The climate of Port-au-Prince
Port-au-Prince, the vibrant capital of
Haiti, is nestled in the tropical wet and dry or savanna zone according to the Köppen climate classification. The city bears witness to a specific contrast in weather patterns throughout the year induced by its geographical position in the tropical climate zone.
In reference to the year-long temperature data, this city experiences average maximum temperatures ranging from 27.6°C (81.7°F) to 30.9°C (87.6°F). Correspondingly, average minimum temperatures sway from 18.2°C (64.8°F) to 21.3°C (70.3°F). Thus, Port-au-Prince experiences a warm year-round climate with mild temperature variations.
Humidity levels exhibit a subtle alteration from 72% to 80% across the year, indicating a moderately humid climate. The rainfall patterns exhibit more distinctive seasonal changes. The city sees a range of rainfall amounts from a low of 12mm (0.47") in
January to a peak of 141mm (5.55") in
May. Concurrently, the number of rainfall days ranges from 9.9 days in January to 24.4 days in both
April and
October.
Visibility tends to remain uniform throughout the entire year, with average visibility of about 9 to 10 km. Guided by the data for sunshine hours and daylight hours, both factors maintain a fairly constant metric throughout the year, indicating frequent sunny days for residents and visitors. A perennial breeze is also a distinctive feature of Port-au-Prince, with wind speeds fluctuating mildly from 6.5km/h (4mph) to 9.2km/h (5.7mph).
The best time to visit Port-au-Prince
For visitors prioritizing pleasant weather and minimal rainfall, the optimal time to enjoy
Port-au-Prince is from
November to
March. During this period, rainfall is at its lowest with an average of between 12mm (0.47") and 19mm (0.75"). Correspondingly, the number of rainfall days decreases to less than half compared to the wettest months. Although the temperatures during this period remain warm with highs ranging from 27.6°C (81.7°F) to 30.3°C (86.5°F), the humidity skews towards the lower end, making these months comfortable for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
The worst time to visit Port-au-Prince
Visitors seeking to avoid the wettest period in
Port-au-Prince should sidestep the months from
May to
October. The city receives between 74mm (2.91") to 141mm (5.55") of rainfall in these months with May,
August, and
September receiving the most. Consequently, these months also witness more than 20 days of rain, which could potentially disrupt travel and outdoor plans.
Spring weather in Port-au-Prince
Spring, covering the months from
March to
May, is characterised by an ascension in rainfall in
Port-au-Prince. Rainfall levels surge from 52mm (2.05") in March to 141mm (5.55") in May. Simultaneously, the city experiences warm temperatures ranging from 28.1°C (82.6°F) to 29.1°C (84.4°F). The sea temperature remains pleasantly warm as well, making it an idyllic time for water-based activities despite the escalating rain.
Summer weather in Port-au-Prince
A noteworthy feature during the summer months in
Port-au-Prince, from
June to
August, involves the balance between increased rainfall and elevated temperatures. June sees about 74mm (2.91") of rainfall which further increases to 111mm (4.37") in August. Temperatures hover around the yearly peak from 30.3°C (86.5°F) to 30.9°C (87.6°F) in the same duration. Despite the humid climate and increased rainfall, the enhancement in sea temperature from 28.6°C (83.5°F) in June to 29.5°C (85.1°F) in August makes this the perfect season for those wanting to escape to the sea.
Autumn weather in Port-au-Prince
Autumn, from
September to
November, symbolizes a period of gradual retreat of rainfall back to drier conditions in
Port-au-Prince. Colossal 135mm (5.31") of rainfall in September diminishes to 63mm (2.48") by November. The average temperature during these months ranges from 29.8°C (85.6°F) to 28.2°C (82.8°F), providing warm yet slowly moderating conditions suitable for a variety of outdoor activities.
