Haiti in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Haiti

29°C (84°F) High Temp

19°C (66°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect escape weather - while North America freezes, Haiti enjoys ideal 19-29°C (66-84°F) temperatures with cooling trade winds from the northeast
Carnival season culminates in spectacular celebrations - the most busy cultural experience of the year happens in Portauprince and Jacmel with elaborate floats, traditional rara bands, and street parties
Dry season reliability - only 10 rainy days with brief 20-30 minute afternoon showers that actually provide welcome relief from the heat
Lower accommodation prices - February sits in shoulder season before March peak, offering 20-30% savings on hotels while weather remains excellent

Considerations

Carnival crowds in major cities - Portauprince and Jacmel become extremely crowded during Carnival week, with accommodation prices spiking 200-300% and traffic becoming nearly impossible
Dust season peaks - trade winds carry dust from the Dominican border and dry riverbeds, creating hazy conditions that reduce mountain visibility and can irritate sensitive sinuses
Limited rainy season relief - vegetation looks driest in February after months without significant rainfall, making countryside landscapes appear brown and dusty compared to lusher months

Best Activities in February

Citadelle Laferrière Mountain Fortress Tours

February's dry conditions make the 8 km (5 mile) mountain trek to this UNESCO World Heritage fortress ideal. Cool morning temperatures of 19°C (66°F) and zero mud on trails provide perfect hiking weather. The massive stone fortress, built by Henri Christophe, offers impressive views across northern Haiti without rainy season cloud cover obscuring the panorama.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed guides in Cap-Haïtien. Tours typically cost $45-65 USD including transportation and guide. Start early (7am departure) to avoid midday heat and afternoon showers. Look for guides certified by Haiti's Ministry of Tourism.

Port-au-Prince Carnival Cultural Immersion

February is Carnival season, culminating in the massive street festival before Lent. Experience authentic Haitian culture through elaborate costume parades, traditional rara music, and compas dancing in the streets. The dry weather ensures celebrations continue uninterrupted, while temperatures stay comfortable for outdoor festivities that run from afternoon until dawn.

Booking Tip: Book accommodations 4-6 weeks ahead for Carnival week as prices triple. Cultural walking tours cost $30-50 USD. Stay in Pétion-Ville for safer access to downtown festivities. Look for local cultural guides who speak Kreyòl to navigate authentic neighborhood celebrations.

Jacmel Colonial Architecture and Art Scene Tours

February's clear skies provide perfect lighting for photographing Jacmel's French colonial architecture and busy street murals. The coastal town stays cooler with ocean breezes, while dry conditions make walking the cobblestone streets comfortable. Local artists prepare intensively for Carnival, making February ideal for visiting studios and galleries.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking tours work well - download offline maps as internet can be spotty. Art studio visits typically cost $10-20 USD per studio. Stay 2-3 nights to fully explore. Book beachfront hotels 2 weeks ahead for $80-120 USD/night with ocean views.

Bassin Bleu Waterfall Hiking Adventures

These turquoise-blue mountain pools near Jacmel are most accessible in February's dry season. River levels are perfect for swimming - not too high from rains, not too low from drought. The 2 km (1.2 mile) jungle hike stays comfortable in moderate humidity, and clear water visibility is at its peak for photography.

Booking Tip: Hire local guides in Jacmel for $25-35 USD including transportation. Bring water shoes for rocky river walking. Tours typically last 4-5 hours including transport. Book through established eco-tourism operators who support local communities.

Île-à-Vache Island Beach Retreats

February offers the calmest seas for the boat ride to this pristine island off Haiti's southern coast. Crystal-clear waters with 15-20m (50-65 ft) visibility are perfect for snorkeling, while consistent trade winds keep temperatures bearable on white sand beaches. Local fishing communities prepare traditional meals using February's peak fishing season catches.

Booking Tip: Book boat transfers 5-7 days ahead from Les Cayes for $40-60 USD round trip. Island guesthouses cost $50-90 USD/night. Bring cash - no ATMs on island. Look for operators with life jackets and emergency radios for the 45-minute boat ride.

Traditional Haitian Cooking Classes

February brings peak season for many local ingredients - fresh seafood from calm seas, root vegetables from the recent harvest, and mangoes beginning their season. Cooking classes take advantage of comfortable indoor temperatures and readily available fresh ingredients. Learn to make traditional dishes like griot, legim, and pikliz in family-run restaurants.

Booking Tip: Book directly with restaurants in Pétion-Ville or Cap-Haïtien for $35-55 USD per class including meal. Morning classes (9-11am) avoid afternoon heat. Look for classes that include market visits to select ingredients and teach about local produce seasons.

February Events & Festivals

Late February (dates vary based on Easter calendar)

Port-au-Prince Carnival

The biggest cultural celebration of the year featuring elaborate floats, traditional rara bands, and massive street parties. Three days of non-stop festivities with costumed dancers, live compas music, and authentic Haitian cultural displays that draw participants from across the Caribbean.

Late February (same weekend as Portauprince)

Jacmel Carnival

More intimate but equally spectacular Carnival celebration known for artistic papier-mâché masks and creative costumes. The colonial architecture provides a impressive backdrop for parades, while local artists showcase year-long preparations in elaborate displays.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester in 70% humidity as it traps sweat and becomes uncomfortable

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 with intense tropical sun and minimal cloud cover

Light rain jacket or umbrella - afternoon showers last 20-30 minutes but can be intense, happening 10 days out of the month

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - cobblestone streets in Jacmel and mountain trails to Citadelle can be slippery

Dust mask or bandana - February trade winds carry dust that can irritate sensitive sinuses, especially in Portauprince

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes are active year-round, particularly during brief evening hours around sunset

Portable battery pack - power outages are common and phone battery drains quickly in heat when using GPS and translation apps

Cash in small bills (USD accepted everywhere) - many businesses don't accept cards and change can be difficult to get

Basic first aid kit with anti-diarrheal medication - different bacteria in local water can cause stomach issues for first-time visitors

Modest clothing for cultural sites - long pants and covered shoulders required for churches and some cultural sites, despite the heat

Insider Knowledge

Tap-tap (shared taxi) routes change during Carnival week as streets close for parades - download offline maps and expect normal 20-minute trips to take over an hour

Local mangoes reach peak ripeness in February - try the 'frans' variety sold by street vendors for 25 gourdes (about $0.15 USD) each, far superior to exported varieties

Banking is nearly impossible during Carnival - ATMs run out of cash and banks close early, so withdraw money several days before festivities begin

Afternoon showers start around 2-3pm - schedule outdoor activities for morning hours and use rain time for indoor cultural sites or museum visits

Avoid These Mistakes

Arriving in Portauprince during Carnival week without pre-booked accommodation - hotels fill up 6 weeks in advance and prices increase 200-300%

Underestimating transportation time during February - dust on roads reduces visibility and Carnival preparations cause frequent traffic delays, especially in major cities

Assuming all businesses accept credit cards - even nice restaurants and hotels often require cash, and ATMs frequently run out of money during busy periods