Woman throwing a towel down to relax on the beach on Amiga Island, Ile-a-rat — Amiga Island, (Ile-a-Rat) close to Cap Haitien
Photo: Anton Lau

Winter in Haiti: Top destinations for December and January in Haiti

In the heart of the Caribbean…

…Haiti is warm all year round. December and January are in the middle of Haiti’s dry season, and with as few as three rainy days each month, gorgeous weather is almost guaranteed.

With lower humidity and little rain, these months offer the best conditions for surfing, snorkeling, diving and trekking. This is when the seas are at their calmest (and most photogenic).

December and January are far and away the most popular time to visit Haiti, making it a little bit tricky, and sometimes expensive to secure a flight to get here. But everything’s relative; Haiti is still only just starting to show up on the international tourist map, and even in the busier months of the year you’ll be able to find a secluded getaway on a remote bit of island or peninsula, and maybe even a beach all to yourself.

Ready to treat yourself to some tropical Christmas cheer? Or ring in the new year Caribbean style? Here are the very best places to see and be in Haiti during your holiday vacation.

sun rising over beach with palm trees and lifeguard chair — Sunrise over Ti Mouillage beach, Jacmel
Photo: Anton Lau

01. Ti Mouillage, Jacmel

The coastal city of Jacmel has no shortage of beaches, but some outshine others. Ti Mouillage has the finest sand the city has to offer, and the softest slope down into crystal clear blue waters. Fresh seafood is available here as well.

About ten minutes from Raymond les Bains and twenty minutes away from the city of Jacmel itself, Ti Mouillage is a great place to swim, paddle or even surf!

Lounge chairs beneath trees at Taino Beach, Grand-Goâve, Haiti — Taino Beach, Grand-Goâve
Photo: Anton Lau

02. Taïno Beach, Grand-Goâve

While most people think of the Arcadins Coast as the reference for beaches in Haiti, the South of the country is just as rich in gorgeous stretches of beach.

Just a two-hour drive west of Port-au-Prince, Taïno boasts some of the finest soft sand, some of the clearest waters, as well as some of the tastiest food on the island.

Man carries flowers along green path at a farm — Wynne Farm Ecological Reserve
Photo: Franck Fontain

03. Wynne Farm Ecological Reserve, Kenscoff

If you came to Haiti to escape winter, but your idea of indulgence is less beach and more great outdoors, Wynne Farm is the place to go, and not far from Port-au-Prince. If you’re a nature enthusiast, nutrition student, or visiting Haiti on a group adventure, Wynne Farm is a great place for a day trip.

From guided ground tours to workshops and horseback riding, there are plenty of activities to experience at Wynne Farm.

jazz concert on big stage in front of large sitting crowd — PAPJazz festival in Port-au-Prince
Photo: Josué Azor

04. Jazz Festival, Port-au-Prince

PAPJAZZ happens every January across a cluster of venues in Haiti’s capital. Each year brings individuals and bands from Haiti and across the world, including Guadalupe, Guyana, the U.S., Canada, Chile, Germany, France and even as far away as Sweden.

Sunset over Boutilliers, Haiti — View from Boutilliers
Photo: Franck Fontain

05. Boutilier, Port-au-Prince

Time for a fresh perspective! A mountain neighborhood a few minutes outside of Pétion-Ville, Boutilier is home to one of the best views of Port-au-Prince in the country. With plenty of artwork to purchase and a great place – l’Observatoire – to grab a bite to eat, Boutilier is one of the closest places to take a quick break and deep breath outside of the city.

If you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate New Year’s Eve over a rum cocktail or a glass of bubbly, this is it.

Colorful metal artwork on blue wall in Village Noailles, Haiti — Souvenirs at Village Noailles
Photo: Franck Fontain

06. Village Artistique de Noailles, Croix-des-Bouquets

Want to immerse yourself in Haitian art? There is no better destination than the artistic village of Noailles. It is the birthplace of iron art in Haiti, and the most popular place to get your hands on any form of Haitian art.

The artisans are friendly, some of them know a few words of English, and there are endless styles of artworks to choose from, merchant to merchant.

Ice cream and beer truck on Champ de Mars, Port-au-Prince — Ice cream truck on Champ de Mars
Photo: Franck Fontain

07. Champ-de-Mars, Port-au-Prince

A series of public squares divided by large boulevards, Champ de Mars is a cluster of markets, businesses and theaters. During the holidays, there are special performances at the Occide Jeanty kiosk, and a customary Christmas tree is put up and adorned with lights close to the Museum of the National Pantheon.

A great place to walk around on afternoons and evenings, and put your finger on the pulse of Haitian city life.

Photo of a person snorkelling — Snorkelling
Photo: Franck Fontain

08. Snorkelling in Montrouis, Arcadins Coast

Experienced snorkelers will find a wealth of seascapes to explore right around Haiti, but even beginners can go snorkelling in Montrouis, thanks to a gentle introduction on offer at the Moulin sur Mer resort.

Marina Blue Haiti runs a diving and excursion center within Moulin sur Mer, with activities ranging from day tours of the islands off the Arcadins coast to PADI night diving. Montrouis is a great place to find guidance and safety the first time you dive into snorkeling. Another advantage of snorkeling with a Marina Blue tour is that they can take and guide you to their very own coral reef house, with both shallow and deep reefs.

