Savanna-la-Mar Travel Guide

City Coastal city in Westmoreland, Jamaica

A coastal parish capital, Savanna‑la‑Mar offers a working fishing port, daily fish markets and weathered colonial buildings. Travelers stop for fried fish, cool sea breezes, and to connect with nearby beach communities and Negril’s western coast.

Costs

Budget to midrange coastal town prices

$40-80/day for guesthouses, food, and local transport.

Safety

Mixed - take local advice

Harbour area can be risky at night; stick to main streets.

Best Time

November-April dry season

Drier weather and calmer seas for coastal visits.

In This Guide

Why Visit Savanna-la-Mar?
Top Things to Do
Plan Your Visit
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Time

—

Weather

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Population

16,553

Infrastructure & Convenience

Minibuses, taxis and local markets; limited English signage unnecessary.

Popularity

Used mainly by Jamaicans and regional travelers, not mass tourism.

Known For

Parish capital, coastal port, fish markets, sugar plantation history, local festivals, beaches, boat trips, colonial architecture, market culture

Savanna-la-Mar was heavily damaged by the 1780 hurricane and rebuilt as Westmoreland parish capital.

Why Visit Savanna-la-Mar? #

Perched on Jamaica’s west coast, Savanna‑la‑Mar draws visitors looking for old port charm, fresh seafood and access to nearby beaches. The working fishing harbour and the town’s lively fish market put local catches - and jerk-spiced specialties - front and center. Colonial-era buildings and nearby wetlands offer historical and natural contrasts, while market days and local festivals highlight reggae, food and community life in Westmoreland Parish.

Top Things to Do in Savanna-la-Mar

All Attractions ›

Rose Hall, Montego Bay

Historic Jamaican great house with White Witch legend

Building

Don't Miss

Savanna-la-Mar Harbourfront - Walk the harbourfront to watch fishing activity, local boats, and seaside commerce.
St. Matthew's Anglican Church - Visit St. Matthew's Anglican Church to appreciate historic architecture and parish history.
Savanna-la-Mar Market - Shop Savanna-la-Mar Market for local produce, spices, and Jamaican street food stalls.

Hidden Gems

Martha Brae-style craft stalls - Discover small craft stalls selling woven goods, carvings, and locally made souvenirs.
Local rum shops - Spend time in neighborhood rum shops sampling rums and hearing islander stories from locals.
Coastal mangrove fringes - Explore nearby mangrove fringes for birdwatching and quiet coastal walks off the beaten path.

Day Trips

Negril - Short drive to Negril for Seven Mile Beach, cliffside bars, and snorkeling spots.
Negril Lighthouse and West End cliffs - Explore Negril Lighthouse and nearby cliffs for coastal panoramas and sunset jumps.

Best Time to Visit Savanna-la-Mar #

Savanna-la-Mar is best visited during the dry season (December-April) for beaches and calm seas. The wet months bring frequent showers and higher hurricane risk from June to November.

Dry Season

December - April · 24°C to 29°C (75°F to 84°F)

Sunshine, lower humidity and calm seas - the best stretch for beaches, fishing and relaxed exploration without heavy rains and easier travel.

Wet Season

May - November · 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F)

Frequent showers and thunderstorms; lush countryside and fewer tourists but plan around sudden downpours and occasional road disruptions near rivers.

Hurricane Season

June - November · 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F)

Highest risk for tropical storms and hurricanes; travel disruptions and heavy damage possible - avoid booking peak hurricane months unless prepared and flexible.

Best Time to Visit Savanna-la-Mar #

Climate

Savanna-la-Mar's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 34°C. Abundant rainfall (1536 mm/year), wettest in October.

Best Time to Visit

FebruaryJanuaryDecember

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

33°

Warmest Month

20°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm).

88 Excellent

Comfort

27°

Feels Like Warm

27°C

Temperature

22° – 31°

72%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

46 mm

Rainfall

3.1 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.5

UV Index

Very High

11.0h daylight

February

February is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

90 Ideal

Comfort

27°

Feels Like Warm

27°C

Temperature

22° – 32°

70%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

58 mm

Rainfall

3.3 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.9

UV Index

Very High

11.4h daylight

March

March is hot, feeling like 29°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

82 Excellent

Comfort

29°

Feels Like Hot

27°C

Temperature

22° – 32°

69%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

58 mm

Rainfall

3.5 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.3

UV Index

Extreme

11.9h daylight

April

April is hot, feeling like 30°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm).

