Haiti in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Haiti

30°C (87°F) High Temp

22°C (71°F) Low Temp

51mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

End of rainy season means lush green landscapes and waterfalls at peak flow - Bassin Bleu's turquoise pools are most spectacular with 51mm (2.0 inches) rainfall creating perfect water levels
Tourist low season results in 40-60% lower accommodation rates and virtually empty beaches along the Côte des Arcadins, making it ideal for authentic cultural experiences
Perfect hiking weather in morning hours (22-25°C/71-77°F) before afternoon heat peaks, ideal for exploring Pic la Selle and Portauprince mountain trails
Hurricane season officially ends October 30th, making November one of the most weather-stable months with only brief afternoon showers lasting 20-30 minutes

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms occur 10 days of the month, typically 2-4pm, which can disrupt outdoor mountain activities and hiking plans without proper timing
High humidity (70%) makes midday temperatures feel like 35°C (95°F), requiring indoor breaks and careful hydration planning during 11am-3pm peak hours
Some rural roads may still have muddy conditions from October rains, particularly in mountainous areas around Portauprince and Portauprince, requiring 4WD vehicles

Best Activities in November

Citadelle Laferrière Mountain Fortress Tours

November's cooler morning temperatures (22°C/71°F at dawn) make the 8km (5-mile) roundtrip hike to this UNESCO World Heritage fortress comfortable before 10am. Post-rainy season means crystal-clear mountain air with 50km (31-mile) visibility across northern Haiti. The fortress is never crowded in November, allowing intimate exploration of King Henri Christophe's massive stone fortification.

Booking Tip: Start at 6am to avoid afternoon heat and storms. Tours typically cost $40-60 USD including transport from Cap-Haïtien. Book 5-7 days ahead through certified mountain guides. Reference booking widget for current tour options with licensed operators.

Bassin Bleu Natural Pool Adventures

November rainfall creates perfect water levels in these famous turquoise limestone pools near Jacmel. Water temperature stays constant at 24°C (75°F) year-round, but November's lush post-rain vegetation creates the most photogenic setting. The 45-minute hike through coffee plantations is comfortable in morning humidity before it peaks.

Booking Tip: Go between 8am-11am before afternoon storms. Entry typically costs $10-15 USD plus $20-30 for local guides (mandatory for safety). Book day before through Jacmel tourism office. See current tour options in booking section below.

Port-au-Prince Art and History Walking Tours

November's lower tourist numbers mean authentic interactions in downtown galleries, iron markets, and historic neighborhoods. Morning temperatures (22-25°C/71-77°F) are perfect for 3-4 hour walking tours through Bel-Air murals and visiting local artists' studios. Afternoon indoor museum visits avoid the 2-4pm storm window.

Booking Tip: Book morning slots 8am-12pm to avoid heat and rain. Cultural tours typically cost $25-45 USD for 4-6 hours including transportation. Book 3-5 days ahead through cultural centers. Current tour options available through booking widget below.

Île-à-Vache Island Beach Excursions

November's calm post-hurricane seas make the 30-minute boat ride from Les Cayes smooth and reliable. This largely undeveloped island has pristine beaches with November water temperatures at 27°C (81°F). Low season means you'll often have entire beach stretches to yourself, with only a few local fishing boats for company.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost $35-55 USD including boat transport and lunch. Weather is most stable morning departures before 10am. Book 2-3 days ahead through Les Cayes marina operators. See current island tour options in booking section.

Kenscoff Mountain Coffee Farm Experiences

November is peak coffee harvest season at 1,500m (4,920ft) elevation where temperatures are 5-8°C (9-14°F) cooler than coast. You'll witness actual coffee picking, processing, and roasting while enjoying 15°C (59°F) mountain air. Post-rain clarity offers spectacular views over Port-au-Prince bay 25km (15.5 miles) below.

Booking Tip: Harvest season tours cost $20-35 USD including farm lunch and coffee tasting. Best visibility 7am-11am before afternoon clouds form. Book 1-2 days ahead directly with farms. Licensed coffee tour operators available through booking widget.

Jacmel Colonial Architecture and Beach Combinations

November's dramatic afternoon storm clouds create perfect lighting for photography of Jacmel's Victorian-era architecture between 4-6pm. Morning beach time at nearby Ti Mouillage or Raymond les Bains offers calm seas before afternoon weather, then explore covered colonial galleries during brief rain showers.

Booking Tip: Combined architecture-beach tours typically cost $30-50 USD for full day. Croatia timing: beaches 8am-12pm, indoor cultural sites 2-4pm during storms, photography 4-6pm. Book through Jacmel cultural associations 2-4 days ahead.

November Events & Festivals

November 18th

Vertières Day Independence Celebrations

November 18th marks Haiti's decisive 1803 victory over French forces. The main ceremony occurs at Vertières battlefield near Cap-Haïtien with military parades, traditional dancing, and speeches. Local communities throughout Haiti hold smaller celebrations with traditional food, music, and storytelling about independence heroes.

Mid to Late November

Coffee Harvest Festivals

Mountain communities around Portauprince, Dondon, and Thiotte celebrate peak harvest season with weekend festivals featuring live music, coffee competitions, and traditional mountain cuisine. These aren't tourist events but genuine community celebrations where visitors are welcomed to participate in picking, processing demonstrations, and local dancing.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - afternoon storms dump heavy rain for 20-30 minutes with little warning, umbrellas are useless in tropical downpours

Moisture-wicking cotton or bamboo clothing - avoid polyester which becomes uncomfortable in 70% humidity, especially during 11am-3pm peak heat

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 even on cloudy days, reflection off water and concrete intensifies exposure

Quick-dry hiking pants for mountain excursions - trails can be muddy from October rains, especially above 1,000m (3,280ft) elevation

Closed-toe water shoes for natural pools - rocky surfaces at Bassin Bleu and other swimming holes require foot protection

Portable phone charger/power bank - afternoon storms can cause brief power outages in rural areas and mountain regions

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - post-rain mosquito activity peaks at dawn and dusk, especially near water sources

Light sweater for mountain areas - temperatures drop to 15°C (59°F) in Portauprince and Portauprince, 15°C (27°F) cooler than coast

Waterproof day pack - protect electronics and documents during unexpected rain, especially for hiking and outdoor activities

Cash in small bills (US dollars or Haitian gourdes) - many rural attractions, guides, and transportation only accept cash payments

Insider Knowledge

Local bus (tap-tap) schedules adjust for afternoon storms - morning departures 6am-11am are most reliable, afternoon services often delayed between 2-4pm during storm window

Mountain roads to Portauprince and Portauprince require 4WD vehicles in November due to October rain damage - negotiate 4WD rentals in advance, 2WD cars get stuck on muddy switchbacks

Hotel rates drop 40-60% in November but book 2-3 weeks ahead - many properties close for maintenance October-November, limiting available rooms despite low demand

ATMs frequently run out of cash on weekends and holidays - withdraw money Friday mornings, bring backup US dollars as many businesses accept both currencies at fair rates

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor mountain activities after 1pm - afternoon thunderstorms are predictable and dangerous on exposed ridges, all hiking should finish by noon

Expecting pristine road conditions - October rains damage rural roads, budget extra time for transport and consider 4WD for mountain destinations

Not bringing rain protection for electronics - brief but intense storms can destroy phones and cameras in minutes, waterproof cases essential for outdoor activities