Things to Do in Haiti in January
January weather, activities, events & insider tips
Shoulder Season · Good Value
January Weather in Haiti
Long-run averages for January in Port-au-Prince
88°F (31°C)
High Temp
72°F (22°C)
Low Temp
0.6 inches (15 mm)
Rainfall
59%
Humidity
8
Sunny-Day UV
⚠ Dust and haze from the Harmattan winds can occasionally reduce air quality and visibility, in the northern and central regions.
Making the most of January in Haiti? Browse tours and activities in Haiti on GetYourGuide.
Is January Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + The hills above Port-au-Prince in places like Pétion-Ville have a kind of low-70s crispness in the early morning that you just don't get any other time of year - it's the dry season, so the air feels sharp with the scent of charcoal smoke and blooming bougainvillea, not humid.
- + It's the heart of the dry season, which in Haiti doesn't just mean 'no rain' - it means the mountain roads to the far corners of the country, like the ones winding up to the Citadelle Laferrière or over the Massif de la Selle to Jacmel, are at their most passable. You'll see more of the country open.
- + January is generally after the peak holiday season of late December, so the rhythm of Port-au-Prince settles back into its own local pulse. You might find that things are slightly less expensive than they were a couple of weeks prior.
- + With the clear, bright skies, the view from the terrace of the Hotel Oloffson in Port-au-Prince is vivid - you can see across the entire city to the Gulf of Gonâve, and the light is that perfect soft gold that makes everything look painted.
Considerations
- − This is the peak of the 'konpa festival' season - New Year's Day is a national celebration with massive concerts (often featuring artists like T-Vice or Djakout), but that cultural energy means major roads in the capital can be completely jammed for hours with celebratory traffic.
- − Despite being the dry season, dust is a real factor, in the arid Artibonite Valley or on the drive north to Cap-Haïtien. The Harmattan winds from the Sahara can occasionally bring a fine haze, which locals call 'poussière,' that settles over everything.
- − Because January weather is reliably pleasant, it's when many international NGO workers and diplomats travel for conferences. This can mean the nicer hotels in Pétion-Ville book up faster than you'd expect, and some restaurants feel busier with a non-local crowd.
Short on time in January? See day trips around Haiti on GetYourGuide.
Best Activities in January
Top things to do during your visit
Citadelle Laferrière Hiking Tours
This is arguably the single best month to tackle the hour-plus climb on foot to Haiti's mountaintop fortress. The trail is dry and firm underfoot, and that 22°C (72°F) morning low in the surrounding hills means you won't be sweating buckets by the time you reach the first rampart. The view from the top across the Plaine du Nord is crystal clear - no rainy-season haze. The stonework of the Citadelle itself feels warm to the touch in the midday sun, and the only sound up there is the wind whistling through the cannon ports.
Booking Tip: You'll want a licensed guide from Cap-Haïtien - not just for history. But because they know which sections of the 8 km (5 mile) path might be slick even in the dry season. Book at least a week ahead through a reputable tour company. See current options in the booking widget below.
Jacmel & Bassin Bleu Waterfall Adventures
The road from Port-au-Prince to the south coast arts town of Jacmel is a winding, dramatic pass over the mountains. In January, it's at its most reliable. Bassin Bleu, the series of impressive turquoise swimming holes hidden in a jungle gorge outside town, has water that's cool but not bracing - the perfect reward after the hike in. The sound of the waterfalls echoes off the mossy rocks, and the air smells of damp earth and tropical blooms. This is also when Jacmel's artists' studios and galleries are most active, before the pre-Carnaval frenzy of February.
Booking Tip: Tours from Port-au-Prince are long day trips due to the drive. Look for operators that include both cultural stops in Jacmel's ironwork market and time at Bassin Bleu. Booking a few days in advance is wise. Check the widget for current guided trips.
Port-au-Prince Historical & Art District Tours
The dry, sunny days are good for exploring the open-air museums and sites scattered across the capital. The light in the afternoon is good for seeing the intricate vodou flags at the Musée du Panthéon National, and the dust-free air makes walking through the sculpture garden at Atis Rezistans - an open-air workshop in the Grand Rue - a more comfortable experience. You can hear the tap-tap-tap of artists recycling metal into figures, and the smell of welding iron mixes with the scent of street food from nearby stalls.
