Montego Bay vs Negril: Which Is The Best Jamaican Vacation Destination For You?
Life is fresh in Jamaica. It’s one of those places you can travel to and almost feel as though time is standing still, or at least moving slow enough that you can actually keep up. You can move at your own pace…take a breath even.
This is the magic of the Caribbean in general, but in Jamaica, this laid back island ambiance feels amplified. It’s a beautiful and hypnotizing feeling… but before you can even experience it, there’s so much to decide about your trip. Like where to stay.
Expectedly, with an island so gorgeous, there are lots of nice areas to stay in while in Jamaica. Two of the most popular are Montego Bay and Negril. Both Montego Bay and Negril are popular vacation destinations in Jamaica.
Montego Bay is known to be the tourist hotspot and for its opulent all-inclusive resorts. ‘Mobay’ is located near Ras Natango Gallery and Garden, Rocklands Bird Sanctuary and Rose Hall Great House. Negril is known for its laid back atmosphere, boasting some of the best beaches in Jamaica. Some of the top attractions located near Negril are the Seven Mile Beach, Mayfield Falls and Blue Hole Mineral Spring.
Overall, there are lots of things to consider before deciding to stay in either place. If you’re having a tough time choosing, this article should give you some more insight on which would be best for you.
Montego Bay vs Negril, which is right for you?
Montego Bay: Jamaica’s most happening destination
Montego Bay is a popular tourist hotspot in Jamaica that appeals to travellers looking for a luxury vacation experience. It is the capital of Saint James Parish and visitors love this part of Jamaica because of the wide range of attractions that can be found.
Resorts, restaurants, bars, and entertainment of all kinds are in abundance in this part of Jamaica. There’s decent (duty-free) shopping as well, which you can make time for in between beach hopping and maybe even some diving action somewhere like the Montego Bay Marine Park!
Montego Bay’s location
Montego Bay is located on the north coast of Jamaica. It is the second-largest city in Jamaica after Kingston, the capital of Jamaica. It will probably take less than 10 minutes to get from the Sangster International Airport to your resort in Montego Bay.
This makes Montego Bay the ideal Caribbean island getaway from the United States, especially if you’re only staying for a couple of days: you’ll lose minimal time on the road.
Negril: True life, true love, true harmony
Negril, a town described by some of its own as a place where one can experience “true life, true love, and true harmony” is one of Jamaica’s most popular tourist areas. Even though it is a popular tourist destination, Jamaican culture is thick, rich and unfiltered in Negril.
Surrounded by nature, it won’t be hard to sink into your deepest state of relaxation while spending endless hours on the beach. Fun places to go in Negril include the gorgeous Seven Mile Beach, Mayfield Falls, and Rick’s Cafe.
Negril’s location
Negril is on the western tip of Jamaica. It is about an hour and thirty minute drive from the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, but it’s worth the drive!
Insider tip: Much of the action in Negril happens within the resorts, so it’s a good idea to book an all-inclusive package that includes lots of entertainment options. The nightly entertainment at both Sandals Negril and Beaches Negril ranges from extravagant beach parties to live reggae music, from fire shows to steel drum bands – you won’t be bored for a second!
Negril vs Montego Bay: differences in weather
The weather in Negril is comparable to the weather in Montego Bay, although daytime temperatures from June to August can be a bit higher in Montego Bay. In these summer months, Negril reaches 86 °F, where temperatures can rise up to 91 °F in Montego Bay.
During the wet season in Jamaica (July – October) you can expect twice as much rainfall in Negril than in Montego Bay, but the same amount of days with rainfall per month (~ 5 rainy days a month).
Don’t worry though! Jamaica’s quick tropical downpours seldom last long, and often makes way for an otherwise sunny day.
Montego Bay vs Negril… which is your pick?
It can be hard to choose from two great places in an already fantastic destination, but choose you must! Okay, so maybe it isn’t that pressing — vacations (and even the planning process) should be relaxing, after all.
On a more serious note though, when it comes to choosing between these two destinations, at the end of the day your biggest deciding factor might be minuscule. It might come down to one of the attractions nearby, or maybe even a particular resort.
The fact of the matter is, both are great places. If short airport transfers and a buzzing nightlife are important to you, Montego Bay is your pick. Looking for a more quaint and laid back destination, with some of Jamaica’s best beaches? Negril is the vacation destination of your choice. You really can’t go wrong with either of these dream destinations.
Staying a bit longer? A split stay between Montego Bay and Negril might be the best option! The drive from Montego Bay to Negril takes about one and a half hours.
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