Port-au-Prince in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Port-au-Prince

91°F (33°C) High Temp

73°F (23°C) Low Temp

0.0 inches (0 mm) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season continues - only trace rainfall despite 10 cloudy days, making it ideal for exploring the mountainous neighborhoods without muddy streets
Mango season reaches its pinnacle - local varieties like 'mango fransik' are at their sweetest and vendors line every corner with prices 60% lower than other months
Pre-hurricane season calm allows for safe day trips to Île-à-Vache and coastal areas, with crystal-clear waters and minimal wave action
Tourist numbers remain minimal due to security concerns elsewhere, meaning authentic interactions with locals and no crowds at major sites like the Iron Market or Cathédrale Notre-Dame

Considerations

Intense midday heat with 70% humidity makes outdoor activities between 11am-3pm nearly unbearable - locals retreat indoors during these hours
Frequent afternoon power outages (délestage) lasting 4-6 hours become more common as electrical demand peaks, affecting restaurant hours and ATM availability
Road conditions deteriorate from recent rains despite dry weather - Route de Delmas and Pétion-Ville roads have significant potholes requiring 4WD vehicles

Best Activities in May

Iron Market and Downtown Walking Tours

May's dry mornings (6-10am) provide the perfect window to explore Port-au-Prince's historic downtown before the heat peaks. The Iron Market is most active during these cooler hours, and local guides are readily available. Humidity stays manageable in the early morning shade.

Booking Tip: Book through hotel concierges or established cultural organizations. Tours typically cost $25-40 USD for 3-4 hours. Start no later than 7am to avoid midday heat. Look for guides certified by the Ministry of Tourism.

Pétion-Ville Mountain Village Excursions

The cooler elevation at 400m (1,312 ft) above sea level makes May perfect for exploring this upscale neighborhood. Art galleries, cafes, and boutiques offer air-conditioned respites, and the evening scene comes alive after 6pm when temperatures drop to comfortable levels.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost $30-50 USD including transport from downtown. Book 3-5 days ahead through licensed operators. Evening tours (5-9pm) are most comfortable in May's heat. Ensure vehicles have working AC.

Coastal Day Trips to Montrouis Beach

May's calm pre-hurricane season creates ideal beach conditions just 90 minutes north. Water temperatures reach perfect 82°F (28°C) and afternoon sea breezes provide relief from inland humidity. Local fishermen offer fresh lobster and conch at beachside shacks.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost $45-65 USD including transport and lunch. Book through established tour operators with insured vehicles. Departure by 8am recommended to maximize beach time before afternoon heat peaks.

Art Studio and Gallery Visits

May's intense heat drives visitors indoors, making it perfect for exploring Port-au-Prince's busy art scene. Air-conditioned galleries in Pétion-Ville and artist studios in downtown provide cultural immersion during the hottest hours. Many studios offer painting workshops.

Booking Tip: Studio visits cost $15-30 USD per person. Workshop sessions range $40-80 USD for 2-3 hours. Book directly through galleries or cultural centers. Midday visits (11am-3pm) work perfectly when outdoor activities become uncomfortable.

Traditional Cooking Classes

Indoor cooking experiences showcase May's abundant mango harvest and other seasonal produce. Learn to prepare griot, rice with djon-djon mushrooms, and mango-based desserts while staying cool in air-conditioned kitchens during peak heat hours.

Booking Tip: Classes typically cost $35-55 USD for 3-4 hours including meal. Book through hotels or cultural organizations 5-7 days ahead. Afternoon sessions (1-5pm) perfectly use the hottest part of the day indoors.

Evening Music and Dance Experiences

May evenings come alive as temperatures drop to comfortable 75°F (24°C) after 7pm. Kompas music venues, traditional dance performances, and outdoor concerts flourish during these cooler hours when locals emerge from afternoon heat refuge.

Booking Tip: Evening cultural shows cost $20-45 USD. Dinner and music packages range $40-70 USD. Book Easttimor-day through hotels. Events typically start after 7pm when heat subsides. Verify venues have backup power for délestage outages.

May Events & Festivals

Late May

Fête des Mères Haïtiennes (Haitian Mother's Day)

Last Sunday of May celebration throughout Haiti with special church services, family gatherings, and increased activity in markets. Restaurants offer special menus and cultural performances are common in Pétion-Ville.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight, breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid synthetic materials that trap moisture in 70% humidity

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index of 8 requires reapplication every 2 hours, especially at coastal areas

Portable battery pack or power bank - afternoon délestage (power outages) lasting 4-6 hours are common in May

Light rain jacket or umbrella - despite minimal rainfall, brief afternoon showers provide cooling relief

Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes - downtown cobblestones and uneven surfaces require ankle support

Insect repellent with 20% DEET - standing water from recent rains creates mosquito breeding areas

Cash in small denominations (USD and Haitian Gourdes) - power outages affect credit card processing

Reusable water bottle - staying hydrated in 91°F (33°C) heat requires 3-4 liters daily

Light long-sleeve shirt - for air-conditioned spaces and evening mosquito protection

Hat with wide brim - essential protection during 11am-3pm peak sun hours

Insider Knowledge

Local tap-taps (shared taxis) reduce frequency during midday heat 11am-2pm - plan transportation around their natural rhythm or arrange private vehicles with working AC

Mango vendors offer the sweetest fruit between 6-9am before heat affects quality - try 'mango fransik' variety unique to this region and season

Most restaurants and shops close during peak afternoon heat but reopen with extended evening hours until 10-11pm when temperatures become pleasant

Exchange money at banks before 11am - many close during afternoon délestage and generator fuel costs increase exchange rates at informal dealers by 3-5%

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities between 11am-3pm when 91°F (33°C) heat combined with 70% humidity creates dangerous conditions for unacclimatized visitors

Relying solely on credit cards - afternoon power outages affect processing systems and cash becomes essential for transportation, food, and tips

Underestimating transportation time - May road conditions from recent rains can triple driving times, especially on Route de Delmas during morning rush