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Port-au-Prince

Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Port-au-Prince, the vibrant capital of Haiti, offers a blend of Caribbean culture, historic landmarks, and vibrant markets. Explore its bustling streets, unique art scenes, and immerse yourself in local traditions and flavors.

Location Overview

Timezone

America/Port-au-Prince

Local Time

02:46 PM

Population

987,310

Best Time to Visit

Temperature:

75-91°F (24-33°C) - Continued rainy season; hot and humid.

Best Time

Nov-Mar

Connectivity

Power

110V

Port

Type A, Type B

Internet

Average

Airport Info

PAP

Toussaint Louverture International Airport

Distance

Approximately 25 minutes and 10 kilometers from downtown Port-au-Prince via Route Nationale #1.

Description

The main international airport located in Port-au-Prince, offering facilities like lounges and cafes. It's a hub for international and domestic flights with car rental and taxi services available.

Port-au-Prince, the heart of Haitian culture, welcomes travelers with its lively atmosphere. Visit landmarks like the Iron Market and the iconic Musée du Panthéon National Haïtien. Experience the spirited art scene in Petion-Ville, explore the bustling Marche de Fer, and don't miss the delicious local cuisine. The city serves as a gateway to Haiti's southern coast beaches. Visitors should take time to explore historic sites such as the Gingerbread Houses, and appreciate urban Haitian culture. Delve into vibrant street life and local markets, and engage with the local community for a fulfilling travel experience.

Port-au-Prince Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating

Very High Risk

Exercise standard precautions.

Local Laws

Travelers should be aware of local laws, including restrictions on drug use and the importance of carrying identification at all times.

Crime Rates

Port-au-Prince experiences high levels of crime, including armed robberies, kidnappings, and assaults. Crime rates are significantly higher in certain areas, and travelers should exercise extreme caution.

Health Risks

Healthcare facilities in Port-au-Prince are limited, and travelers should ensure they have adequate travel insurance. There is a risk of diseases such as cholera and dengue fever.

Natural Disasters

Port-au-Prince is prone to natural disasters, including earthquakes and hurricanes. Travelers should be aware of the potential for such events and have an emergency plan in place.

Law Enforcement

Law enforcement presence in Port-au-Prince is limited, and police response times can be slow. The effectiveness of law enforcement is often hindered by limited resources.

Public Transportation

Public transportation in Port-au-Prince can be unsafe due to overcrowding, lack of regulation, and the risk of crime. Tap-taps and buses are commonly used but are not recommended for tourists.

Solo Travelers

Solo travelers should exercise extreme caution in Port-au-Prince due to the high risk of crime and limited law enforcement.

Recent Developments

Recent political instability and civil unrest have further impacted safety in Port-au-Prince, leading to increased violence and protests.

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Port-au-Prince Monthly Weather Overview

Summary

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Best season to visit

Current Conditions ():

Best Time to Visit Port-au-Prince

Summary: The best time to visit Port-au-Prince is from November to March, when the weather is cooler and drier, ranging from 21°C to 30°C (70°F to 86°F). This period coincides with festive celebrations like Carnival and the Film Festival.

☔

November

Best

November marks the start of the dry season, with temperatures from 73°F to 86°F (23°C to 30°C), making it ideal for exploring outdoor attractions without humidity.

🎄

December

Best

Cooler temperatures between 21°C and 29°C (70°F and 84°F) make December perfect for cultural and historical site visits, alongside seasonal festivities.

❄️

January

Best

With temperatures around 68°F to 82°F (20°C to 28°C), January is great for sightseeing and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Haiti's national festival preparations.

💘

February

Best

February remains pleasant with 69°F to 83°F (21°C to 29°C), ideal for music festivals and Carnival, full of local culture and energy.

🌱

March

Best

Temperatures range from 72°F to 86°F (22°C to 30°C), offering an inviting climate for beach excursions and end of festival season activities.

🌸

April

April temperatures climb to 73°F to 87°F (23°C to 31°C), with increasing humidity but still favorable for visits before the rainy season.

🌷

May

May begins the rainy season, 72°F to 88°F (22°C to 31°C), with lesser outdoor activities and frequent short showers.

☀️

June

June gets hotter, with temperatures of 75°F to 89°F (24°C to 32°C), usually heavy with rain, affecting outdoor tours.

🏖️

July

Hot and humid, temperatures between 77°F to 91°F (25°C to 33°C) with sporadic heavy rains, making it less ideal for sightseeing.

🌞

August

August maintains high temperatures and humidity at 77°F to 91°F (25°C to 33°C), with thunderstorms common.

🍂

September

With 75°F to 89°F (24°C to 32°C), the tail end of the rainy season makes travel challenging due to possible hurricanes.

