Port-au-Prince in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Port-au-Prince

30°C (87°F) High Temp

22°C (71°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak cultural season - December is when Haiti's visual arts scene comes alive with year-end gallery exhibitions and artist studio tours, particularly in the Pétion-Ville district where temperatures stay comfortable for walking between venues
Ideal weather for exploring historical sites - dry conditions and lower humidity (70% vs 85% in summer) make climbing to Citadelle Laferrière's 910m (2,986 ft) elevation much more comfortable
Festival season begins - December marks the start of carnival preparation season with street bands practicing throughout Port-au-Prince neighborhoods, offering authentic cultural experiences tourists rarely witness
Best seafood availability - December's calm seas mean fresh catches arrive daily at Marché de Fer, with lobster and red snapper at their seasonal peak before tourist season pricing kicks in

Considerations

Unpredictable rainfall pattern - while total rainfall is minimal, those 10 rainy days can bring sudden tropical downpours lasting 45-60 minutes with no warning, disrupting outdoor plans
High UV exposure - UV index of 8 means sunburn risk is severe, especially at historical sites like Sans-Souci Palace where shade is limited during 11am-3pm peak hours
Pre-holiday price increases - accommodation rates start climbing mid-December as Haitian diaspora returns for holidays, with prices jumping 40-60% after December 15th

Best Activities in December

Iron Market Historical Walking Tours

December's comfortable morning temperatures (22-25°C/71-77°F) make this the ideal time for exploring Port-au-Prince's historic Iron Market and surrounding colonial architecture. The lower humidity allows for 3-4 hours of walking without the oppressive heat of other months. Local vendors are preparing holiday displays, creating busy photo opportunities.

Booking Tip: Book morning tours (7am-10am) to avoid midday UV intensity. Tours typically cost 2,500-3,500 HTG and should include certified guides familiar with both Creole and colonial history. Check current options in booking section below.

Pétion-Ville Art District Gallery Walks

December is gallery season in Haiti's cultural capital. The dry weather and comfortable evening temperatures (24-26°C/75-79°F) create perfect conditions for exploring artist studios and galleries that showcase Haiti's renowned visual arts scene. Many galleries host year-end exhibitions featuring works unavailable other times.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walks work well, but cultural tours with art historians typically cost 4,000-6,000 HTG. Book 5-7 days ahead through cultural centers. Evening tours (4pm-7pm) offer the best lighting and temperatures.

Citadelle Laferrière Mountain Excursions

December's dry conditions and reduced humidity make the challenging 910m (2,986 ft) climb to this UNESCO World Heritage fortress significantly more manageable. Clear skies provide spectacular views across northern Haiti that are often obscured during rainy season.

Booking Tip: Full-day excursions from Port-au-Prince typically cost 8,000-12,000 HTG including transport and guide. Book 10-14 days ahead due to limited daily access. Start early (6am departure) to reach summit before midday heat.

Traditional Music and Dance Workshops

December brings carnival preparation season when local bands and dance troupes intensify practice sessions. This offers unprecedented access to authentic Haitian compas and rara music traditions. The comfortable weather allows for outdoor workshops that would be impossible during humid summer months.

Booking Tip: Community workshops cost 1,500-3,000 HTG per session. Private instruction ranges 5,000-8,000 HTG. Book through cultural centers rather than hotels for real feels. See current cultural tour options in booking section below.

Coastal Day Trips to Jacmel

December's calm seas and clear weather create ideal conditions for the 2-hour drive south to Haiti's artistic coastal town. The reduced chance of afternoon storms means reliable travel schedules, and Haiti's beaches are at their most accessible.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost 6,000-9,000 HTG including transport and basic guide. Book with operators providing insured vehicles for mountain road safety. Departure by 7am recommended to maximize beach time before return journey.

Marché de Fer Culinary Experiences

December's dry weather makes navigating Port-au-Prince's central market much more pleasant, while seasonal seafood availability is at its peak. The lower humidity reduces food safety concerns that can affect market tours during hotter, wetter months.

Booking Tip: Guided food tours cost 3,000-5,000 HTG and should include tastings of seasonal specialties like fresh lambi (conch) and griyo (fried pork). Book morning tours (8am-11am) for best selection and comfortable temperatures.

December Events & Festivals

Throughout December

Kanaval Preparation Season

December marks when carnival bands begin public rehearsals throughout Port-au-Prince neighborhoods. These pre-carnival sessions offer intimate access to Haiti's musical traditions without the massive crowds of February's main event.

Mid to Late December

Year-End Art Exhibitions

Pétion-Ville galleries coordinate December exhibitions featuring Haiti's internationally recognized painters and sculptors. This annual tradition showcases works often acquired by collectors before tourist season begins.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

High-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+) - UV index of 8 creates severe burn risk, especially at historical sites with limited shade during 11am-3pm peak hours

Lightweight cotton or linen clothing - avoid synthetic fabrics in 70% humidity, natural fibers breathe better during 30°C (87°F) daytime temperatures

Compact umbrella or light rain jacket - those 10 rainy days bring sudden 45-60 minute downpours with no warning

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - December's occasional rain makes cobblestone streets in historic areas slippery

Insect repellent with DEET - December's variable conditions can still support mosquito activity, especially near coastal areas

Light sweater or cardigan - evening temperatures drop to 22°C (71°F), comfortable for outdoor dining but cooler than expected

Portable water bottle - dehydration happens quickly in warm, humid conditions even when it doesn't feel extremely hot

Cash in small bills (HTG) - many cultural sites and local markets don't accept cards, and small vendors rarely have change for large bills

Wide-brimmed hat or cap - essential protection during midday hours at open-air sites like Iron Market or Sans-Souci Palace ruins

Waterproof phone case or bag - protects electronics during unexpected rainfall while exploring outdoor sites

Insider Knowledge

Local tap-tap buses reduce frequency during rainy periods - even brief December showers can disrupt public transport for 30-45 minutes, plan buffer time between activities

December is when many Haitian-Americans visit family, creating opportunities to experience authentic holiday traditions like reveillon dinners, but also driving up accommodation costs after mid-month

Art galleries in Pétion-Ville often offer 20-30% discounts on purchases during December exhibitions before tourist season pricing begins in January

Street food vendors at Champ De Mars set up earlier (6am vs usual 8am) during December to take advantage of comfortable morning temperatures - best selection happens before 9am

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating UV exposure - many tourists skip sunscreen on cloudy December days, but UV index remains high (8) and reflection off concrete in downtown Port-au-Prince intensifies exposure

Not carrying rain protection - tourists see 'dry season' and assume no rain, but those 10 rainy days often bring intense 45-60 minute downpours that soak unprepared visitors

Booking accommodations too late - December 15th marks when diaspora returns and prices jump 40-60%, book before December 10th for standard rates