Haiti in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Haiti

29°C (84°F) High Temp

19°C (66°F) Low Temp

51mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect temperatures for mountain hiking - daytime highs of 29°C (84°F) in lowlands mean comfortable 20-25°C (68-77°F) temperatures in the mountains around Portauprince and Portauprince
Minimal rainfall with only 51mm (2.0 inches) across 10 days makes this ideal for outdoor activities and reliable transportation on unpaved roads
Peak agricultural season - local markets overflow with fresh mangoes, avocados, and breadfruit at lowest prices, plus sugar cane harvest creates festive atmosphere in rural areas
Calm Caribbean seas with 1-2m (3-6 ft) swells perfect for boat trips to Île-à-Vache and coastal exploration along the southern peninsula

Considerations

High tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% compared to September, and popular guesthouses in Jacmel and Cap-Haïtien book solid by mid-December
Dusty conditions during dry season create hazy air quality, especially problematic in Portauprince where particulate matter combines with vehicle emissions
Strong trade winds averaging 25-35 km/h (15-22 mph) can make coastal activities uncomfortable and create choppy conditions for smaller boats

Best Activities in January

Citadelle Laferrière Fortress Tours

January's moderate humidity makes the steep 1.6km (1 mile) climb to this UNESCO World Heritage fortress bearable. Clear skies provide spectacular 360-degree views across northern Haiti's mountains. The 19°C (66°F) morning temperatures are perfect for the 2-hour uphill walk from Milot village.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed guides in Cap-Haïtien. Tours typically cost 2,500-4,000 HTG ($15-25 USD) including transportation from Cap-Haïtien. Start early (7am) to avoid afternoon heat and crowds. Look for guides certified by the Ministry of Tourism.

Jacmel Artisan Quarter Walking Tours

Dry weather ensures all cobblestone streets and colonial architecture are accessible. January coincides with pre-Carnival mask-making season when ateliers work at full capacity creating papier-mâché masterpieces. Morning temperatures of 22-25°C (72-77°F) are perfect for exploring narrow alleyways.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration works well, but local cultural guides cost 1,500-2,500 HTG ($10-15 USD) for 3-4 hours. Book through established guesthouses rather than street approaches. Allow full morning plus lunch at Iron Market.

Port Salut Beach and Coastal Exploration

January's calm seas and minimal rainfall create ideal conditions for Haiti's most pristine Caribbean coastline. Water temperatures hold steady at 26°C (79°F) with excellent visibility for snorkeling. Gentle trade winds provide natural cooling during beach time.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Les Cayes cost 3,000-5,000 HTG ($20-30 USD) including transportation. Multi-day stays at local guesthouses run 2,000-4,000 HTG ($12-25 USD) per night. Book coastal boat trips 3-5 days ahead through established operators.

Kenscoff Mountain Market and Coffee Tours

Coffee harvest season peaks in January with farms at 1,200-1,800m (4,000-6,000 ft) elevation offering fresh processing demonstrations. Cool mountain temperatures of 15-20°C (59-68°F) provide relief from coastal heat. Local produce markets showcase peak-season strawberries, leeks, and carrots unavailable year-round.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Portauprince cost 2,000-3,500 HTG ($12-22 USD) via tap-tap or shared taxi. Private coffee farm visits require advance arrangement through mountain guesthouses. Bring layers for temperature changes during 1-hour mountain ascent.

Île-à-Vache Island Excursions

January's stable weather patterns make the 30-minute boat crossing from Les Cayes reliable and comfortable. Island temperatures stay 2-3°C (4-5°F) cooler than mainland due to constant sea breezes. Perfect conditions for exploring Fort des Oliviers ruins and pristine Abaka Bay.

Booking Tip: Full-day boat trips cost 4,000-6,000 HTG ($25-35 USD) including lunch and snorkeling equipment. Book through Port Morgan or Les Cayes operators 5-7 days ahead. Overnight stays in local guesthouses run 3,000-5,000 HTG ($20-30 USD) per night.

Bassin Bleu Waterfall Hiking

Low January rainfall means safer trail conditions on the rocky 45-minute descent to these turquoise pools near Jacmel. Water levels are perfect for swimming without dangerous currents. Morning start at 7am avoids afternoon heat buildup in the canyon.

Booking Tip: Local guides from Jacmel charge 2,000-3,000 HTG ($12-18 USD) for the 6-hour round trip including transportation to trailhead. Mandatory guide requirement due to unmarked trails. Book through established Jacmel guesthouses for reliable guides.

January Events & Festivals

January 1

Independence Day Celebrations

January 1st marks Haiti's 1804 independence with elaborate ceremonies at the Sansalvador grounds in Portauprince, featuring traditional folk performances, military parades, and joumou (pumpkin soup) served nationwide as symbol of freedom

All January

Carnival Preparation Season

Throughout January, artisan workshops in Jacmel and Portauprince create elaborate masks and costumes. Visitors can observe papier-mâché techniques passed down through generations and hear bands practicing traditional rara rhythms

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long pants - protects against mosquitoes during 70% humidity evenings and shows respect in rural communities

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 with intense Caribbean sun reflection off water and limestone

Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support - essential for Citadelle climb and mountain trails with loose volcanic rock

Quick-dry rain jacket - afternoon showers last 20-30 minutes but can be intense, especially in mountain regions

Insect repellent with 25%+ DEET - standing water from recent rains creates mosquito breeding in urban areas

Layers for elevation changes - temperatures drop 6-8°C (10-15°F) when traveling from coast to 1,500m (5,000 ft) mountains

Electrolyte supplements - sweating in humid conditions combined with limited clean water access requires preparation

Headlamp with extra batteries - frequent power outages and early morning activity starts require reliable lighting

Comfortable walking sandals with toe protection - coral and sea urchins common on beaches, plus rocky terrain in towns

Insider Knowledge

Local tap-taps (shared taxis) run most frequently 6am-10am and 3pm-6pm - plan around these windows to avoid long waits and higher private taxi costs

January mango season means street vendors offer 12-15 varieties unavailable other months - try the small 'ti-mango' variety that locals prefer over large export mangoes

Mountain regions like Portauprince can be 10-12°C (18-22°F) cooler than coastal areas - many visitors underestimate this temperature difference and arrive unprepared

Pre-Carnival period in January offers better prices and availability for artisan workshops and cultural experiences compared to February's peak festival season

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating travel time between destinations - Haiti's mountainous terrain means 100km (62 mile) trips can take 4-5 hours on winding roads with frequent stops

Arriving without small bills - most transactions require exact change in local currency, and breaking large bills can be difficult outside Portauprince

Scheduling outdoor activities during midday heat - even January's moderate temperatures become uncomfortable 11am-2pm with high humidity and direct sun exposure