Port-au-Prince in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Port-au-Prince

87°F (30.6°C) High Temp

71°F (21.7°C) Low Temp

0.0 inches (0 mm) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season weather with minimal rainfall - only brief 15-20 minute afternoon showers on 10 days, perfect for outdoor exploration and photography
Comfortable temperatures ranging 71-87°F (21.7-30.6°C) ideal for walking tours through historic neighborhoods without extreme heat fatigue
Clear visibility for mountain views - Mount Boutilliers and surrounding hills are visible most days, excellent for scenic photography
Peak season for local cultural events including pre-Carnival festivities and traditional music performances in Champ De Mars

Considerations

High tourist season means accommodation prices increase 30-40% compared to summer months, book 6-8 weeks ahead for better rates
Afternoon humidity at 70% can feel oppressive between 1-4pm, requiring midday breaks in air-conditioned spaces
Brief but intense afternoon showers can disrupt outdoor plans - carry waterproof protection and have indoor backup activities ready

Best Activities in February

Historic Downtown Port-au-Prince Walking Tours

February's comfortable morning temperatures (75-80°F/24-27°C) make this the ideal time to explore the Iron Market, Cathedral, and National Palace ruins. The dry weather means excellent conditions for photography and the brief afternoon showers actually provide natural cooling breaks. Local guides are most active during this peak season.

Booking Tip: Book walking tours 3-5 days ahead through hotel concierges or licensed guide associations. Tours typically cost $25-45 per person and run 2-3 hours. Start at 8-9am to avoid afternoon heat and humidity. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Boutilliers Mountain Scenic Drives and Hiking

Clear February skies provide impressive views over Port-au-Prince Bay and the surrounding mountains. The cooler morning temperatures (71-75°F/21-24°C) are perfect for the 1.6 km (1 mile) hiking trails. This is the best month for visibility - you can see Île de la Gonâve on clear days.

Booking Tip: Arrange mountain tours through established operators with 4WD vehicles. Half-day trips cost $60-90 per person including transportation. Book 5-7 days ahead during February's peak season. Start early morning for best visibility and comfortable temperatures.

Art Gallery and Museum Tours

February's afternoon showers make this perfect timing for indoor cultural exploration. The Musée du Panthéon National and local art galleries in Pétion-Ville showcase Haiti's rich artistic heritage. Air-conditioned spaces provide relief from the 70% humidity during peak afternoon hours.

Booking Tip: Museum passes cost $5-15 per venue. Private art gallery tours range $40-70 for half-day experiences. No advance booking needed for most venues, but guided cultural tours should be arranged 2-3 days ahead for English-speaking guides.

Pétion-Ville Market and Artisan Shopping

The dry February weather is ideal for exploring outdoor markets and artisan workshops. Morning temperatures are comfortable for walking through Kampala, and you can duck into shops during brief afternoon showers. This is peak season for local crafts before Carnival.

Booking Tip: Self-guided market exploration is free, but guided artisan tours cost $30-50 per person. Go early morning (7-9am) for best selection and comfortable temperatures. Allow 2-3 hours for complete market exploration.

Caribbean Coastline Day Trips

February's minimal rainfall (0.0 inches) and clear skies create perfect conditions for coastal excursions to nearby beaches. The 87°F (30.6°C) highs are ideal for beach activities, and consistent weather patterns mean reliable departure times for boat trips.

Booking Tip: Coastal day trips range $75-120 per person including transportation and lunch. Book 7-10 days ahead during February peak season. Trips typically run 8am-5pm, taking advantage of the stable weather patterns.

Traditional Music and Dance Experiences

February marks the pre-Carnival season with increased cultural performances and music events. Evening temperatures drop to comfortable 75-80°F (24-27°C), perfect for outdoor concerts and dance performances in venues around Champ De Mars and downtown.

Booking Tip: Cultural performances range $15-40 per person. Check with hotels for current schedules as events vary weekly. Book dinner-show combinations 3-5 days ahead. Most performances start after 7pm when temperatures become more comfortable.

February Events & Festivals

Throughout February, intensifying late month

Pre-Carnival Cultural Festivals

Traditional music performances, costume displays, and street dancing begin intensifying in preparation for Carnival season. Local neighborhoods host practice sessions and smaller festivals showcasing traditional folklore.

Early February

Independence Day Celebrations (January 1st spillover events)

Extended cultural celebrations and patriotic events continue into early February, featuring traditional music, local food festivals, and historical commemorations in downtown Port-au-Prince.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella - afternoon showers last 15-20 minutes but can be intense

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - synthetic fabrics trap moisture uncomfortably in 70% humidity

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and mountain elevations increase exposure

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - cobblestone streets in historic areas can be slippery when wet

Light sweater or long-sleeve shirt - evening temperatures drop to 71°F (21.7°C) in mountain areas

Waterproof phone case or zip-lock bag - protect electronics during sudden afternoon showers

Insect repellent with DEET - standing water from brief rains can increase mosquito activity

Electrolyte supplements or powder - humidity and walking tours can cause quicker dehydration than expected

Cash in small bills (US dollars accepted) - many local vendors and guides prefer cash transactions

Portable phone charger - longer sightseeing days and frequent photo opportunities drain batteries quickly

Insider Knowledge

Schedule outdoor activities for 7am-11am and after 5pm - locals avoid the midday heat-humidity combination and you'll have more authentic interactions during these times

Carry a small towel in your day bag - even brief showers create humidity spikes that cause discomfort, and locals always have something to dry off with

Learn basic Kreyòl greetings ('Bonjou' for good morning, 'Bonswa' for good evening) - February brings more community festivals where this cultural respect opens doors to real feels

Download offline maps before arriving - cell service can be spotty in mountain areas around Boutilliers, and GPS is essential for scenic drive routes that aren't well-marked

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling all outdoor activities for afternoon hours - the combination of 87°F (30.6°C) heat and 70% humidity is exhausting, plus afternoon showers disrupt plans

Packing only summer clothes - mountain areas and evening temperatures can drop to 71°F (21.7°C), leaving visitors unexpectedly cold during sunset viewings

Not carrying cash - many authentic local experiences, market vendors, and local guides operate cash-only, and ATMs can be unreliable in some neighborhoods