the participation of consolidated and emerging artists such as: Angelina Jolie, Curdella Forbes, Padma Lakshmi, Joyce Carol Oates, among others.

And the language? The intention is to represent the Caribbean in full, so you will hear works in English, Spanish, Mohave, Jamaican Patois, Trinidadian and others, as reviewed by Forbes. When organizing your day trips from Montego Bay, you can take a look at the event's annual program and arrange your visit to the South Coast.

Details of interest

• Address: on the South Shore. Annually changes locations, check their website.
• Date: last two weeks of May.
• Price: free of charge.

May marks International Museum Day and Ahhh...Ras Natango Gallery and Garden presents a series of special events to commemorate the occasion. Not only will you be able to appreciate art and nature, but also participate in activities that highlight the cultural and educational importance of this gallery.

Ahhh is also a bird sanctuary that allows you to feed hummingbirds during your guided tours of its botanical garden. In addition, the gallery displays art paintings that are available for sale, and the gift store offers a variety of items made on the property.

But that's not all. Ahhh...Ras Natango also specializes in hosting events, such as weddings, family reunions, birthday parties and art classes. You can also enjoy authentic Jamaican meals. The place is perfect to spend about 2 hours exploring its natural treasures.

Details of interest

• Address: Camrose District, Granville PO, Box21, Montego Bay.
• Date: Week of May 18.
• Price: Tickets for 12 years and older from €32. Children 3-12 years old from €18.
• Hours: Monday to Friday between 09:00 - 15:00 hours. Sundays between 09:00-17:00 hours.

One of the cultural highlights from Montego Bay is attending the Jamaican National Pantomime. As part of the theatrical season that runs from December through May, this annual performance has been a landmark on the Jamaican theater scene since the 1941s.

Pantomime is a unique form of theater that combines comedy, music and satire, with references to Jamaican folklore, culture, historical events and politics. The costumes and sets make for a visually stunning and colorful experience.

While many Jamaican plays are aimed at an adult audience, pantomime offers fun and entertainment for the whole family. It is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich Jamaican culture and enjoy an evening of laughter and spectacle.

Details of interest

• Address: Little Theatre, Kingston. Just over 2 hours from Montego Bay.
• Date: All May, the last performances of the season.
• Price: approximately 25 €.

One of the best excursions in the city of Montego Bay to enjoy during the month of May is to visit the beautiful Rocklands Bird Sanctuary.

With the presence of 320 species, this place is known as a Jamaican refuge for the beautiful creatures that live in the Caribbean, especially hummingbirds among which the national bird of Jamaica stands out: the robin hummingbird.

During this month, the birds are in full breeding process, which gives visitors the opportunity to witness a very beautiful natural spectacle. In May, these birds are active and busy building nests, feeding their young and showing off their beautiful colors and mating behaviors.

Aside from bird watching, Rocklands Bird Sanctuary offers a serene environment, and activities such as the opportunity to feed the hummingbirds and other birds with your hand, while marveling at their agile flight. This activity is ideal for the whole family. You can also explore the scenic trails, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, while birdsong and the sounds of nature are heard in the background during the experience.

Details of interest

• Address: Rocklands Rd, Wiltshire, 10 km from downtown Montego Bay.
• Date: All month of May.
• Price: admission from €23 per person. Children under 13 from €9 per person.

During the first weeks of May, the MoBay City Run, a race to benefit various educational institutions, takes place. Following the motto: "Running for Education - Looking Forward to the Future", everyone is motivated to contribute to building a better future for the coming generation.

Participants in the MoBay City Run have the opportunity to choose between a 3K or 5K walk or a 5K or 10K run. The goal of this event is to raise funds to support the education of students enrolled at Sam Sharpe Teachers' College, Montego Bay Community College and the western campuses of UWI and UTECH.

Details of interest

• Address: Usually starts at Old Hospital Park on Gloucester Avenue in Montego Bay. Confirm in advance on their website.
• Date: first weeks of May.
• Price: varies.

The second half of the year is the Caribbean Fashion Week, however, there is an event as a prelude. For over a decade, Jamaica's largest modeling agency, Saint International Ja Ltd presents STYLE WEEK, a 3-day event that brings together enthusiasts and followers of the latest fashion trends.

Around the streets of New Kingston, the creations of Jamaican designers, as well as those from Europe and the United States, are presented. Saint International regularly collaborates with Gucci, Prada. Adidas and Longchamp, among other renowned brands, and during STYLE WEEK event participants can enjoy cocktails, seminars and runway shows throughout the show south of Montego Bay.

Details of interest

• Address: the location changes annually, though not the area, because this event is from the South Coast. Follow the agency on their social media to confirm the event location.
• Date: last week of May.
• Price: varies.

Every year on May 5, Taino Day is celebrated in honor of Jamaica's indigenous people, who inhabited the land long before the arrival of Christopher Columbus.

In addition to special activities organized by the Taino Heritage Camp (THC), the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) offers an annual event at St. Ann's, which usually begins at 10:00 a.m. and runs through the morning.

While everyone is welcome to join in jubilation for the event, the event is aimed primarily at young people. It is well worth participating in this event to learn about the roots of Jamaican culture.

Details of interest

• Address: Seville Great House and Heritage Park, St. Ann's, Jamaica.
• Date: every 5th May.
• Price: free admission
• Hours: from 10:00 a.m. onwards.

In May, the northeast trade winds keep coastal areas like Montego Bay cool. The average temperature is 28.5°C during the day and 26.7°C at night. However, you should know that the fifth month of the year is still part of the city's rainy season.

In the early morning there is likely to be precipitation. The recommendation is to plan your activities accordingly. Ideally, always follow the weather forecast.

In May, Montego Bay experiences a low tourist influx. Although the city is a popular destination for travelers looking to enjoy Jamaica's warm weather and beautiful beaches, the peak season begins in June.

This month is ideal for tourists looking to enjoy the best Montego Bay tours with promotions and experiences such as quad biking and biking. Some visitors choose to take advantage of spring break and holidays to explore the nightlife and participate in water activities at the best price.

Since it may rain in the morning, it is advisable to bring a light umbrella or raincoat to protect you from occasional showers.

In addition, it is important to dress in light, breathable clothing, such as T-shirts, shorts and dresses, to stay comfortable during the day, as the average temperature is 28°C. Don't forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat to protect you from the sun.

It is also advisable to wear comfortable shoes to explore the city and its tourist attractions, and if you have planned to visit the waterfalls, include your beach shoes, the rocks are slippery. With these items, you will be prepared to make the most of your visit to Montego Bay in May.