74 Very Good

Comfort

30°

Feels Like Hot

28°C

Temperature

23° – 32°

70%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

113 mm

Rainfall

3.4 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.5

UV Index

Extreme

12.4h daylight

May

May is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (186 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

68 Good

Comfort

32°

Feels Like Hot

29°C

Temperature

24° – 33°

73%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

186 mm

Rainfall

3.4 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.4

UV Index

Extreme

12.9h daylight

June

June is hot, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (179 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

64 Good

Comfort

34°

Feels Like Hot

29°C

Temperature

25° – 33°

76%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

179 mm

Rainfall

3.7 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.4

UV Index

Extreme

13.1h daylight

July

July is the hottest month, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (174 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

66 Good

Comfort

34°

Feels Like Hot

29°C

Temperature

25° – 34°

74%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

174 mm

Rainfall

3.6 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.5

UV Index

Extreme

13.0h daylight

August

August is the hottest month, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (174 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

66 Good

Comfort

34°

Feels Like Hot

29°C

Temperature

25° – 34°

74%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

174 mm

Rainfall

3.1 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.5

UV Index

Extreme

12.6h daylight

September

September is hot, feeling like 33°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (171 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

67 Good

Comfort

33°

Feels Like Hot

29°C

Temperature

25° – 33°

74%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

171 mm

Rainfall

2.8 m/s

Wind

Calm

2.3

UV Index

Extreme

12.1h daylight

October

October is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (221 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

65 Good

Comfort

32°

Feels Like Hot

28°C

Temperature

24° – 33°

75%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

221 mm

Rainfall

2.6 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. Regular rainfall (95 mm).

75 Very Good

Comfort

30°

Feels Like Hot

28°C

Temperature

23° – 32°

73%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

95 mm

Rainfall

2.8 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.6

UV Index

Very High

11.2h daylight

December

December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Moderate rainfall (61 mm).

86 Excellent

Comfort

27°

Feels Like Warm

27°C

Temperature

22° – 31°

73%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

61 mm

Rainfall

3.0 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.4

UV Index

High

10.9h daylight

How to Get to Savanna-la-Mar

Savanna‑la‑Mar is reached by road from Montego Bay or Kingston; Montego Bay airport is the most convenient international gateway. Local route taxis, coasters and private transfers are the everyday choices for getting around.

By Air

Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay (MBJ): Montego Bay is the main international airport for western Jamaica. Road travel from Montego Bay to Savanna‑la‑Mar in Westmoreland typically takes about 1.5-2.5 hours depending on traffic; options include private transfer, taxi or route taxi/coaster bus. Expect transfer fares from MBJ to Savanna‑la‑Mar roughly USD 25-60 for shared or shuttle services and more for private taxis.

Troy (Norman Manley) / Kingston (KIN): Kingston’s airport is farther away (longer drive); if arriving in Kingston expect a 3-4 hour drive west to Savanna‑la‑Mar by road or intercity coach services.

By Train & Bus

Train: Jamaica no longer has an operational nationwide passenger rail network for public transport; trains are not a practical option.

Bus / Route taxi / Coaster: Public minibuses/coaster route taxis and private taxis form the main intercity service. Buses and route taxis operate between Montego Bay, Negril and Westmoreland towns; expect journey times of 1.5-3 hours to Savanna‑la‑Mar depending on route and stops. Fares are typically modest (a few hundred Jamaican dollars for longer intercity legs).

How to Get Around Savanna-la-Mar #

Savanna‑la‑Mar is compact and walkable in the town centre; taxis and route‑taxis (shared vans) provide local and intertown connections. Larger buses link the parish to other parts of Jamaica, but service frequencies vary. Short rides in route taxis are inexpensive; always agree a fare or confirm that a meter is used for private taxis. Be mindful of luggage and safety after dark and prefer organized transport for longer trips across the island.

Where to Stay in Savanna-la-Mar #

Budget

Town centre / waterfront - $40-90/night (USD estimate)

Budget guesthouses and small hotels line the town centre. Rooms are basic; some seafront accommodation offers value but expect limited amenities.

Mid-Range

Main street / near harbour - $90-180/night

Mid-range stays include modest hotels and inns with comfortable rooms and local dining. Choice is limited compared with larger coastal resorts; plan travel logistics ahead.

Luxury

No luxury district - nearby Montego Bay/Negril for resorts ($200+/night)

There are few luxury resorts directly in Savanna-la-Mar. For full-service beachfront resorts, consider Montego Bay or Negril instead, about one to two hours away.

Where to Eat in Savanna-la-Mar #

Local Flavours & Seafood

Coastal town dining focuses on freshly caught seafood, hearty Jamaican staples, and informal seaside stalls - great for fish, escovitch, patties, and strong local coffee.

Savanna-la-Mar Fish Market - Fresh-catch stalls near the harbour
Local Jamaican Eateries (sav-la-mar) - Small roadside spots with island staples
Savanna-la-Mar Patty & Bake Shops - Quick, spicy patties and fried bakes

Markets & Street Food

Markets and roadside stalls serve spicy jerk, fried fish, plantains and fresh produce - best experienced at lunchtime or during market days.

Westmoreland Parish Market (regional) - Busy market with produce and snacks
Savanna-la-Mar Street Food - Grilled fish, fried plantain and sides
Roadside Jerk Stalls - Smoky jerk chicken and pork

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Savanna-la-Mar's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Pizza

Burger

Chicken

Chinese

Nightlife in Savanna-la-Mar #

Nightlife in Savanna‑la‑Mar is limited to local bars, eateries and occasional cultural events. If you’re after a busier nightlife scene you’ll typically travel to bigger coastal towns.

Shopping in Savanna-la-Mar #

Shopping is concentrated around the main market and local shops selling fresh seafood, produce and everyday goods. There are small hardware and clothing stores; for a wider retail selection you’ll need to travel to larger cities like Montego Bay.