Southfield, Jamaica Travel Guide
City Rural community in Saint Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica
Southfield sits within Saint Elizabeth’s agricultural grid, known for fishing launches, riverine excursions, and plate lunches based on fresh catch and farm produce.
Why Visit Southfield, Jamaica? #
Set in Saint Elizabeth Parish, this settlement appeals to travelers seeking river excursions and wildlife around the Black River and Great Morass. Nearby boat tours reveal crocodiles and wetland birds, and local tastes-Appleton rum, jerk pork and fresh seafood-highlight regional cuisine. It’s a good base for combining nature-watching with visits to agricultural communities and riverside life.
Top Things to Do in Southfield, Jamaica
All Attractions ›
- YS Falls - Swim beneath cascading tiers at YS Falls and enjoy shaded picnic areas nearby.
- Appleton Estate - Tour Appleton Estate to learn about rum production and sample aged Jamaican rums.
- Black River safari - Take a Black River boat tour to spot crocodiles, turtles, and mangrove birdlife.
- Treasure Beach coves - Explore small coves and local cafés in Treasure Beach's laid-back coastal communities.
- Local fishing cooperatives - Visit cooperatives to see traditional fish processing and buy freshly caught seafood.
- Community rum shops - Drop into rum shops for lively conversation, music, and local sandwich specialties.
- YS Falls and Treasure Beach - Day trip south to YS Falls and Treasure Beach for waterfalls and coastal relaxation.
- Appleton Estate - Visit Appleton Estate on a day outing to learn about rum-making and tasting.
Best Time to Visit Southfield, Jamaica #
Southfield is nicest during the December-April dry stretch when outdoor exploring, beaches and farms are easier to enjoy. The wet season brings storms and increased humidity.
Best Time to Visit Southfield, Jamaica #
Southfield, Jamaica's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 17°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1919 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (147 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Heavy rain (257 mm).
Comfort
Weather
June
June is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (227 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (137 mm).
Comfort
Weather
August
August is the warmest month with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (188 mm).
Comfort
Weather
September
September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (255 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (331 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
How to Get to Southfield, Jamaica
Southfield (St Elizabeth Parish) is best accessed by road from Montego Bay's Sangster International Airport or via private car from nearby towns. There is no passenger rail-expect to use taxis, minibuses or hire a car.
Sangster International Airport (MBJ): Southfield in St Elizabeth is easiest reached from MBJ (Montego Bay) by road; drive times are typically around 1.5-2.5 hours depending on traffic and route. Private transfers and taxis are common options from the airport.
Norman Manley (KIN): Kingston’s airport is farther away; using KIN will make the road journey longer (several hours) and is less convenient for western Jamaica locations like Southfield.
Train: Jamaica has no intercity passenger rail services available for travelers.
Bus / Route taxis: Local route taxis (coasters) and minibuses operate around St Elizabeth and connect with larger towns and transport hubs. These are cheap and frequent on key corridors but can be crowded and operate on informal schedules; plan extra time for connections.
How to Get Around Southfield, Jamaica #
Southfield is a small coastal community where walking handles most short trips. Local minibuses, route taxis and occasional private taxis link Southfield with other parts of Saint Elizabeth Parish; a car makes exploring the coast easier. Short shared rides are generally inexpensive (a few Jamaican dollars or a few hundred JMD depending on distance); services to more remote areas can be irregular, so plan ahead.
Where to Stay in Southfield, Jamaica #
- Bess Green Acres (St. Elizabeth guesthouse) - Local guesthouse near parish towns.
- Negril budget hostels (Negril area) - Hostels and cheap guesthouses near coast.
- Half Moon (Montego Bay) - Comfortable resort with good facilities.
- Round Hill Hotel & Villas - Boutique villas and hotel rooms.
- Iberostar Grand Rose Hall (Montego Bay) - Upscale, full-service resort.
- Round Hill Hotel & Villas (Montego Bay) - Luxury villas and private service.
Where to Eat in Southfield, Jamaica #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Southfield, Jamaica's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Southfield, Jamaica #
Nightlife in Southfield is very limited and typically revolves around local bars and social gatherings. For a broader nightlife scene, you’ll need to visit larger towns.
Shopping in Southfield, Jamaica #
Expect basic local shops and market stalls for everyday needs in Southfield. For supermarkets, fresh produce markets and a wider retail selection, travel to larger towns in the parish.
