Last Updated on March 2, 2026
Is It Safe to Travel to Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa? What Travelers Should Know Now
After Hurricane Melissa passed through Jamaica in October 2025, many travelers with upcoming trips were left wondering the same thing: “Is it safe to travel to Jamaica now?”
It’s a fair question.
Major storms can disrupt daily life, and headlines often focus on the hardest-hit areas.
What they don’t always show is what’s happening across the rest of the island, especially in the places where most visitors stay.
Here’s the simple reality:
Despite the hurricane, Jamaica is open.
All three international airports opened fairly quickly after the hurricane. Kingston opened first in less than a week.
The southwest and much of the west and northwest were severely damaged but much of the rest of the island, including much of the north central, north-eastern, and eastern parts of Jamaica had minimal to no damage.
Most of the attractions in the Ocho Rios corridor are open.
So is it safe to travel to Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa? Here is what you need to know.
If you prefer a detailed summary by video, see the video version.
If you want the full deets, read on.
For a general year-round overview of safety on the island, including areas to avoid and practical travel tips, see our main guide: Is Jamaica Safe to Visit? Here’s What You Really Need to Know.
This article focuses specifically on conditions following Hurricane Melissa.
By the way, if your family has been trying to coordinate a Jamaica getaway for everyone—from grandparents to grandkids—you’ll want to see what Mais Oui Villa offers. It’s a private, fully staffed villa designed for togetherness, with plenty of space, incredible food, and endless opportunities to relax and reconnect.
Understanding the Level 3 Travel Advisory and why we are back to a level 2 – which is great news!
Shortly after the storm, the U.S. raised Jamaica’s advisory from a Level 2 to Level 3: Reconsider Travel. The number alone caused concern, but it’s important to understand how the advisory system works.
As of January 17, 2026, Jamaica was downgraded to a level 2, which is the same level as the UK, France, Spain, the Maldives, and many other popular tourist destinations.
Jamaica receives one advisory for the entire country. There is no parish-by-parish breakdown.
This meant that the Level 3 reflected the situation in the hardest-hit parishes, not everywhere on the island. In the southwest, west, and north west – including parts of St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, St. James, and Trelawny – communities experienced more severe damage. Many of the hospitals in those areas were devastated, which affected medical care. Cornwall Regional Hospital (Montego Bay) and Falmouth Hospital were among the facilities affected and are undergoing repairs.
The conditions on the north central and more eastern part of the North Coast were and are very different.
In St. Ann, where Discovery Bay and Ocho Rios are located, things stabilized fairly quickly. St. Ann’s Bay Hospital, the major regional facility, is open. Main roads are passable, and businesses in the tourism corridor are operating.
The Level 2 designated acknowledges the strides made in getting hospitals back on-line as well as the reduction in crime that has been happening over the last few years.
What Travelers Are Experiencing on the North Coast
Visitors arriving east of Falmouth, such as Discovery Bay, Runaway Bay, or Ocho Rios in the days and weeks following Hurricane Melissa have generally found things to be functioning well.
Flights have been arriving normally.
Transportation is running.
Restaurants, grocery stores, and shops are open.
And many of Jamaica’s most-loved attractions, including Dunn’s River Falls, Blue Hole, Dolphin Cove, and several river rafting experiences, are open again.
Here is the link to the tourist board’s website showing which attractions are open: https://www.visitjamaica.com/travel-alerts/tours-attractions-reopenings
Some areas of Jamaica were without power from JPS, the national power company for quite a while. That has been mostly resolved except for the hardest hit areas.
Montego Bay, especially areas closer to the water, did experience significant damage during Melissa. Cleanup and restoration efforts there have been major, coordinated, and genuinely commendable. The city has made steady progress, but it’s also a reminder that different parts of Jamaica were affected very differently.
The North Coast, east of Falmouth, including Discovery Bay, Runaway Bay, and Ocho Rios, saw far less impact and stabilized quickly.
If you’re interested in how villas handled the storm in general, Part 2 of our Hurricane Melissa series — “Are Villas Safe During Hurricane Season?” — offers helpful context.
It’s also worth remembering that Jamaica’s tourism experience has always been much broader than Montego Bay and the all-inclusive hotels in general.
The island has several visitor-friendly regions, including St. Ann, St. Mary, Portland, and Kingston, each offering something different.
Discovery Bay, at the western edge of St. Ann, is only about 45 minutes east of Montego Bay’s airport, making it one of the closest alternatives along the North Coast. Travelers still have plenty of options that don’t require long transfers or complicated logistics.
The good news: Much of Jamaica was open by December 15, 2025, for the start of the tourist season.
