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Port-au-Prince - When to Visit

When to Visit Port-au-Prince

Climate guide & best times to travel

Monthly Climate Data for Port-au-Prince Average temperature and rainfall by month Climate Overview 17°C 22°C 28°C 34°C 40°C Jan Jan: 31.0°C high, 23.0°C low Feb Feb: 31.0°C high, 22.0°C low Mar Mar: 32.0°C high, 22.0°C low Apr Apr: 32.0°C high, 23.0°C low May May: 33.0°C high, 23.0°C low Jun Jun: 35.0°C high, 24.0°C low Jul Jul: 35.0°C high, 25.0°C low Aug Aug: 35.0°C high, 24.0°C low Sep Sep: 34.0°C high, 24.0°C low Oct Oct: 33.0°C high, 24.0°C low Nov Nov: 32.0°C high, 23.0°C low Dec Dec: 31.0°C high, 22.0°C low Temperature
Port-au-Prince has what you'd call a tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round—there's really no such thing as winter here in the traditional sense. The city sits right on the coast, which keeps things humid (typically around 70%) throughout the year, and temperatures range from the mid-80s°F in the cooler months to the mid-90s°F during the hottest stretch from June through August. While the data shows minimal recorded rainfall, Haiti actually experiences two rainy seasons (April-June and August-November), with the periods between being noticeably drier. The city can feel particularly intense during the summer months when heat and humidity combine. What's interesting about Port-au-Prince is that it doesn't follow the typical Caribbean pattern as closely as you might expect—the capital sits in a rain shadow and tends to be drier than other parts of the island. That said, the hurricane season (June through November) is worth keeping in mind for trip planning, even if direct hits are relatively rare. The most comfortable months tend to be December through March, when temperatures are slightly cooler and rainfall is generally lower, though honestly, you should be prepared for heat and humidity whenever you visit.

Best Time to Visit

Beach & Relaxation
December through March offers the most comfortable beach weather, with temperatures in the upper 80s°F rather than the oppressive mid-90s of summer. The lower humidity during these months makes lounging by the water much more pleasant.
Cultural Exploration
January through March is ideal for walking around the city and exploring cultural sites, as the slightly cooler temperatures make urban exploration more bearable. You'll also catch Carnival season in February, which is one of Haiti's most vibrant cultural events.
Adventure & Hiking
November through February tends to be best for hiking in the mountains surrounding the city, when temperatures are at their most moderate. The drier conditions during these months also mean better trail conditions and clearer views.
Budget Travel
May and September through November are typically shoulder season months with potentially better deals on accommodation. Just be aware that September and October fall squarely in hurricane season, which comes with its own considerations.

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What to Pack

Year-Round Essentials

High-SPF sunscreen
The tropical sun is intense year-round, and you'll burn faster than you think, especially if you're near the water or at higher elevations.
Insect repellent with DEET
Mosquitoes are present throughout the year, and protection against mosquito-borne illnesses is essential.
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated in the heat and humidity is critical, and having your own bottle means you can fill up with purified water.
Light rain jacket or compact umbrella
Even during the dry season, brief showers can pop up unexpectedly, and you'll want something that packs small.
Power bank
Electricity can be unreliable in parts of the city, so keeping your devices charged independently is smart planning.
Wide-brimmed hat or cap
The sun is relentless, and protecting your face and neck will make outdoor exploration much more comfortable.
Prescription medications
Bring more than you think you'll need, as specific medications may be difficult to find or require navigating unfamiliar pharmacies.

Dry Season (Dec-Mar)

Clothing
Lightweight cotton or linen shirts, Breathable shorts and loose pants, Light sundresses or skirts
Footwear
Comfortable walking sandals with good support and closed-toe shoes for uneven terrain
Accessories
Sunglasses with UV protection, Lightweight scarf for sun protection
Layering Tip
Layering isn't really necessary—focus on single lightweight pieces that can handle heat and humidity.

First Rainy Season (Apr-Jun)

Clothing
Quick-dry synthetic shirts, Convertible pants that can become shorts, Moisture-wicking undergarments
Footwear
Water-resistant shoes or sandals with good grip, as streets can get slippery
Accessories
Waterproof phone case, Small backpack with rain cover
Layering Tip
A light rain jacket is your only layer—everything else should be single-layer and quick-drying.

Peak Heat (Jul-Aug)

Clothing
Loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, Breathable athletic wear, Minimal coverage that still protects from sun
Footwear
Open sandals for maximum breathability, but keep closed shoes handy for rough terrain
Accessories
Cooling towel, Battery-operated personal fan
Layering Tip
This is not the time for layers—wear the absolute minimum that's culturally appropriate and sun-safe.

Second Rainy Season (Sep-Nov)

Clothing
Quick-dry everything, Clothes you don't mind getting wet, Backup outfits in waterproof bags
Footwear
Sturdy water-resistant shoes or hiking sandals that can handle both rain and rough surfaces
Accessories
Waterproof bag for electronics, Dry bag for important documents
Layering Tip
Same as the first rainy season—just a light rain jacket over single-layer clothing.
Plug Type
Type A/B (same as United States)
Voltage
110V
Adapter Note
US travelers won't need an adapter, but most other international visitors will need a Type A/B adapter for the two-prong American-style outlets.

