Chaîne de la Selle

Mountain Haiti's highest mountain range with steep peaks

The Chaîne de la Selle is Haiti’s main mountain range, including Pic la Selle; hikers and naturalists visit for steep trails, cloud‑forest remnants and panoramic views toward the Haitian interior.

Main image

Chaîne de la Selle is a mountain range on Haiti’s southern peninsula that contains the country’s highest elevations and distinct highland habitats. The range is dominated by steep ridges and peaks, culminating at Pic la Selle.

The area supports montane and cloud forest remnants that are important for endemic flora and fauna, and it is a focus for ecological and conservation work because of its elevation and relative isolation. Outdoor activities include trekking to high summits and surveying remnant forest patches.

Geographically the chain runs across the southern section of Haiti’s peninsula, south and east of the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, forming a backbone of high ground near the Caribbean coast.

  • Highest peak: Home to the country's highest summit, which rises to 2,680 metres and is the main objective for high-altitude hikes in the range.

What to See #

  • Pic la Selle: Haiti's highest summit at 2,680 metres, a prominent destination for hikers and ecological surveys within the mountain chain.
Chaîne de la Selle
18.3603, -71.9762

How to Get to Chaîne de la Selle #

The range is approached from Pétion-Ville and southern coastal towns; road conditions are variable and local guidance is recommended for safe access.

Tips for Visiting Chaîne de la Selle #

  • If planning mountain treks, hire local guides; the range's terrain can be rugged and remote.
  • Bring insect protection and be prepared for sudden weather changes in highland zones.

Best Time to Visit Chaîne de la Selle #

Dry months are generally better for hiking and access, but local conditions vary by altitude.

Dry season
December-March · 20-28°C
Easier trekking and clearer summit views.
Wet season
April-November · 22-30°C
Higher rainfall, lush vegetation, and some access issues.

Weather & Climate near Chaîne de la Selle #

Climate

Chaîne de la Selle's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 3°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1919 mm/year), wettest in October with a pronounced dry season.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
17°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 15°C and lows of 3°C. The driest month with just 23 mm.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
15°

Weather

23 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
15°

Weather

39 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

77 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (152 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

152 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Heavy rain (282 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

282 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Heavy rain (202 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

202 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (181 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

181 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Heavy rain (230 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

230 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Heavy rain (228 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

228 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (376 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

376 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
15°

Weather

103 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
15°

Weather

26 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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