Petersfield, Jamaica Travel Guide

City Market town in Westmoreland, Jamaica

Located in Westmoreland, Petersfield connects visitors to nearby beaches, fish markets, and lowland landscapes where small farms and rum producers still dominate.

Costs

Typical daily budget: $30-55

Cheap local eateries and guesthouses make it budget-friendly.

Safety

Generally safe with basic precautions

Small town feel with low crime; use normal night-time caution.

Best Time

Best time: Dec-Apr (drier season)

Drier winter months are best for beaches and coastal drives.

In This Guide

Why Visit Petersfield, Jamaica?
Top Things to Do
Plan Your Visit
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Time

—

Weather

—

Population

2,255

Infrastructure & Convenience

Limited public transport, walkable center, small shops and eateries.

Popularity

Low international tourism; visited by regional day-trippers and locals.

Known For

Coastal markets, local agriculture, fishing, nearby beaches, Jamaican rural culture, reggae heritage, roadside food stalls, market days

Petersfield is a coastal market town in Westmoreland Parish on Jamaica's west coast, serving local agriculture communities.

Why Visit Petersfield, Jamaica? #

Petersfield in Westmoreland Parish offers a relaxed coastal vibe with fishing communities, long sandy stretches and easy access to Negril’s cliffs and sunsets. Local life centers on fresh fried fish, festival-style Sunday meals and reggae-inflected church concerts that hint at Jamaica’s musical roots. Travelers who prefer low-key beaches, home-cooked food and a chance to mingle with locals will find Petersfield a pleasant alternative to busier resort towns.

Top Things to Do in Petersfield, Jamaica

All Attractions ›

Rose Hall, Montego Bay

Historic Jamaican great house with White Witch legend

Building

Don't Miss

Petersfield town centre - Experience everyday parish life, small shops, and roadside food vendors in town.
Local Sunday market - Shop fresh produce, crafts, and baked goods sold by Westmoreland vendors.
Nearby fishing piers - Observe fishermen and sample freshly grilled seafood at simple waterfront stalls.

Hidden Gems

Mayfield Falls (local guide) - Arrange a guided trip to secluded cascades and natural pools off the beaten track.
Small farmers' roadside stands - Buy seasonal fruit and homemade jams directly from family-run roadside stalls.
Community cooking demonstrations - Join hands-on sessions showing traditional Jamaican home-cooking techniques and recipes.

Day Trips

Negril (Seven Mile Beach & Cliffs) - Relax on long white sand beaches and watch cliff divers at sunset.
Blue Hole Mineral Spring (nearby) - Swim in a series of mineral pools and explore jungle trails around the springs.

Best Time to Visit Petersfield, Jamaica #

Petersfield is nicest in the cool dry months when trade winds ease the heat and coastal activities are comfortable. Expect hotter, wetter weather from June through November with occasional heavy rains.

Cool Season

December - February · 22-29°C (72-84°F)

Breezy, comfortable coastal conditions make sightseeing and beach trips pleasant with fewer mosquitoes and lower humidity.

Hot Season

March - May · 24-31°C (75-88°F)

Temps and humidity rise; mornings are pleasant but afternoons feel hot - ideal for early snorkeling or lounging under shade.

Rainy Season

June - November · 23-30°C (73-86°F)

Frequent tropical showers and occasional storms; lush countryside and full rivers but plan for interrupted outdoor activities.

Best Time to Visit Petersfield, Jamaica #

Climate

Petersfield, Jamaica's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 21°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1707 mm/year), wettest in October.

Best Time to Visit

JanuaryFebruaryMarch

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

34°

Warmest Month

19°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).

88 Excellent

Comfort

26°

Feels Like Warm

26°C

Temperature

21° – 31°

74%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

55 mm

Rainfall

3.0 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.5

UV Index

Very High

11.0h daylight

February

February is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

88 Excellent

Comfort

26°

Feels Like Warm

26°C

Temperature

21° – 31°

72%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

64 mm

Rainfall

3.2 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.9

UV Index

Very High

11.4h daylight

March

March is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

88 Excellent

Comfort

26°

Feels Like Warm

26°C

Temperature

21° – 32°

70%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

71 mm

Rainfall

3.3 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.3

UV Index

Extreme

11.9h daylight

April

April is hot, feeling like 29°C. Significant rainfall (128 mm).