Understanding Jamaica’s Geography and Distances
To help you get a sense of where everything is located, here is a simple map showing Hurricane Melissa’s landfall and exit points, along with the three main airports and the major tourism regions along the North Coast.
For additional context, here is a video recorded by a journalist driving from Kingston to Montego Bay the day after Hurricane Melissa.
It shows where the more significant damage begins and how different areas along the North Coast route were affected.
It’s a helpful real-world look at conditions on the ground, especially west of Discovery Bay.
Approximate Drive Times From Jamaica’s Airports
If you’re trying to gauge how far different destinations are from Jamaica’s airports, this quick overview will help put the geography into perspective.
I’m sure some people will say that they can drive faster than these times; however, these approximate times reflect safe, easy driving at the speed limit.
Understanding the Leptospirosis Reports
After any major storm in a tropical climate, health officials monitor for short-term increases in water-related illnesses.
Between October 30 and November 20, 2025, Jamaica recorded nine confirmed and 28 suspected or presumed cases, a noticeable increase compared to the previous 34 months, but still a relatively small number in a country of nearly three million people.
On December 5, 2025, the Ministry of Health reported a total of 71 suspected/probable/confirmed cases of leptospirosis since the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
Of the total, 26 were confirmed cases. Seven deaths were confirmed as leptospirosis-related. The cases were mostly concentrated in western and central parishes, reflecting both environmental risk factors (such as flooding) and population vulnerability risk factors (such as homelessness due to the hurricane, lack of running potable water).
I commend Jamaica for being very proactive about this so that a faster and coordinated public health response was possible.
Leptospirosis can occur anywhere in the world where there are rodents, livestock, or standing water.
While most cases arise after flooding or heavy rain, the bacteria can also survive in damp environments or on surfaces contaminated by the urine of infected animals.
This is why public health guidance everywhere emphasizes simple steps like washing produce and avoiding contact with muddy or stagnant water, especially flood waters.
The highest-risk situations are those that involve unavoidable contact with contaminated water or soil — for example, residents walking through flooded areas, cleanup crews, farmers, or emergency responders. These conditions are very different from what visitors encounter in Jamaica’s tourism corridors.
Leptospirosis is not spread person to person, and it is not something guests pick up from being near other travelers or staying in licensed hotels or villas.
Licensed accommodations also follow regular pest-control protocols and rely on treated water systems. At Mais Oui Villa, for example, water comes from a private treated supply, goes through a whole-house filtration system, and drinking water is filtered again at the bar.
For most visitors who will be relaxing by the pool, spending time at the beach, dining at restaurants, and visiting attractions, the conditions that lead to leptospirosis exposure simply aren’t part of the trip.
Using normal food hygiene, avoiding rivers or muddy areas in parishes that experienced flooding, and washing hands before meals are more than enough.
In short, the recent reports reflect a typical post-storm pattern, not a sign that travelers staying in established tourist areas are at heightened risk.
Mosquitoes
Another common question after a storm is whether there will be more mosquitoes.
Heavy rains, whether from a hurricane or the usual rainy season, can create temporary pockets of standing water that may increase mosquito activity in some areas. This isn’t unique to Jamaica; it’s simply how the tropics work.
In our area, we haven’t seen anything unusual, but it’s always wise to travel with mosquito repellent.
Keeping windows closed in the evenings and using a fan at night helps. The moving air makes it harder for mosquitoes to land and keeps rooms comfortable without increasing electricity use.
Licensed accommodations generally stay on top of grounds maintenance. At Mais Oui, managing standing water is part of our routine year-round, not something we only focus on after storms.
Practical Notes About Post-Storm Life
Telecommunications services, such as Digicel and Flow, are still repairing some of the cell sites that were damaged during Hurricane Melissa.
Many homes and businesses, including ours, now use Starlink as an additional layer of reliability. Visitors staying in the North Coast tourism belt have generally had return of phone and Internet services.
You may also notice higher prices for fresh fruits and vegetables in the coming months. Jamaica’s southern and southwestern parishes, which supply much of the island’s domestic produce, suffered significant agricultural losses. While tourism areas remain well-stocked, some items may cost a bit more as farms recover.
These are normal post-storm adjustments and usually do not affect the overall visitor experience but they’re helpful to know ahead of time.
What About Licensed Villas and Guesthouses?
One point worth noting is that Jamaica’s tourism updates often highlight hotels first, but licensed villas and guesthouses are also an important part of the country’s tourism offering.
Many of these properties, including ours, are operational and continue to host visitors.