Booking Tip: These tours often involve moving between neighborhoods. Opt for a guided tour with a driver for safety and context. Look for guides who are art historians or cultural specialists. Book a couple of days ahead. See what's available in the tour listings.
Île-à-Vatche & Southern Coast Boat Excursions
The water in the Caribbean off Haiti's southern coast, around the island of Île-à-Vatche, is at its most brilliantly clear and calm in January. Boat tours from the town of Aquin or nearby points offer snorkeling over reefs where the fish seem more lively, and the beaches on these offshore cays are empty. The breeze on the water keeps you cool even under the strong sun, and the taste of fresh-caught lobster grilled on the beach is a seasonal highlight. It's a world away from the bustle of the mainland.
Booking Tip: These are often private or small-group charters. You'll need to arrange transport from Port-au-Prince or Jacmel to the departure point. Book at least two weeks in advance for the best boats and captains. Search for operators specializing in the southern coast.
Kenscoff Mountain Day Trips
Just an hour's drive (but a world away in climate) from Port-au-Prince, the mountain town of Kenscoff sits at about 1,500 meters (4,900 feet). In January, the temperature up there can be a refreshing 15°C (59°F) cooler than the city. The air smells of pine and the rich soil of the terraced market gardens. It's where wealthy Port-au-Princiens have their weekend homes, and the Marché de Kenscoff is a spectacle of piled-high carrots, cabbages, and strawberries. The view back down over the capital and the sea is breathtakingly clear.
Booking Tip: You can hire a driver for the day quite easily. No need for a formal 'tour,' but having a local who knows the market and can recommend a place for lunch (try the lambi stew) is key. Arrange this a day or two before you go.
Where to Stay in Haiti in January
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for January travellers.
Public Holidays in January
Dates that affect opening hours, transport and crowds
Jour de l'an
Known in English as New Year's Day. Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Jour des Aieux
Known in English as Ancestry Day. Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Le Jour des Rois
Known in English as Epiphany. Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Jour de l'an
Known in English as New Year's Day. Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Jour des Aieux
Known in English as Ancestry Day. Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Le Jour des Rois
Known in English as Epiphany. Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
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View Haiti Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
The best Haitian coffee is often sold in unmarked bags at the mountain market in Kenscoff, direct from the growers. It has a bright, almost fruity acidity you won't find in exported brands. Buy some. Ask your hotel if they'll brew it for you.
For a local Port-au-Prince experience, find a 'lounge' in Pétion-Ville on a Friday night. These are unmarked, often house-based bars where professionals go after work. The music is a mix of Haitian kompa and international hits. The Prestige beer is ice-cold. The conversation is lively.
If you visit the Iron Market (Marché en Fer) in Port-au-Prince, go with a guide who vendors know. You'll get better prices. You'll hear the stories behind the crafts. You'll avoid the most aggressive hustling. The sound inside is a cacophony of haggling, hammering metal, and gospel music from transistor radios.
When eating street food, look for the places with the longest line of Haitians. The woman selling 'mayi moulen ak sòs pwa' (cornmeal with bean sauce) from a huge pot over charcoal has likely been doing it for 30 years. The taste is smoky and hearty. It costs next to nothing.
Avoid These Mistakes
Trying to pack too much into one day. Distances in Haiti are short on a map but long on the clock due to road conditions and traffic. A trip from Port-au-Prince to the Citadelle is a full two-day affair. This is not a day trip.
Underestimating the sun. That pleasant 88°F (31°C) can deceive you. A hat and sunscreen aren't optional. A sunburn or heat exhaustion on your first day will ruin your trip.
Assuming you can use credit cards everywhere. You can't. You'll need to exchange money for gourdes upon arrival. You should always have cash on hand for meals, transport, and entrance fees.
Not respecting the Independence Day holiday on January 1st. Absolutely nothing will be open. No banks. No museums. Few restaurants. Plan to either join the celebrations or have a very quiet day at your hotel.
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