Port-au-Prince in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Port-au-Prince

35°C (95°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect mango season - August brings the sweetest Julie and Francis varieties at rock-bottom prices, with street vendors selling 3 for 50 HTG (about $0.35)
Hurricane season paradox works in your favor - while storms threaten, most pass north of the city, leaving you with dramatic cloud formations and cooler evenings perfect for exploring Pétion-Ville
Minimal tourist crowds mean you'll have authentic interactions at Iron Market and get better prices on tap-taps without the January cruise ship rush
Rainy season vegetation transforms the mountains around Port-au-Prince into lush green backdrops - Boutilliers and Haiti are at their most photogenic

Considerations

Afternoon humidity can reach uncomfortable levels (70%+) between 1-4 PM, making outdoor activities challenging during peak heat
Unpredictable rainfall patterns mean 10 rainy days scattered throughout the month - each shower lasts 30-45 minutes but can flood streets temporarily
Some mountain roads become impassable during heavy rains, potentially canceling day trips to Haiti or Haiti with 2-3 hours notice

Best Activities in August

Port-au-Prince Historical District Walking Tours

August's variable weather creates perfect morning conditions (24-28°C/75-82°F) for exploring the Iron Market, Cathedral, and Sansalvador ruins before afternoon humidity peaks. The rainy season washes the streets clean, making photography more appealing. Local guides are most available during this low-tourism period and offer deeper cultural insights without rushing between cruise ship groups.

Booking Tip: Book 3-5 days ahead through hotel concierges or established cultural centers. Tours typically cost 1,500-2,500 HTG ($10-17 USD). Start before 9 AM to avoid peak humidity. Look for guides certified by the Ministry of Tourism who speak your preferred language.

Kenscoff Mountain Village Day Trips

August's afternoon rains create perfect conditions in the mountains 1,500 m (4,920 ft) above sea level, where temperatures drop to comfortable 18-22°C (64-72°F). The rainy season brings out mountain flowers and makes the 1.5-hour drive scenic. Cloud cover provides natural air conditioning for hiking trails and visiting mountain markets.

Booking Tip: Book mountain trips for morning departures (7-8 AM) to avoid afternoon road flooding. Tours typically cost 3,000-4,500 HTG ($20-30 USD) including transport. Ensure your operator has 4WD vehicles and rain contingency plans. Check weather 24 hours ahead.

Jacmel Coastal Art Town Excursions

The 3-hour drive to Haiti showcases Haiti's artistic capital during its greenest season. August's scattered showers keep the coastal town cooler than Port-au-Prince, perfect for exploring art galleries, iron house architecture, and beach cafés. The rainy season brings fewer crowds to the famous weekend markets.

Booking Tip: Plan overnight stays rather than day trips - afternoon rains can make the mountain return journey challenging. Accommodations typically cost $40-80 USD in August. Book through established guesthouses that offer transportation packages. Avoid Fridays when locals travel for weekend visits.

Pétion-Ville Evening Cultural Experiences

August evenings in upscale Pétion-Ville come alive after afternoon rains cool the air to pleasant 26-28°C (79-82°F). This is prime time for exploring boutique galleries, outdoor restaurants, and live music venues. The rainy season means fewer expats, creating more authentic interactions with Haiti's artistic community.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for most venues. Budget 2,000-4,000 HTG ($13-27 USD) for dinner and drinks. Start your evening around 6 PM after rains typically end. Look for venues with covered outdoor seating to enjoy the post-rain atmosphere.

Local Market and Street Food Adventures

August's mango season makes street food markets irresistible. Iron Market and Croix-des-Bossales come alive in early morning (6-9 AM) before heat peaks. The rainy season keeps produce fresh and vendors offer seasonal specialties like fresh coconut water - essential for staying hydrated in 70% humidity.

Booking Tip: Best experienced independently or with local friends rather than formal tours. Budget 500-1,000 HTG ($3-7 USD) for extensive tasting. Go between 7-9 AM for coolest temperatures and freshest selections. Bring small bills and stay hydrated with coconut water or fresh juice.

Art Studio and Workshop Visits

August's indoor-friendly weather makes it ideal for visiting artist studios in neighborhoods like Noailles and Bel-Air. The rainy season forces many activities indoors, creating opportunities to witness artisans at work on iron sculptures, paintings, and traditional crafts. Afternoon showers provide natural breaks for extended studio conversations.

Booking Tip: Contact studios 2-3 days ahead through cultural centers or hotel recommendations. Visits typically cost 1,000-2,000 HTG ($7-13 USD) as appreciation donations. Plan 2-3 hour visits during afternoon heat/rain periods (1-4 PM). Many artists speak French and Creole primarily.

August Events & Festivals

August 15

Fête de l'Assomption (Assumption Day)

August 15th brings one of Haiti's most important Catholic celebrations, with special masses at the Cathedral and processions through downtown Port-au-Prince. Local families gather for traditional feasts featuring griot (fried pork) and rice with beans. The celebration extends into evening with live music in public squares.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain poncho or compact umbrella - afternoon showers are brief but intense, and you'll want mobility for quick shelter

Breathable cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester in 70% humidity as it traps moisture and becomes uncomfortable within hours

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index of 8 means burns happen in under 20 minutes at 1,500 m (4,920 ft) mountain elevations

Quick-dry pants and shorts - morning humidity makes denim uncomfortable, and you'll want options that dry fast after rain

Closed-toe walking shoes with good grip - cobblestone streets become slippery when wet, and you'll encounter uneven surfaces throughout the city

Electrolyte packets or tablets - 35°C (95°F) heat with humidity requires consistent hydration beyond just water

Small daypack with waterproof cover - protects cameras and electronics during unexpected 30-45 minute downpours

Light sweater for mountain trips - Haiti temperatures drop to 18°C (64°F), creating a 17°C (30°F) difference from city heat

Insect repellent with DEET - rainy season increases mosquito activity, especially during evening cultural activities

Power bank and charging cables - humidity can affect device batteries, and you'll use GPS frequently for navigation

Insider Knowledge

Locals schedule important outdoor activities for 6-10 AM before humidity peaks - follow this pattern for comfortable sightseeing and better photography light

August mangoes are so abundant that street vendors near Iron Market offer 'dégustasyon' (tasting) deals - try before buying to find your preferred variety

Tap-tap (shared taxi) prices don't change with weather, but availability drops during afternoon rains - keep 200-300 HTG ($1.30-2 USD) for motorcycle taxi alternatives

Mountain restaurants in Haiti close early (7 PM) during rainy season due to road conditions - plan lunch trips rather than dinner excursions

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities from 1-4 PM when humidity and heat peak - this forces you into air-conditioned spaces during prime sightseeing hours

Wearing dark colors that show sweat stains in high humidity - light-colored, loose-fitting clothes keep you cooler and more presentable

Booking single-day mountain trips without weather backup plans - August rains can cancel return journeys, leaving you stranded without accommodation