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Climate

In Haiti the climate is tropical, hot throughout the year, with a less hot period from November to March, in which the trade winds from the northeast prevail, and a muggy period from May to October, in which the heat becomes unpleasant, though along the coasts it is tempered by the breeze. Temperatures are a bit higher in inland plains and south-facing coasts, and slightly lower along the north-facing coasts. From December to March, sometimes the north-west cool wind, coming from the United States, can lower the temperature by a few degrees, bringing the night temperatures a few degrees below 20 °C (68 °F). 

As regards the rains, there is usually a dry season from December to February, and a rainy season from April to October, with with two peaks at the beginning and the end of the period, and a relative pause in July. 

The best time to visit Haiti is from December to March. In summer, when there's no shortage of sunshine, but the heat is sweltering, and besides there is the risk of hurricanes, the best month (or the least bad) is July, because it generally sees a certain decrease in rainfall, furthermore, hurricanes are less likely than in August and September. 

Getting Here

Good to know

CAR
For those wishing to remain flexible and independent during their trip, car rental companies are available in the main towns and airports. However, it is not uncommon for visitors to hire a chauffeur, as prices for such service are similar to those for renting your own vehicle. The lack of road signs can make driving around Haiti a pretty frustrating experience, so having a local chauffeur who knows their way around and can translate as well as recommend places. Drivers often hang around main hotels, otherwise a taxi (most likely a friend or family member of the staff) can be ordered at the reception of your accommodation of choice.

BUS
Travellers on a budget will prefer the option of using tap-taps, recognisable by their bright and sometimes religious paintwork. A fair around Port-au-Prince is often around 10 Gourdes (about 0.25 USD), but first-time travellers are advised to have some basic local vocabulary in order to get by. To get off a tap-tap, simply shout “merci!” to the driver who will then stop to drop you off. Tap-taps can become very uncomfortable and slightly unnerving on longer distances and rougher terrain, and a good but still budget-friendly alternative are minibuses. Those normally follow a precise route and can be caught around the city’s main points of interests.

History of Haiti

When Columbus first set foot at Mole St Nicholas on 6th December 1492, Haiti had already been inhabited by the Tainos Indians for over seven centuries. On the 24th December 1492, the sinking of the Santa Maria off the Haitian coast led the Spaniards to establish their first settlement on the Hispaniola island, one they decided to name La Navidad, or “Christmas” in Spanish.

Click here to read the full history!

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