Haiti is a Caribbean nation situated firmly within the tropics. Its climate is characterized by persistently warm temperatures that prevent the formation of snow at sea level and across its main population centers. While the country is mountainous, the elevations are not high enough to sustain the freezing temperatures required for snowfall. Any frozen precipitation that might rarely occur on the highest peaks is usually limited to frost or small amounts of hail.
Haiti’s Climate Profile
Haiti maintains a warm, humid tropical climate year-round due to its location near the equator. Average daily temperatures across the lowlands and coastlines typically vary between 73°F (23°C) and 94°F (34°C) throughout the year. This minimal annual temperature variation means that a cold “winter” season capable of producing snow does not exist.
Even during the cooler period, generally from November to March, temperatures rarely drop below 70°F (21°C) in populated areas. The persistent heat and moisture are defining features of the Haitian environment. The overall thermal environment remains far above the freezing point necessary for water to fall as snow.
The Role of High Elevation
Haiti is a mountainous country, with approximately two-thirds of its terrain covered by mountains. The highest point is Pic la Selle, which rises to an elevation of 8,793 feet (2,680 meters) above sea level. Temperatures are noticeably cooler on these high peaks than in the valleys below.
The peak’s altitude is still insufficient to cross the permanent freezing line common in tropical zones, which is typically much higher. While temperatures may occasionally drop near or slightly below the freezing point of 32°F (0°C) during the coldest winter nights, this is only enough to form ground frost. Actual snowfall requires sustained freezing temperatures through the entire atmospheric column and is practically unheard of on Pic la Selle.
Typical Haitian Precipitation
The common form of precipitation in Haiti is heavy rainfall, characteristic of a tropical climate. The country experiences two primary rainy seasons, generally occurring from April to June and again from October to November. Rainfall amounts vary widely, ranging from very dry areas in the northwest to regions that receive over 60 inches (1,500 millimeters) annually.
These rain events frequently occur as intense, but brief, afternoon or evening showers and thunderstorms. In the highest mountains, like the Massif de la Selle, a form of frozen precipitation called hail may occasionally be reported. Hail is distinct from snow, consisting of ice pellets formed inside thunderclouds, and its rare occurrence confirms the atmosphere is too warm for snow to form and reach the ground.