Skip These Items

Heavy jeans or thick pants—you'll never wear them in this heat Bulky towels—most accommodations provide them, and they take up valuable luggage space Excessive toiletries—basic items are available locally and you'll want the luggage space for other essentials Winter clothing or sweaters—even the 'coolest' nights are around 71°F Hair dryers or heating tools—the humidity will undo your styling efforts within minutes anyway

Month-by-Month Guide

January

January is one of the most pleasant months in Port-au-Prince, with temperatures hovering around 87°F during the day and cooling to a comfortable 73°F at night. The humidity is relatively manageable for the tropics, and rainfall is typically minimal. This is peak tourist season for good reason—the weather is about as comfortable as it gets here.

31°C (87°F) High
23°C (73°F) Low
Minimal Rainfall
High Crowds
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February

February continues the pleasant weather pattern from January, with nearly identical temperatures and low rainfall. This is Carnival season in Haiti, which brings incredible cultural energy to the city despite the heat. The evenings cool down nicely to around 71°F, making outdoor activities in the later hours quite comfortable.

31°C (87°F) High
22°C (71°F) Low
Minimal Rainfall
High Crowds
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March

March sees temperatures starting to climb slightly, with highs reaching 89°F as the city transitions toward the warmer months. Humidity remains steady at 70%, and rainfall is still generally low, though you might catch the occasional shower as the first rainy season approaches. It's still a comfortable time to visit before the real heat sets in.

32°C (89°F) High
22°C (71°F) Low
Minimal Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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April

April marks the beginning of the first rainy season, though Port-au-Prince's rain shadow effect means it's less dramatic than in other parts of Haiti. Temperatures hold steady at 89°F, and the combination of heat and increasing humidity starts to feel more intense. You'll want to plan indoor activities during the hottest part of the day.

32°C (89°F) High
23°C (73°F) Low
Light to moderate Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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May

May gets noticeably warmer with highs reaching 91°F, and the rainy season is typically in full swing by now. The heat and humidity combination can feel quite oppressive, especially in the city center where concrete holds the warmth. Afternoon thunderstorms become more common, though they often provide temporary relief from the heat.

33°C (91°F) High
23°C (73°F) Low
Moderate Rainfall
Low Crowds
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June

June ushers in the hottest period of the year with temperatures climbing to 95°F, and it also marks the official start of hurricane season. The heat can feel relentless, particularly when combined with the persistent 70% humidity. This is when you'll really appreciate any accommodation with good air conditioning or coastal breezes.

35°C (95°F) High
24°C (75°F) Low
Moderate Rainfall
Low Crowds
View Details →

July

July is typically the hottest month in Port-au-Prince, with daytime highs reaching 95°F and nighttime lows only dropping to 77°F. Interestingly, July often falls in a brief drier period between the two rainy seasons, though the heat remains intense. Early mornings and late evenings are the most bearable times for outdoor activities.

35°C (95°F) High
25°C (77°F) Low
Light Rainfall
Low Crowds
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August

August maintains the intense heat from July with temperatures staying at 95°F, and the second rainy season typically begins to ramp up. Hurricane season is in full effect, so it's worth monitoring weather forecasts closely if you're visiting during this month. The combination of heat, humidity, and potential storms makes this a challenging time for travel.

35°C (95°F) High
24°C (75°F) Low
Moderate Rainfall
Low Crowds
View Details →

September

September sees temperatures starting to moderate slightly to 93°F, though it remains firmly in the hot and humid category. This is statistically the peak of hurricane season, which is something to seriously consider when planning travel. Rainfall tends to be frequent, often coming in intense but brief afternoon downpours.

34°C (93°F) High
24°C (75°F) Low
Moderate to heavy Rainfall
Low Crowds
View Details →

October

October continues the gradual cooling trend with highs around 91°F, though hurricane season is still active through the end of the month. Rainfall remains frequent, and the humidity stays persistent at 70%. That said, the slight temperature drop from the summer peak is noticeable and welcome.

33°C (91°F) High
24°C (75°F) Low
Moderate Rainfall
Low Crowds
View Details →

November

November marks the transition toward the more comfortable months, with temperatures dropping to 89°F and hurricane season officially ending at month's end. Rainfall begins to taper off as the dry season approaches, and the overall climate starts to feel more manageable. This is when tourism starts to pick up again.

32°C (89°F) High
23°C (73°F) Low
Light to moderate Rainfall
Medium Crowds
View Details →

December

December brings some of the year's most pleasant weather, with temperatures settling back to 87°F and rainfall becoming minimal. The holiday season brings a festive atmosphere to the city, and the comfortable weather makes it an ideal time for both beach activities and cultural exploration. Nights cool down nicely to around 71°F.

31°C (87°F) High
22°C (71°F) Low
Minimal Rainfall
High Crowds
View Details →

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