Haiti in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Haiti

30°C (86°F) High Temp

19°C (66°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather with minimal rainfall (only 51mm/2.0 inches) making mountain roads accessible to remote villages like Portauprince and Portauprince at 1,500m (4,921 ft) elevation
Peak citrus harvest season - roadside vendors sell sweet oranges, mangoes, and avocados at 25-50 HTG ($0.20-0.40) per piece, with locals celebrating abundant harvests
Optimal visibility for photography at Citadelle Laferrière - clear mountain air provides impressive views across northern plains extending 50 km (31 miles) to the Atlantic
December marks the height of the rapadou (brown sugar cake) production season, with traditional sugar mills operating at full capacity in villages around Léogâne

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodations in Portauprince and Cap-Haïtien book solid 4-6 weeks ahead, with prices inflating 40-60% above October rates
Harmattan winds from the Sahara create dusty conditions 3-4 days per week, reducing air quality and requiring frequent cleaning of cameras and electronics
December graduation ceremonies at University of Haiti create traffic gridlock in Portauprince, adding 45-60 minutes to typical 20-minute cross-city journeys

Best Activities in December

Citadelle Laferrière Mountain Fortress Tours

December's dry conditions make the 8 km (5-mile) mountain road to this UNESCO World Heritage fortress fully accessible. Morning temperatures of 22°C (72°F) at 900m (2,953 ft) elevation provide comfortable hiking conditions to explore the 365m-long (1,198 ft) fortress walls. Clear December skies offer unobstructed views across Haiti's northern coastline.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead through licensed Cap-Haïtien operators. Tours typically cost 2,500-4,000 HTG ($20-32) including transport and guide. Start early (7am) to avoid afternoon heat buildup. See current tour options in the booking widget below.

Jacmel Artisan Quarter Walking Tours

December's low rainfall (only 10 rainy days) makes exploring Jacmel's cobblestone streets and colonial architecture ideal. The 70% humidity creates perfect conditions for viewing ironwork galleries and papier-mâché workshops without the oppressive heat of other months. Street art murals are at their most busy before January's intense sun begins fading colors.

Booking Tip: Local cultural guides charge 1,500-2,500 HTG ($12-20) for 3-4 hour walking tours. Book upon arrival through your accommodation or at Place d'Armes. December's pleasant evening temperatures extend tours until sunset. Check booking options below for organized cultural experiences.

Blue Basin Sacred Waterfall Hiking

December marks the end of rainy season, leaving Blue Basin's pools at optimal depth for swimming while maintaining the mystical cobalt blue color that gives this sacred site its name. The 2 km (1.2-mile) jungle trail is driest in December, with fewer muddy sections. Water temperature stays constant at 24°C (75°F) year-round.

Booking Tip: Independent access costs 250 HTG ($2) entrance fee plus 500 HTG ($4) for required local guide. Guided tours from Jacmel run 3,500-5,000 HTG ($28-40) including transport. December's stable weather means daily departures. Find current tour operators in the booking section.

Northern Coast Beach Hopping

December's trade winds keep coastal temperatures 3-4°C (5-7°F) cooler than inland areas, making beaches like Labadie and Cormier Plage comfortable for full-day visits. Water visibility reaches 20m (65 ft) due to decreased rainfall stirring up sediment. December marks peak season for fresh lobster at beachside grills.

Booking Tip: Beach day trips from Cap-Haïtien cost 2,000-3,500 HTG ($16-28) including transport and lunch. Private beach clubs charge 500-1,000 HTG ($4-8) entrance. Book transport the evening before through local operators. See current beach tour options below.

Port-au-Prince Traditional Music Venues

December's comfortable evening temperatures make outdoor concert venues like Place Boyer ideal for experiencing live compas, rara, and jazz. The dry season means fewer concert cancellations, with major venues hosting 4-5 performances weekly. December also marks the pre-Carnival rehearsal season for traditional bands.

Booking Tip: Concert tickets range 1,000-4,000 HTG ($8-32) depending on venue and artist. Popular venues sell out 1-2 weeks ahead in December. Purchase through venue box offices or hotel concierges. Check current cultural events and bookings below.

Central Plateau Coffee Plantation Tours

December coincides with coffee harvest season in the mountains around Hinche and Baptiste. Plantation tours at 1,200m (3,937 ft) elevation benefit from December's clear skies and moderate temperatures of 25°C (77°F). Visitors can participate in bean picking and traditional processing methods while enjoying panoramic mountain views.

Booking Tip: Full-day coffee tours cost 4,000-6,500 HTG ($32-52) including meals and tastings. Book minimum 1 week ahead through Portauprince tour operators as December is harvest peak. Road conditions require 4WD vehicles. Browse available plantation tours in the booking widget.

December Events & Festivals

December 8

Fête de l'Immaculée Conception

Major Catholic celebration on December 8th featuring processions through Portauprince and Cap-Haïtien. Churches hold special masses while street vendors sell traditional sweets and flowers. This religious holiday provides insight into Haiti's deep Catholic traditions blended with Vodou elements.

Mid December

Christmas Markets in Pétionville

Local artisans set up holiday markets throughout December in Pétionville's central plaza. Vendors sell handcrafted items, traditional Christmas foods like soup joumou preparations, and locally-made rum. Markets operate daily from mid-December with extended evening hours.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight dust mask or bandana - Saharan dust arrives 3-4 days weekly, creating respiratory irritation and coating electronics

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index of 8 at sea level intensifies to dangerous levels at mountain elevations above 1,000m (3,281 ft)

Quick-dry hiking pants - Essential for Citadelle trails and coffee plantation visits where temperatures drop 8°C (14°F) with elevation

Waterproof phone case - Despite low rainfall, sacred waterfall sites and humid coastal areas create condensation issues

Cash in small denominations - Most attractions and local guides operate cash-only with limited change for large bills

Portable power bank with solar capability - Mountain areas have unreliable electricity, and long day tours drain devices quickly

Anti-nausea medication - Winding mountain roads to major attractions can trigger motion sickness in December's variable weather

Insect repellent with DEET 30% - Evening mosquitoes increase during December's humid conditions, particularly in coastal areas

Compact umbrella - Brief afternoon showers on 10 days require quick cover, especially in mountainous regions

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support - Cobblestone streets in Jacmel and uneven Citadelle paths demand proper footwear

Insider Knowledge

December graduations at major universities create massive traffic delays in Portauprince - avoid cross-city travel between 3-7pm during weekdays to prevent missing scheduled tours

Local families harvest their fruit trees in December, creating opportunities to buy incredibly fresh mangoes, avocados, and citrus directly from rural households at 60% below market prices

Many Haitian expatriates return for Christmas holidays, filling up accommodations but also bringing temporary English-speaking guides and cultural interpreters to tourist areas

December marks the traditional season for clairin distillation - small rural distilleries welcome visitors and offer tastings of this pure sugarcane alcohol, providing authentic cultural experiences unavailable other months

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking accommodations less than 4 weeks ahead - December is peak season with 80% occupancy rates in tourist areas, forcing last-minute visitors into overpriced or unsuitable lodging

Underestimating dust impact on electronics - Saharan dust episodes require daily cleaning of camera lenses and protective covering for laptops and phones

Planning only coastal activities - December's perfect weather makes mountain attractions like Citadelle and coffee plantations far more accessible and comfortable than during rainy months