80 Excellent

Comfort

29°

Feels Like Hot

27°C

Temperature

23° – 32°

69%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

128 mm

Rainfall

3.3 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.5

UV Index

Extreme

12.4h daylight

May

May is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (217 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

66 Good

Comfort

31°

Feels Like Hot

28°C

Temperature

24° – 32°

72%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

217 mm

Rainfall

3.3 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.4

UV Index

Extreme

12.9h daylight

June

June is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (187 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

64 Good

Comfort

32°

Feels Like Hot

28°C

Temperature

24° – 32°

76%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

187 mm

Rainfall

3.6 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.4

UV Index

Extreme

13.1h daylight

July

July is hot, feeling like 33°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (179 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

68 Good

Comfort

33°

Feels Like Hot

29°C

Temperature

24° – 33°

76%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

179 mm

Rainfall

3.4 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.5

UV Index

Extreme

13.0h daylight

August

August is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (196 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

67 Good

Comfort

33°

Feels Like Hot

29°C

Temperature

24° – 33°

75%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

196 mm

Rainfall

2.9 m/s

Wind

Calm

2.5

UV Index

Extreme

12.6h daylight

September

September is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (196 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

67 Good

Comfort

32°

Feels Like Hot

28°C

Temperature

24° – 32°

75%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

196 mm

Rainfall

2.7 m/s

Wind

Calm

2.3

UV Index

Extreme

12.1h daylight

October

October is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (240 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

65 Good

Comfort

31°

Feels Like Hot

28°C

Temperature

24° – 32°

78%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

240 mm

Rainfall

2.5 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.9

UV Index

Very High

11.6h daylight

November

November is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (107 mm).

73 Very Good

Comfort

30°

Feels Like Hot

27°C

Temperature

23° – 31°

78%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

107 mm

Rainfall

2.7 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.6

UV Index

Very High

11.2h daylight

December

December is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).

85 Excellent

Comfort

26°

Feels Like Warm

26°C

Temperature

22° – 31°

76%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

67 mm

Rainfall

2.9 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.4

UV Index

High

10.9h daylight

How to Get to Petersfield, Jamaica

Petersfield (Westmoreland) is best accessed by road from Sangster International Airport (MBJ) or regional transport hubs. There is no passenger rail service; coaches, route taxis and private transfers are the standard methods to reach and move around the parish.

By Air

Sangster International Airport (MBJ): MBJ (Montego Bay) is the main international airport for western Jamaica. From MBJ to Petersfield (Westmoreland Parish) expect a road transfer of roughly 1-1.5 hours by taxi or private transfer; prices typically run JMD 4,000-12,000 depending on vehicle and negotiation.

Ian Fleming International (OCJ) / Norman Manley (KIN): Depending on arrival point, transfers from OCJ or KIN are longer (OCJ: ~1.5-2.5 hours; KIN: ~2-3.5 hours) and fares vary accordingly.

By Train & Bus

Train: Jamaica currently has no passenger rail service for intercity travel.

Bus / route taxi: Public buses and route taxis operate along the south and west coasts; the more comfortable express services depart from Montego Bay transport hubs toward Savanna-la-Mar and Westmoreland, with fares typically a few hundred Jamaican dollars for inter-town journeys. For last-mile travel into Petersfield, local route taxis and minibuses are common.

How to Get Around Petersfield, Jamaica #

Petersfield is a small Jamaican market town best explored on foot for short trips. For travel to other parts of Westmoreland Parish you’ll use route taxis, minibuses and occasional private taxis; services are affordable but can be irregular. Plan transport during daylight hours and carry cash for fares and market purchases. Tip: ask locals for the best route-taxi stops and expected return times, especially for evening travel.

Where to Stay in Petersfield, Jamaica #

Budget

Negril / Savanna-la-Mar - $25-150/night

Petersfield itself is small with few hotels. Budget travelers usually stay in nearby Negril or Savanna-la-Mar for more choices and easy beach access.

The Caves (Negril) - Cozy cliffside rooms, basic comforts.
Couples Negril - All-inclusive budget-friendly packages.

Mid-Range

Negril area - $90-350/night

Mid-range options are concentrated in Negril and nearby coastal towns - comfortable resorts and boutique hotels that are a short drive from Petersfield.

The Caves - Boutique mid-range cliffside suites.
Couples Swept Away (Negril) - Resort with many included activities.

Luxury

Negril luxury coastline - $250-700/night

Luxury stays aren't based in Petersfield; high-end villas and resort properties are found in Negril, offering private villas, cliffside lodging, and full services.