10 Things to Do in Montego Bay in May

In May Jamaica's second largest city comes alive with energy, with an exciting variety of activities to suit 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 unwind? 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 holiday experience that offers a unique sense of freedom.

Every year, music lovers flock to Negril for five days of some of the best Hip Hop beach parties around. 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, as well as the chance to book a classic Negril excursion, you can take advantage of the retro party, the Black Out and the Bikini Brunch. It's a week of world-class entertainment and Caribbean flavour! 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 mum on 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 in May is Mother 's Day in Jamaica, as it is 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 5km bamboo raft ride in a serene and tranquil environment. During the rafting, limestone massages are offered, giving mum a unique spa experience as she gently glides down the river.

But the experience doesn't end there. Many bars and pubs around the Martha Brae River often run 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 mum.

Details of interest

• Address: Rocklands Rd, Wiltshire, 10km from the centre of Montego Bay.
• Date: If you want to surprise mum, the best date would be the second Sunday in 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. Various dining options are also 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 within 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. The three-day event is committed to furthering the development of the literary arts in the Caribbean with talks, workshops, seminars and presentations that end with live DJ sets to the rhythms of rock, afrobeat and reggae.

Come to this book festival whose combination of sun, sea and books make it a tempting destination. At least 30 authors and musicians from different parts of the world give readings and performances. This free festival also combines the participation of established 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'll hear works in English, Spanish, Mohave, Jamaican Patois, Trinidadian and others, as reviewed by Forbes. When organising your day trips from Montego Bay, you can take a look at the event's annual programme and organise your visit to the South Coast.

Details of interest

• Address: South Coast. Locations change yearly, check their website.
• Date: Last half of May.
• Price: free of charge.

May is International Museum Day and Ahhh...Ras Natango Gallery and Garden presents a series of special events to mark 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 the hummingbirds during your guided tours of its botanical garden. In addition, the gallery displays art paintings that are available for sale, and the gift shop offers a variety of items made on the property.

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

Interesting details

• Address: Camrose District, Granville PO, Box21, Montego Bay.
• Date: Week of 18 May.
• Price: 12+ tickets from €32. Children 3-12 years from €18.
• Opening times: 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. Part of the theatre season that runs from December to May, this annual performance has been a landmark of the Jamaican theatre scene since the 1941s.

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

While many Jamaican plays are aimed at adult audiences, 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 city tours in Montego Bay to enjoy during the month of May is a visit to the beautiful Rocklands Bird Sanctuary.

Home to 320 species, this place is known as a Jamaican haven for the beautiful creatures that live in the Caribbean, especially hummingbirds including Jamaica's national bird, the robin hummingbird.

During this month, the birds are in the midst of breeding, giving visitors the opportunity to witness a beautiful natural spectacle. In May, these birds are active and busy building nests, feeding their young and showing off their beautiful colours and mating behaviours.

Apart 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 marvelling 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, 10km from the centre of Montego Bay.
• Date: All May.
• Price: Admission from €23 per person. Children under 13 from €9 per person.

During the first weeks of May, the MoBay City Run takes place, a race in aid of various educational institutions. Following the motto: "Running for Education - Looking Forward to the Future", everyone is encouraged 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 objective 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 Caribbean Fashion Week, however, there is an event as a prelude. For over a decade, Jamaica's largest modelling agency, Saint International Ja Ltd has been presenting 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, European and American designers 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 fashion shows throughout the show in the south of Montego Bay.

Details of interest

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

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

In addition to special activities organised by the Taino Heritage Camp (THC), the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) hosts an annual event at St. Ann's, which usually begins at 10:00 am 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 5 May.
• Price: free admission
• Opening hours: from 10:00 a.m. onwards.

In May, northeasterly 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, be aware 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 rainfall. 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 travellers 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 cycling. Some visitors choose to take advantage of spring break and public holidays to explore the nightlife and participate in water activities at the best price.

As it may rain in the morning, it is advisable to pack a light umbrella or mackintosh to protect you from occasional showers.

In addition, it's 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's also advisable to bring comfortable shoes for exploring the city and its sights, and if you plan to visit the waterfalls, include your beach shoes- the rocks are slippery. With these items, you'll be ready to make the most of your visit to Montego Bay in May.