09. Île-à-Rat

Île-à-Rat is a tiny island off the beaches west of Cap-Haïtien. This little paradise is a microcosm of what makes Haiti one of the greatest little countries in the Caribbean, with fine white sand beaches, shady palm trees, warm turquoise waters, incredible fresh seafood – and fewer crowds. The swimming is superb, and snorkelers can find half-buried colonial artillery and anchors.

For USD $40 a boat taxi from Labadee will take you to Île-à-Rat, and for an extra USD $15 they’ll cook you up a fresh lunch of lobster, octopus, crab or fish, all caught locally. Make sure you take some ice-cold bottles of rum and Prestige with you for the trip!

Written by Kelly Paulemon.

Published November 2019

Get to know Haiti a little better

Fresh cherries on display at a market in Haiti — Haitian Cherries
Photo: Franck Fontain

Fresh and Local: Delicious Haitian Fruits & Veggies Not to Miss This Winter

Flying to Haiti in December? You’re in for a treat.

Here’s our guide to the quintessential Haitian fruits and vegetables that are in season at the turn of the year.

Island ingredients

Haiti’s pristine white sand beaches and turquoise blue coves make it a compelling destination for summer holidays, but the year’s end is one of the best times to be here. In December, Christmas activities, patron saint festivals, and seasonal produce abound! Because of its tropical climate, Haiti benefits from a diverse seasonality of produce, and the months of September to December are a great time to do the foodie tour of Haiti.

Before we begin, it is important to note that while this produce is available at supermarkets in Haiti, you will get the most bang for your buck – and a more worthwhile experience – bartering with street vendors at one of the many marchés (street markets).

Now, let’s get stuck in!

01. Avocados

There is nothing quite like a thick, creamy slice of avocado alongside some white rice and black beans – as you will learn soon after arriving to Haiti. Avocados are easily found everywhere on the island, in some places for as little as 25 HTG, or about 35 US cents. Make sure to stock up!

Fresh beetroots on display at a market in Haiti — Beetroots
Photo: Franck Fontain

02. Beetroot

Bright, bold, sweet and crisp, this delightful root vegetable is in season around December and very popular in Haitian cuisine! Salade Russe is one of the most popular side dishes featuring beetroot, often featured next to diri kole or diri djondjon – your host will be more than happy to show you how it’s made!

03. Cherries

Haiti produces a variety of cherry which, while tart when tasted alone, makes one of the most delicious and refreshing juices the island has to offer. The cherries are rinsed and blended with water, pits and all. The juice is then poured through a fine mesh strainer into a clean pot before being diluted and sweetened – making for the perfect end-of-year refreshment, best enjoyed under the sun!

Basket of fresh grapefruits for sale at a produce market in Haiti — Grapefruit
Photo: Franck Fontain

04. Grapefruit

Coming in close second – sometimes a little bit too close – to orange juice as Haiti’s favorite juice, grapefruit is one of the more popular fruits in season in December. Most people drink the juice, but you’ll also find it on your plate as a garnish, or grilled for breakfast.

Basket of fresh green oranges at a market — Oranges
Photo: Franck Fontain

05. Oranges

As sweet as they come! Oranges are a fan favorite in Haiti, mostly used in freshly-squeezed juice. Locals will tell you though, that the sweetest oranges are from the city of Cap-Haïtien, up North. If you ever happen to be in the area, make sure you get your hands on some!

Fried plantains on display at a street food stall in Haiti — Fried plantains
Photo: Franck Fontain

06. Plantains

In Haiti, no meal – especially not a Sunday meal – is complete without fried plantains. December is the season of family dinners, and as such, requires a lot of fried plantains – savory and sweet. These little golden pucks of pleasure are best enjoyed hot, with some fresh pikliz on top!

Fried plantains also feature in our guide to the Haitian street food you have to try, according to a Jacmel local.

Person holding a handful of pigeon peas — Pigeon Peas
Photo: Franck Fontain

07. Pigeon peas

You will hear people call them pwa kongo – almost always cooked up as a gravy accompaniment to white rice, pigeon peas are a Sunday dinner favorite – their distinct flavor cuts through the soft, tender white rice, and depending on where you’re eating, can complement some griyo, some fried chicken, or fish fillet!

Fresh pumpkins for sale at a market — Pumpkins
Photo: Franck Fontain

08. Pumpkin (joumou)

This is the star of soup joumou, on Haitian dining tables around the country every Sunday, and even more so every January 1 – when Haitians celebrate independence day.

Once cooked, its tough, hard outer shell houses a soft, delicious and incredibly tender flesh – which is blended down with water and spices, and stewed with meat, root vegetables, and pasta to make for a hearty breakfast soup.

Basket piled high with sugar apples — Sugar apples
Photo: Franck Fontain

09. Sugar apple

For those who are looking to explore different taste and flavor horizons, Haiti is a land ripe in sugar apples, especially towards the end of the year. The sweet and creamy fruit is a prized ingredient in juices and even in ice cream!