Moore Town, Jamaica Travel Guide

City Maroon community in Portland Parish, Jamaica

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.

Main image
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.
Time
Weather
Population
1,119
Infrastructure & Convenience
Rural roads, limited public transport; taxis or rented car recommended.
Popularity
Popular with cultural tourists, researchers, and heritage visitors.
Known For
Maroon heritage, traditional drumming, cultural festivals, Blue Mountains proximity, river valleys, hiking, coffee farms, local crafts, homestays
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.

Top Things to Do in Moore Town, Jamaica

All Attractions ›
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.

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 - April · 20°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 - November · 22°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 - November · 23°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.

Best Time to Visit Moore Town, Jamaica #

Climate

Moore Town, Jamaica'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.

Best Time to Visit
FebruaryMarchApril
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
21°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (189 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

75 Very Good

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
20° 26°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

189 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.5
UV Index
High
11.0h daylight

February

February is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

82 Excellent

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
20° 27°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

94 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.8
UV Index
Very High
11.4h daylight

March

March is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

82 Excellent

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Mild
24°C
Temperature
20° 27°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

80 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
11.9h daylight

April

April is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (107 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

79 Very Good

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
21° 28°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

107 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
12.4h daylight

May

May is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (195 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

72 Very Good

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
22° 29°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

195 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
12.9h daylight

June

June is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Significant rainfall (171 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

72 Very Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 29°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

171 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
13.1h daylight

July

July is the warmest month with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Significant rainfall (129 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

74 Very Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 30°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

129 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
13.0h daylight

August

August is the warmest month with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Significant rainfall (182 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
22° 30°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

182 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
12.6h daylight

September

September is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (210 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
22° 30°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

210 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

October

October is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (288 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
22° 29°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

288 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
11.6h daylight

November

November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (294 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
21° 28°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

294 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.5
UV Index
High
11.2h daylight

December

December is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (249 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

73 Very Good

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Mild
24°C
Temperature
20° 27°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

249 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.3
UV Index
High
10.9h daylight

How to Get to Moore Town, Jamaica

By Air
By Train & Bus

How to Get Around Moore Town, Jamaica #

Moore Town is a small Maroon community in Portland Parish and very walkable within the village. To reach other parts of Portland or Kingston you’ll typically use route taxis (minibuses) or hire a private taxi; car rental is useful for more flexibility. Public transport runs on fixed routes but can be crowded; carry cash and ask locals about schedules for cultural events.

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.
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.
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.

Where to Eat in Moore Town, Jamaica #

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.

Nearby Cities #