Weather in Port-au-Prince

Stay up to date with the latest weather conditions in Port-au-Prince. In this section, you will find current data, detailed forecasts, and visual weather charts to help you plan your time.

Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, features a tropical climate characterized by warm weather throughout the year. Average annual temperatures fluctuate slightly, remaining in a comfortable range from 23°C to 27°C, making the city attractive to visit at any time of year if you enjoy warmth.

Two main seasons can be distinguished in the climate of Port-au-Prince, defined more by rainfall than by sharp temperature changes. A drier period is observed roughly from December to March, when the number of rainy days is minimal. From April to October, a wetter season sets in, with peaks in rainy days in May and September-October, although total precipitation remains moderate.

Despite the presence of a "wet" season, the amount of precipitation in millimetres is low, suggesting that while rains may be frequent, they are likely not very intense or prolonged. Air temperature remains high even during rainy months, so warm weather is practically guaranteed year-round.

The temperature regime in Port-au-Prince is characterized by pleasant warmth year-round, with insignificant fluctuations in monthly averages. The hottest months are usually July and August, when the average temperature reaches 27.2-27.3°C, and daily highs regularly rise above 30°C. The "coolest" months, if one can use that term for a tropical climate, are considered January and February, with an average temperature of about 23.9-24.2°C. During these months, night-time lows can drop to a comfortable 20.5°C.

The summer period in Port-au-Prince, spanning roughly from May to October, brings consistently hot weather. Average daytime temperatures in peak summer months (June-August) range from 29.6°C to 30.4°C, while nights remain very warm, with minimum temperatures rarely dropping below 23-24°C. Considering that this period also accounts for a higher number of days with precipitation, the summer heat can feel quite humid, creating a typical tropical atmosphere.

The winter months, from December to March, offer milder and perhaps more comfortable conditions for those who prefer slightly less sweltering weather. Average maximum temperatures during this period hold at the level of 27-28°C, which is ideal for walking and exploring the city. Nights bring pleasant freshness, with temperatures around 20.5-21°C. The difference between day and night temperatures throughout the year averages 6-7°C, ensuring a noticeable but not sharp drop in temperature after sunset.

In Port-au-Prince, there is a distinct seasonality in precipitation distribution. The year can be roughly divided into two periods: relatively dry and wetter. The dry season usually falls during the winter months, roughly from December to March, when rainfall amounts and the number of rainy days are minimal. The wet season covers the period from April to November, characterized by an increase in both frequency and total volume of rainfall, although even in these months, precipitation amounts remain comparatively low.

The highest amount of precipitation in Port-au-Prince falls in August and September, when an average of 4 mm is recorded. However, in terms of rain frequency, May and September stand out, each counting about 20 rainy days. Despite the large number of days with precipitation in these peak months (for example, in May with 20 rainy days, only 3 mm falls), this suggests that rains likely take the form of short-lived, perhaps not very intense showers or drizzle, rather than prolonged rains. Overall, in the period from April to November, it rains more often, with June, August, and October also demonstrating a significant number of rainy days (from 15 to 19).

The driest months of the year are January, February, March, and December, when average monthly precipitation is just 1 mm. February stands out as the month with the fewest rainy days – only about 3 days. December and January also see a small number of days with precipitation (4-5 days). This makes the winter period the most predictable in terms of lack of rain and ideal for those who prefer to minimize the chance of getting caught in rain during their trip to Port-au-Prince.

When planning a trip to Port-au-Prince, remember that the city welcomes guests with warm weather all year round. The basis of your wardrobe should be light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen: T-shirts, shorts, skirts, sundresses, and light trousers will be most appropriate. Don't forget sunscreen with high SPF, headwear (a hat or cap), and sunglasses for protection against the bright tropical sun. Since you will surely want to explore the city, comfortable walking shoes, such as sandals or light sneakers, will become your indispensable companion.

Although the temperature in Port-au-Prince remains consistently high, it is worth considering the seasonality of rainfall. The period from April to November, especially May and September-October, is characterized by a higher number of rainy days. Despite the total rainfall being low and rains most often being short-lived, a compact umbrella or a light waterproof raincoat will help you stay dry and won't disrupt your plans. Even during rainy periods, the weather remains warm. For evening walks, especially in the "cooler" months from December to March, or for visiting air-conditioned places, a light sweater, cardigan, or shawl might be useful. Also, considering the tropical climate, insect repellent would be a wise addition.