Winter weather in Port-au-Prince
Winter months from
December to
February in
Port-au-Prince are characterized by a significant reduction in rainfall with only 12mm (0.47") to 18mm (0.71"). This period, with its mellow temperatures spanning from 27.6°C (81.7°F) to 28.2°C (82.8°F), coupled with low humidity, is considered the most comfortable time of the year. The sea temperatures also stay at a strikingly conducive level during winter, which makes this time ideal for coastal expeditions and water sports.
Weather in January
January in
Port-au-Prince,
Haiti, ushers in the New Year with a generally warm and humid climate. The temperature ranges from 18.2°C (64.8°F) at night to 27.6°C (81.7°F) during daytime. This month typically experiences a relative humidity of 74%, and the sea shows a comfortable temperature of 27.2°C (81°F), inviting for a quick dip.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February sees a slight increase in temperatures compared to
January, marking the start of a gentle rise in heat. The night temperature sees a marginal increase to 18.8°C (65.8°F) while the maximum temperature climbs to 28.2°C (82.8°F).
Weather in February » Weather in March
With the advent of
March,
Port-au-Prince confronts the first signs of the rainy season, with an abrupt rise to 52mm (2.05") of rainfall. The ambient temperature maintains its rising trend from
February, reaching a daytime high of 28.1°C (82.6°F) and a nighttime low of 19°C (66.2°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings a definite onset of the rainy season in
Port-au-Prince, with the rainfall volume significantly increasing to 76mm (2.99"). This increase in rainfall sees a subsequent rise in temperature, creating a somewhat stuffy ambiance with the highest temperature marking 28.9°C (84°F) and the lowest being 19.9°C (67.8°F).
Weather in April » Weather in May
Port-au-Prince hears the loudest roars of the rainy season in
May, with the highest annual rainfall of 141mm (5.55"), making it the wettest month of the year. Even though the city experiences this substantial increase in rainfall, temperatures continue to climb in May, peaking at 29.1°C (84.4°F), and dipping to a low of 20.6°C (69.1°F) at night.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Port-au-Prince presents an interesting mix of weather conditions. There is a considerable decrease in rainfall to 74mm (2.91") from its peak in
May, announcing the gradual retreat of the rainy season. This month records its highest seaside temperature at 28.6°C (83.5°F), making it an excellent time for sea swimming.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July sees a marginal decrease in rainfall, dropping down to 89mm (3.5"), and a slight increase in average temperature, setting the pace for the warmest days of the year. The temperature sees a high of 30.8°C (87.4°F) and a low of 21.1°C (70°F) making it the hottest month of the year.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August witnesses a further rise in rainfall in
Port-au-Prince, reaching 111mm (4.37"), making it one of the rainiest months of the year. However, despite the increased rainfall, the maximum temperature holds steady at 30.9°C (87.6°F), tying with
July for the highest temperature of the year.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The transition from summer to autumn sees a drop in temperatures with the maximum temperature decreasing to 29.8°C (85.6°F) and minimum to 21.3°C (70.3°F). However, the quantity of rainfall increases significantly, making
September the month with the highest rainfall at 135mm (5.31") for the entire year in
Port-au-Prince.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October maintains the trend of high rainfall with 114mm (4.49"), sealing the wet season's last hurrah. Comparably, the maximum temperature declines to 29.2°C (84.6°F), and the minimum temperature shifts to 20.8°C (69.4°F), signaling the arrival of the cooler months.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November sees a welcome decrease in rainfall, reducing down to 63mm (2.48"), bringing relief after the extensive rainy spell. The reduction in rainfall coincides with a drop in temperature with the maximum temperature dipping to 28.2°C (82.8°F) and the minimum to 19.9°C (67.8°F).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December, the last month of the year, marks the onset of the cool dry season in
Port-au-Prince. The rainfall further decreases to 19mm (0.75"), and the temperature varies between 18.6°C (65.5°F) and 27.8°C (82°F), creating pleasantly cool conditions.
Weather in December »