For travelers, the key is choosing a licensed accommodation, whether hotel or villa, with the systems and support in place to provide a comfortable stay.
Why Your Accommodation Choice Matters
Storms tend to highlight which properties are prepared and which are not.
Licensed villas and hotels follow safety guidelines for water, sanitation, structural integrity, and emergency planning. They are far more likely to have the systems and staff needed to keep things running smoothly, even when the national grid takes time to recover.
While every licensed villa offers something different, some — like Mais Oui Villa — also provide on-site amenities that make travel easier and enjoyable even if you choose to spend more time on property. Our villa has a full staff, a private pool, hot tub, multi-purpose sports court, spa, rooftop lounge, gardens, plus more.
During Hurricane Melissa, these systems and amenities helped us maintain a comfortable environment for the guests who were with us at the time.
We were fortunate.
No one can predict how a Category 5 storm will behave, and we certainly wouldn’t claim otherwise.
A mix of preparation, responsible planning, and luck allowed us to come through safely.
If you’d like a more personal look at what it actually felt like inside the villa during the storm, you can read “Surviving Hurricane Melissa.”
Helpful Planning Tips for Your Trip
Before you travel, it’s helpful to choose a licensed accommodation with reliable backup power, confirm opening hours for the attractions you want to visit, arrange airport transfers in advance, and bring essential medications.
Once you’re here, drinking filtered or bottled water, avoiding rivers or streams in parishes that had flooding, and sticking with licensed or recommended transportation are usually all you need to think about.
The North Coast has plenty of open attractions and on-property amenities to enjoy while the island continues its recovery.
If you’d like to double-check flight status before you travel, both international airports post live updates.
Sangster International Airport (MBJ) publishes arrivals and departures at www.mbjairport.com/flight-information, and Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) does the same at https://nmia.aero/flight-information/. These pages are updated in real time and can be helpful if you’re traveling shortly after a weather event.
FAQ: Traveling to Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa
Is it safe to travel to Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa?
Yes. The major tourism areas along the North Coast — east of Falmouth — stabilized quickly and remain operational. Even some areas in Montego Bay and Negril recovered fairly quickly. Flights are running, attractions are open, and licensed accommodations are hosting guests comfortably.
Which parts of Jamaica recovered the fastest after the storm?
Tourism corridors on the North Coast experienced far less disruption than the western end of the island. Areas on the eastern half of the island returned to their regular rhythm quickly, with transportation, dining, and most attractions back up and running.
When is hurricane season in Jamaica?
Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with August through October being the most active period historically. Most days are sunny even during these months, and storms — while taken seriously — are not constant. If you’d like a deeper look at how storms impact Jamaica, see our guide to hurricane season in Jamaica.
Is it okay to visit Jamaica even though some areas were heavily damaged?
Yes. While some communities were affected, most of Jamaica — including some of the primary vacation regions — remained open and ready for visitors. Tourism plays a meaningful role in recovery by helping families, small businesses, and local attractions get back on their feet. You can read more in our article on why visiting Jamaica after a storm truly helps the island.
Are flights operating normally to Montego Bay and Kingston?
Yes. Both Montego Bay (MBJ) and Kingston (NMIA) are open, and flights have been operating. For real-time updates, you can check MBJ at www.mbjairport.com/flight-information and NMIA at https://nmia.aero/flight-information/. Ian Fleming’s International Airport (OCJ) is also open and has limited flights, mostly out of Miami.
Is Ocho Rios open after Hurricane Melissa?
Yes. Ocho Rios and the surrounding attractions — including Dunn’s River Falls, Blue Hole, and Dolphin Cove — have reopened and are welcoming visitors. Tour operators, restaurants, and shops are functioning normally.
Is leptospirosis something tourists should worry about?
No. Visitors who stick to beaches, pools, restaurants, and attractions in the tourism corridor are extremely unlikely to be exposed to the conditions that cause leptospirosis.
Are mosquitoes worse after a hurricane?
Heavy rain can temporarily increase mosquito activity in some areas, but this varies by region. Bringing repellent, keeping windows closed in the evenings, and using a fan at night are usually all you need. Licensed accommodations also manage standing water as part of their routine upkeep.
Should I delay my Jamaica trip because of Hurricane Melissa?
If your stay is planned for the North Coast, there’s generally no need to delay. Most accommodations, attractions, and services in this region are operating, and visitors are having normal vacation experiences. There are a few hotels that will not reopen until late 2026; however, there is a wide range of accommodations available on the island.
Is the Jamaica Tourist Board just telling people to come to Jamaica to get tourist dollars?
No. The Jamaica Tourist Board is sharing the current facts about the island’s status, not overlooking the areas that were affected.
