January is in the dry season with pleasant, warm days and comparatively low humidity - a popular time for visitors. Coastal areas are comfortable for beaches and outdoor sightseeing.
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Average temperature across Haiti in January.
Nord and Nord-Est
January mornings are cool and breezy along Cap-Haïtien’s waterfront; daytime air sits pleasantly in the mid-20s°C with steady northeast trade winds that keep humidity tolerable. The Citadelle Laferrière and nearby Labadie cruise stops are easy to explore without rain, and visibility is usually excellent for climbing to the fortress. Pack a light windbreaker for evenings and expect fewer crowds than peak winter tourism islands.
Ouest and Plaine du Cul-de-Sac
January’s mornings are pleasantly cool in Port-au-Prince and Pétion-Ville, with lower humidity and steady breezes that make walking around the Iron Market comfortable. City streets are lively with locals and festivals; this is prime time for museum visits and exploring the art galleries on Rue de l’Enterrement. Pack light layers for cooler hilltop evenings in Pétion-Ville and plan for crowded restaurants around holiday dates.
rice plains and floodplain
January in the Artibonite Valley is typically warm and dry; fields around Gonaïves are easier to traverse and the river is lower, making visits to rural rice-producing areas straightforward. Morning markets are dusty but lively and small local ferry crossings across the river are usually running. If you plan to see the agricultural landscape, bring sun protection and expect less mosquitos than during the wet season.
Tiburon Peninsula and Île-à-Vache
January delivers warm, sunlit mornings and calm Caribbean seas along the southern bays near Les Cayes, Jacmel and Île-à-Vache, with the trade winds keeping humidity in check. Beach days are excellent and the sea is generally calm for boat trips - ideal for diving off Île-à-Vache or taking a surf lesson at nearby breaks. Book beachfront lodging ahead of peak holiday dates.
Massif de la Selle, Kenscoff, Pic la Selle
January mornings in the highlands around Kenscoff and Pic la Selle are distinctly cooler than the coast, often in the low teens Celsius with crisp air and cloud-free skies. Afternoon sun warms hikes, but evenings can be chilly enough to need a sweater - popular with Port-au-Prince residents escaping the heat. Trails to mountain viewpoints are usually firm and dry, ideal for early-morning treks and coffee-plantation visits.
Haiti's Independence Day (January 1) is marked with national ceremonies and local celebrations.
See how January compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.