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Diego Tirira from Quito, Ecuador CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Moore Town Travel Guide

Town

A Maroon settlement in Portland where drumming, history and ceremonial dress remain public. Visitors come for guided Maroon tours, river valleys, storytelling and chances to watch or join traditional music and dance.

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In this guide

Moore Town essentials

Country: Jamaica
Driest months: Feb-Apr
Pay in: Dollar ($)
Language: English
Emergency: 119

Where to Go in Moore Town

Moore Town, Jamaica at a Glance

Local Time
10:11 PM
GMT-5
Population
1,119

Costs: Around $70-150 per day - guesthouses, local eateries, and guided activities are affordable.

Safety: Relatively safe; respect local customs - moore Town is a close-knit Maroon community with low local crime.

Best Time: December-April - best weather and easier hiking access to nearby mountains.

Moore Town is a historic Jamaican Maroon settlement that preserves distinct Maroon laws, drumming, and cultural ceremonies dating to the 18th century.

Why Visit Moore Town, Jamaica?

In Portland Parish, this community draws travelers fascinated by Jamaica’s Maroon heritage and living traditions. Visits center on drumming, spiritual ceremonies and annual celebrations where ritual dances and unique vocal styles take prominence, alongside local dishes like ackee and saltfish and stewed provisions. Visitors come to learn from elders, explore Maroon museums and experience percussion-based music distinct from mainstream reggae. The emphasis is on immersive cultural exchange rather than commercial tourism.

Best Things to Do in Moore Town, Jamaica

Moore Town, Jamaica Bucket List

Don't Miss

Moore Town Maroon Village - Historic Maroon settlement preserving drumming, language, and traditional cultural practices.

Boston Bay Beach - Renowned surf beach with local jerk stands and strong Atlantic swell for surfers.

Frenchman’s Cove - Secluded cove where river meets sea, offering swimming and a scenic picnic beach.

Hidden Gems

Winifred Beach - Community-run sandy beach popular with locals for swimming and informal food stalls.

Rio Grande bamboo rafting - Guided bamboo raft trips down the Rio Grande through lush riverine scenery.

Local Maroon cultural performances - Occasional drumming and dance events showcasing Moore Town’s living Maroon heritage.

Day Trips

Blue Mountains - World-famous coffee region with cloudforest trails, coffee farms, and cool viewpoints.

Port Antonio and Rio Grande rafting - Coastal town offering river rafting, beaches, and laid-back harbor atmosphere.

When to Go

Best Time to Visit Moore Town, Jamaica

Moore Town is best December-April when it’s drier and cooler-perfect for hikes and local culture. The rainy season (May-November) brings heavy showers and the hurricane window, so plan flexibly.

Dry Season

December - April20°C - 28°C (68°F - 82°F)

Cooler, drier mornings perfect for hiking and cultural visits; beaches and rivers are pleasant, with fewer mosquitos than summer months.

Wet Season

May - November22°C - 30°C (72°F - 86°F)

Frequent heavy rain and humidity; waterfalls roar and vegetation is spectacular, but expect interruptions to road travel and outdoor plans.

Hurricane Season

June - November23°C - 31°C (73°F - 88°F)

Peak tropical storm risk-buy flexible tickets, carry insurance, follow forecasts closely, and avoid nonessential travel during watches or warnings altogether.

Climate

Moore Town's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (2188 mm/year), wettest in November.

Air Quality: AQI 38 Good
Best Time to Visit
FebruaryMarchApril
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
21°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Very Good 20° - 26° 23° 189 mm partly cloudy 78% 2.7 m/s 1.5 high 11.0h
February Excellent 20° - 27° 23° 94 mm partly cloudy 78% 3.0 m/s 1.8 very high 11.4h
March Excellent 20° - 27° 24° 80 mm partly cloudy 77% 3.0 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.9h
April Very Good 21° - 28° 25° 107 mm partly cloudy 78% 2.9 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.4h
May Very Good 22° - 29° 25° 195 mm partly cloudy 81% 3.0 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.9h
June Very Good 23° - 29° 26° 171 mm partly cloudy 82% 3.4 m/s 2.3 extreme 13.1h
July Very Good 23° - 30° 26° 129 mm partly cloudy 82% 3.2 m/s 2.4 extreme 13.0h
August Very Good 22° - 30° 26° 182 mm partly cloudy 81% 2.8 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.6h
September Good 22° - 30° 26° 210 mm partly cloudy 81% 2.5 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.1h
October Good 22° - 29° 25° 288 mm partly cloudy 81% 2.4 m/s 1.8 very high 11.6h
November Good 21° - 28° 25° 294 mm partly cloudy 79% 2.3 m/s 1.5 high 11.2h
December Very Good 20° - 27° 24° 249 mm partly cloudy 79% 2.5 m/s 1.3 high 10.9h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Moore Town, Jamaica

By Air
By Train & Bus

How to Get Around Moore Town, Jamaica

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Where to Stay in Moore Town, Jamaica

Budget

Port Antonio - $30-120/night

Moore Town has very limited tourist lodging. Budget travelers usually stay in Port Antonio where guesthouses and small hotels are abundant.

Geejam (Port Antonio) - Occasional deals in shoulder seasons.

Trident Hotel (Port Antonio) - Simple rooms with a coastal location.

Mid-Range

Port Antonio - $100-220/night

Mid-range options are centered on Port Antonio with boutique hotels, comfortable guesthouses, and easy access to Blue Lagoon and local tours.

Trident Hotel (Port Antonio) - Comfortable rooms with waterfront dining.

Geejam - Boutique stay with high service levels.

Luxury

Port Antonio - $250+/night

True luxury near Moore Town is limited; Port Antonio offers the closest boutique and high-end hotels for travelers wanting premium accommodations.

Geejam - Top-tier boutique hotel and private bungalows.

Trident Hotel (luxury suites) - Upscale suites with personalized service.

Eat & Drink

Nightlife in Moore Town, Jamaica

Nightlife in Moore Town is quiet and community-oriented, with occasional cultural nights and drumming performances. For bars or a livelier scene, travel to Port Antonio.

Shopping in Moore Town, Jamaica

Shopping in Moore Town is modest, with local vendors selling crafts, woven items and small goods. For broader shopping, supermarkets and craft markets in Port Antonio offer more selection.