🍁

October

October slowly transitions out of the rain, 73°F to 88°F (23°C to 31°C), but heavy rains and storms may still occur.

Seasonal Events in Port-au-Prince

February

Haitian Carnival

Celebrated with parades, music, and dance, showcasing the vibrant culture of Haiti.

Haitian Times

April

Festival de la Mer

A festival highlighting Haiti's coastal culture with seafood, music, and water activities.

Visit Haiti

November

Fet Gede

A traditional Vodou festival honoring the spirits of the deceased with ceremonies and music.

National Geographic

December - January

Jacmel's Film Festival

An annual film festival promoting local and Caribbean cinema.

Film Freeway

Popular Foods in Port-au-Prince

Griot

A traditional dish made with marinated and fried pork, often served with pikliz and rice.

Accra

Deep-fried fritters made from malanga or cassava, a popular street food snack.

Tassot

Fried beef or goat meat, seasoned with a blend of spices, and often enjoyed with rice.

Joumou Soup

A pumpkin-based soup traditionally served on New Year's Day to celebrate Haitian independence.

Rice and Beans (Diri ak Pwa)

A staple dish where rice is cooked with a variety of beans and seasoned with local spices.

Closest Airports to Port-au-Prince

Regional Airport

Jacmel Airport (JAK)

A small regional airport located south of Port-au-Prince, mainly serving domestic flights. Limited facilities are available.

Approximately 2.5 hours and 88 kilometers from Port-au-Prince via Route Nationale #2.

Check flight availability in advance as flights may be limited.

International Airport

Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP)

The main international airport located in Port-au-Prince, offering facilities like lounges and cafes. It's a hub for international and domestic flights with car rental and taxi services available.

Approximately 25 minutes and 10 kilometers from downtown Port-au-Prince via Route Nationale #1.

Book transportation in advance during peak hours and use official taxis for safety.

PAP Website

Popular Trip Types

Cultural Exploration

Port-au-Prince is rich in culture and history, offering visitors unique insights into Haitian culture through its art galleries, museums such as the Musée du Panthéon National Haïtien, and vibrant local markets. The city's street art and colonial architecture also provide cultural enthusiasts with plenty to explore.

Adventure Travel

For adventure seekers, Port-au-Prince provides a gateway to fantastic outdoor activities. Travelers can enjoy hiking excursions in the nearby mountains, explore La Visite National Park, or take a day trip to the stunning waterfalls at Saut d'Eau, making it an ideal base for adventurous explorations.

Heritage and Historical Tour

The city, with its numerous historic sites like the Iron Market and the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, offers a compelling avenue for those interested in history and heritage. These sites reflect the city's resilience and rich historical tapestry, providing an educational journey through Haiti's past.

Family Vacation

Port-au-Prince offers family-friendly attractions such as public parks and the ever-popular National Botanical Garden. Families can enjoy guided tours that explore the city’s art and culture, along with day trips to nearby beaches for relaxation and fun activities suitable for all ages.

Art and Music Retreat

Known for its vibrant art scene and rhythmic music, Port-au-Prince is a perfect destination for an art and music retreat. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local art by visiting Iron Market artists and enjoying live performances of Haitian music styles, including the famous Rara bands.

Custom Language

Bonjou

Hello

A common greeting in Haitian Creole, often accompanied by a handshake or kiss on the cheek among acquaintances.

N'ap boule

We're good

An informal response when asked about one's well-being, often followed by 'Wi'.

Mesi

Thank you

A basic word of gratitude used universally across Haiti in multiple situations.

Kijan ou ye?

How are you?

A polite enquiry about someone's wellbeing, often used among friends and family.

Pa gen pwoblem

No problem

Used to indicate that everything is fine or to assure no issues with a situation.

Popular Sports & Teams in Port-au-Prince

Racing Club Haïtien

Racing Club Haïtien is one of the oldest and most successful football clubs in Haiti, based in Port-au-Prince. They have a rich history and have won numerous national championships.

Racing Club Haïtien Official Facebook

Violette Athletic Club

Violette AC is a prominent football club in Haiti's capital. It has a storied legacy in Haitian football, boasting multiple national titles.

Violette AC Official Facebook

Baltimore SC

Baltimore Sportif Club, although based in Saint-Marc, is a key team in the Haitian football league and often competes in Port-au-Prince.

Baltimore SC Official Facebook

AS Tigresses

AS Tigresses is a prominent women's football team in Haiti, known for their competitive spirit and success in women's football leagues.

AS Tigresses Official Facebook

Don Bosco FC

Don Bosco FC is a well-known football club based in Pétion-Ville, a suburb of Port-au-Prince. They have a strong following and have won several league titles.

Don Bosco FC Official Facebook