Haiti in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Haiti

87°F (31°C) High Temp

71°F (22°C) Low Temp

2.0 inches (51mm) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

May marks the beginning of mango season - Haitian mangoes are at their absolute peak, with François and Baptiste varieties available from roadside vendors at ₹25-50 HTG (₹0.15-0.30 USD) each
Pre-rainy season timing means mountain roads to Jacmel and Cap-Haïtien are still accessible - many routes become challenging after June when heavy rains begin
Cooler morning temperatures of 71°F (22°C) make early departure times ideal for visiting Citadelle Laferrière before the midday heat peaks at 87°F (31°C)
Tourist crowds are minimal - May sits between Easter visitors and summer diaspora returns, meaning popular sites like Île-à-Vache have plenty of space on beaches and lower accommodation rates

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms arrive suddenly around 2-4 PM on 10 out of 31 days, often lasting 45-90 minutes and making outdoor activities unpredictable without flexible scheduling
High humidity at 70% combined with 87°F (31°C) temperatures creates uncomfortable conditions for extensive walking tours, especially in Port-au-Prince's concrete areas
May falls during the pre-hurricane season buildup, meaning some coastal activities may face last-minute cancellations due to weather advisories even when storms are weeks away

Best Activities in May

Citadelle Laferrière Mountain Fortress Tours

May's cooler morning temperatures make the 45-minute uphill trek to this UNESCO World Heritage site manageable before heat intensifies. Start by 7 AM to avoid both crowds and the peak 87°F (31°C) afternoon temperatures. The fortress offers panoramic views across northern Haiti, and May's clear mornings provide exceptional visibility across the mountains.

Booking Tip: Book tours through certified guides in Cap-Haïtien 3-5 days ahead. Expect to pay 2,000-3,000 HTG for transport plus guide fees of 1,500-2,500 HTG. Insist on early morning departures before 8 AM. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Jacmel Artisan Market and Beach Combinations

May's variable weather makes Jacmel perfect for flexible indoor-outdoor exploration. Morning hours at the famous artisan markets offer cooler browsing conditions, while afternoon thunderstorms provide natural breaks for café stops. The town's colonial architecture photographs beautifully in May's dramatic pre-storm lighting.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Port-au-Prince typically cost 3,500-5,500 HTG including transport. Book through established operators 5-7 days ahead, ensuring vehicles have good tires for mountain roads. Market vendors are most active 8 AM-1 PM. Reference booking widget below for current tour packages.

Île-à-Vache Island Retreats

May offers ideal conditions for Haiti's Caribbean great destination with minimal tourist crowds and perfect water temperatures around 82°F (28°C). Morning boat rides from Port Morgan avoid afternoon storm systems, and the island's beaches remain uncrowded. Snorkeling visibility peaks in May before summer algae blooms.

Booking Tip: Overnight packages range from 4,000-8,000 HTG per person including boat transfer and meals. Book accommodation 10-14 days ahead as options are limited. Departure times from Les Cayes should be scheduled for 9-11 AM. See current island tour options in booking section below.

Port-au-Prince Cultural Walking Tours

May's mornings provide the only comfortable window for exploring the capital's historic Pétionville and downtown areas. Start at 7 AM to experience local markets coming alive while temperatures remain tolerable. The Iron Market and Cathedral area are best experienced early before both heat and crowds build.

Booking Tip: Walking tours cost 1,500-2,500 HTG per person for 3-4 hour experiences. Book through hotel concierges or established cultural centers. Always arrange for morning slots starting before 8 AM. Tours should include indoor stops for afternoon thunderstorm shelter.

Bassin Bleu Waterfall Adventures

May's pre-rainy season conditions create perfect water levels at these turquoise pools near Jacmel. Water temperatures are refreshing against May's heat, and morning light creates impressive photography conditions. The 30-minute hike is manageable in cooler morning temperatures before humidity peaks.

Booking Tip: Tours typically cost 2,500-4,000 HTG including local guides and transport from Jacmel. Book 2-3 days ahead with operators who provide proper footwear for wet rocks. Best departure times are 8-9 AM. Check current availability through booking options below.

Cap-Haïtien Colonial Heritage Tours

May's variable weather creates dramatic backdrops for exploring Haiti's former northern capital. Morning tours capture the French colonial architecture in perfect light, while indoor museum stops provide shelter during afternoon storms. The city's walkable historic center is manageable in May's morning coolness.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours from Port-au-Prince cost 4,000-6,500 HTG including transport and guide. Local Cap-Haïtien tours range 1,500-3,000 HTG for half-day experiences. Book 5-7 days ahead and request morning starts before 8 AM for comfortable walking conditions.

May Events & Festivals

May 18th

Flag and University Day (May 18th)

Haiti's national holiday celebrating the creation of the Haitian flag features parades, cultural performances, and patriotic displays throughout Port-au-Prince and major cities. Streets fill with blue and red decorations, and traditional foods are served at public gatherings.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry hiking pants and long-sleeved shirts - essential for protection against 70% humidity, intense UV (index 8), and sudden temperature drops during afternoon storms

Waterproof phone case and documents holder - afternoon thunderstorms arrive within minutes and can soak everything despite brief 45-90 minute duration

Electrolyte packets or powder - dehydration happens quickly in 87°F (31°C) heat combined with 70% humidity, especially during morning activity rushes

Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support - mountain roads to Citadelle and waterfall trails become slippery with May's variable moisture conditions

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and reflects intensely off Caribbean waters and limestone fortress walls

Lightweight rain jacket (not poncho) - allows continued sightseeing during brief afternoon downpours while maintaining mobility for photography

Portable battery pack (10,000mAh minimum) - power outages are common during May thunderstorms and charging opportunities are limited in rural areas

Cotton or bamboo underwear and socks - synthetic materials become unbearable in 70% humidity conditions during long touring days

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - essential for morning market visits and fortress exploration, with strap preventing loss during sudden wind gusts

Insect repellent with 20-30% DEET - May's variable moisture creates ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, especially near waterfalls and coastal areas

Insider Knowledge

Haitian creole phrase 'Kote nou ka jwenn dlo?' (Where can we find water?) becomes essential during May heat - carry cash for roadside vendors selling cold drinks at 25-50 HTG

Public transportation (tap-taps) reduce frequency during afternoon thunderstorms - always have backup taxi numbers saved and expect 2-3x normal fares during weather delays

Local markets close completely during heavy downpours but reopen immediately after - use storm time for café breaks and return when vendors resume full displays

May's mango season creates traffic delays on mountain roads as vendors set up impromptu stands - budget extra 30-45 minutes for routes to Jacmel and northern destinations

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities after 1 PM - afternoon thunderstorms become unpredictable and can strand tourists at remote locations like Bassin Bleu for hours

Wearing synthetic clothing in May's 70% humidity - cotton and linen are essential as polyester and nylon become uncomfortable within 30 minutes of outdoor activity

Carrying only US dollars without small denomination Haitian gourdes - mango vendors, water sellers, and local transport require exact change in local currency during May's peak season