Encouraging travel to the regions that are fully open isn’t about ignoring the damage elsewhere. It’s about keeping people employed and helping the country recover.
Tourism is one of Jamaica’s biggest sources of income for everyday families, including villa staff, drivers, cooks, housekeepers, and small businesses.
Visitors are not being asked to travel to damaged zones. They’re simply being reassured that most of the island is safe, ready, and truly open for business, and that choosing those areas is one of the most helpful ways to support Jamaica’s rebuilding efforts.
How far is Discovery Bay from Montego Bay airport?
Discovery Bay is about 50 minutes east of Montego Bay’s airport, making it one of the closest coastal destinations outside the city. It’s an easy drive and a popular choice for travelers who want space, privacy, and quick airport access.
Is leptospirosis a problem in Jamaica?
Jamaica, like many other tropical countries, proactively monitors cases of leptospirosis.
On December 5, 2025, the Ministry of Health reported a total of 71 suspected/probable/confirmed cases of leptospirosis since the passage of Hurricane Melissa. Of the total, 26 were confirmed cases. Seven deaths were confirmed as leptospirosis-related.
The increase in cases is directly attributable to conditions after the hurricane such as flooding and homelessness.
Is Jamaica the only country with leptospirosis?
No. Leptspirosis is a global disease with the highest incidence in warm tropical and subtropical regions, especially after heavy rains and or flooding.
Regions with the highest incidence include: South East Asia (such as Thailand, India, and Indonesia), Latin America (such as Brazil and Columbia), the Caribbean, and Oceania. It also occrs in popular US travel destinations including Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, according the CDC Yellow Book. Read more from the CDC here.
So… Is It Safe to Travel to Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa?
If your plans include the North Central area and further east such as St. Ann, St. Mary, Portland, or Kingston — the answer is yes. Some hotels remain closed but Most of Negril and Montego Bay are open.
The areas in the south and south west with the most severe damage are not where most visitors stay and much of those areas are closed but on the way to recovery.
Airports are open.
St. Ann’s Bay Hospital is open.
Most attractions are open.
Traveling now isn’t just safe. It helps.
Your visit supports the island’s recovery and the people whose livelihoods depend on tourism.
If your family has been trying to coordinate a Jamaica getaway for everyone, from grandparents to grandkids, you’ll want to see what Mais Oui Villa offers. It’s a private, fully staffed 8-bedroom villa in Discovery Bay, designed for togetherness, with plenty of space, incredible food, and endless opportunities to relax and reconnect.
Download my free planning guide for multigenerational trips in Jamaica — created specifically for grandparents and family organizers who want things to feel meaningful, not chaotic.
Are you on your way to Jamaica and wondering if you should use Club Mobay at Montego Bay Airport?
If you want to skip the long immigration and customs lines altogether, consider using VIP airport service, Club Mobay. It includes fast-track through immigration and customs, a private lounge, and assistance on arrival.
You might want to consider it if you are:
- Traveling with children
- Traveling with elderly parents
- Landing at peak times (midday–4pm)
- Just want the smoothest possible arrival
Many travelers ask whether Club Mobay is worth it. For families, older travelers, and anyone landing during busy hours, the time saved alone often justifies the cost.Read our article: How to Decide if Club Mobay Jamaica is Worth the Price.
Support Locally Owned Small Businesses
Mais Oui Villa is a locally owned and operated luxury villa in Discovery Bay, Jamaica. Whether you’re planning a vacation, retreat, wedding, or special event, choosing a locally owned venue makes a difference. Your booking directly supports local workers, vendors, and the community — helping sustain jobs, empower artisans, and preserve Jamaican culture — all while ensuring a more personalized and memorable experience.
As an owner-operated property, we take pride in offering a level of care, attention, and service that larger resorts simply can’t match. Our exclusive concierge service and thoughtfully included amenities set us apart, providing an elevated experience without the hidden costs often found elsewhere.
Book Direct & Save: Love our villa? Book directly through our website for the best rates and personalized service: MakeItJamaica.com
Prefer to book through an online agency? If you feel more comfortable booking through a third-party platform, you can find us here (note that they charge additional fees):
- VRBO: Mais Oui Villa on VRBO
- Airbnb: Mais Oui Villa on Airbnb
However you choose to book, we look forward to welcoming you to Mais Oui Villa for an unforgettable stay in Jamaica!
‘Til next time.
Think and dream Jamaica!
Sherry, Darrell, and Darrian
Visit our website: https://MakeItJamaica.com
Give us a call: 833.624.7684 (toll-free) or 914.709.0457
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