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Cap-Haïtien

Haiti · Coast · HTG · 19.759500, -72.200800
Family friendly 8.1/10 · Rank 95 of 2 709
Best season: December-April

Best for

History and culture lovers, families with children, adventure seekers

Best season

December-April

Daily budget
$109.00 (≈ 9 810 ₽)
For 7 days
$763.00 (≈ 68 670 ₽)
The second-largest city in Haiti and its cultural capital, Cap-Haïtien is famous for its colonial architecture and relaxed atmosphere. This major port on the Atlantic coast serves as the main gateway to the famous Citadelle Laferrière and the Sans-Souci Palace, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. The city is surrounded by majestic hills and exotic forests, and its beaches are considered among the best in the country.
Summer
33.0°C
Winter
22.0°C
Sea
30.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

moderate

Local character

Friendly, proud, appreciating their history and culture

Pros and cons

Pros

  • UNESCO sites — Citadel and Sans-Souci
  • Scenic beaches
  • Rich history
  • Affordable prices
  • Friendly locals

Cons

  • High crime rate
  • Limited tourist infrastructure
  • Problems with electricity
  • Political instability
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
28.5°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
31.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
33.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
26.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
28.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
22.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
29.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
30.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
May-October
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
white
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
weak
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
crystal
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Labadee
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
No
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
Yes
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
None
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Main dangers: swimming in designated areas and monitoring local authority warnings is recommended

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins in the coastal waters of Cap-Haïtien do not pose a danger to swimmers
  • Water shoes are recommended for swimming in rocky areas

Corals and reefs — details

  • Coral reefs are absent near Cap-Haïtien
  • No danger to swimmers

Jellyfish — details

  • Jellyfish are occasionally found in the coastal waters of Cap-Haïtien, especially in warm months
  • Jellyfish can cause mild skin irritation on contact, avoid them

Sharks — details

  • Reef sharks and nurse sharks are found in the coastal waters of Cap-Haïtien and do not pose a danger to swimmers
  • No shark attacks on humans have been recorded off the coast of Cap-Haïtien
Attractions

Labadee

Private resort beach with white sand and crystal-clear water, leased by Royal Caribbean

Citadelle Laferrière

Huge early 19th-century fortress, UNESCO World Heritage Site, symbol of Haitian independence

Sans-Souci Palace

Ruins of the early 19th-century royal palace, UNESCO site, located at the foot of the Citadel

Cap-Haïtien Cathedral

Historic church in the city centre with rich architecture

Museum of Haiti

Museum telling the history and culture of the region

Best areas

City Centre

Historic centre with cathedral, museum and colonial architecture

Labadee

Resort area with private beach and hotels

Must-try food

Griot

Traditional Haitian dish of fried pork marinated in citrus juice and spices

Rice and Beans

Traditional side dish of rice with red beans and coconut milk

Poisson Gros Sel

Fried fish with rice and plantains, popular coastal dish

Pikliz

Traditional Haitian snack of pickled vegetables

Prestige

Local beer, popular in Haiti

Where to go next

Citadelle Laferrière

UNESCO fortress, 30 minutes by car

Sans-Souci Palace

UNESCO palace ruins, 30 minutes by car

Port-de-Paix

Historic town with colonial architecture, 1 hour by car

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
low
Getting there
Nearest airports
Cap-Haïtien International Airport (CAP).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
December-April
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$20.00
≈ 1 800 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$70.00
≈ 6 300 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$120.00
≈ 10 800 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$250.00
≈ 22 500 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$150.00
≈ 13 500 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$100.00
≈ 9 000 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$10.00
≈ 900 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$25.00
≈ 2 250 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$3.00
≈ 270 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$3.00
≈ 270 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.50
≈ 135 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$12.00
≈ 1 080 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$10.00
≈ 900 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$5.00
≈ 450 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$8.00
≈ 720 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$25.00
≈ 2 250 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$1.00
≈ 90 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$10.00
≈ 900 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$50.00
≈ 4 500 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$10.00
≈ 900 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$30.00
≈ 2 700 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$30.00
≈ 2 700 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$60.00
≈ 5 400 ₽
Tiqets — museums & landmarks Cap-Haïtien Partner
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$50.00
≈ 4 500 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$15.00
≈ 1 350 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$20.00
≈ 1 800 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
Cap-Haïtien: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is December-April. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Cap-Haïtien: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +33.0°C, during the day — up to +31.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Cap-Haïtien: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +22.0°C, during the day — up to +28.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Cap-Haïtien: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +30.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Cap-Haïtien: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on May-October. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Cap-Haïtien: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "sand" surface, white sand, crystal water. The most popular beaches: Labadee. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Cap-Haïtien: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry. Lifeguards are on duty on the beaches.
Cap-Haïtien: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: jellyfish. Main dangers: swimming in designated areas and monitoring local authority warnings is recommended. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Cap-Haïtien: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $109.00 (≈ 9 810 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Cap-Haïtien: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $20.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $70.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $120.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $250.00 per night, an apartment — $100.00 per night, a villa — $150.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Cap-Haïtien: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $10.00, dinner at a restaurant — $25.00, a cup of cappuccino — $3.00, a 0.5L beer — $3.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.50. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Cap-Haïtien: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $25.00, a single public transport ticket — $1.00, a short taxi ride — $10.00, car rental — $50.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Cap-Haïtien: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Labadee — Private resort beach with white sand and crystal-clear water, leased by Royal Caribbean; Citadelle Laferrière — Huge early 19th-century fortress, UNESCO World Heritage Site, symbol of Haitian independence; Sans-Souci Palace — Ruins of the early 19th-century royal palace, UNESCO site, located at the foot of the Citadel; Cap-Haïtien Cathedral — Historic church in the city centre with rich architecture; Museum of Haiti — Museum telling the history and culture of the region. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Cap-Haïtien: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Griot — Traditional Haitian dish of fried pork marinated in citrus juice and spices; Rice and Beans — Traditional side dish of rice with red beans and coconut milk; Poisson Gros Sel — Fried fish with rice and plantains, popular coastal dish; Pikliz — Traditional Haitian snack of pickled vegetables; Prestige — Local beer, popular in Haiti. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Cap-Haïtien: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: City Centre — Historic centre with cathedral, museum and colonial architecture; Labadee — Resort area with private beach and hotels. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Cap-Haïtien: is a visa required?
Visa: not required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Cap-Haïtien: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Cap-Haïtien International Airport (code CAP). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $25.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Cap-Haïtien: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — HTG. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $109.00 (≈ 9 810 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Cap-Haïtien: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Cap-Haïtien: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as low. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Cap-Haïtien: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Citadelle Laferrière — UNESCO fortress, 30 minutes by car; Sans-Souci Palace — UNESCO palace ruins, 30 minutes by car; Port-de-Paix — Historic town with colonial architecture, 1 hour by car. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

8.1/10
Overall rank: 95 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 51

Best season

December-April

Useful information

Currency: HTG
Coordinates: 19.759500, -72.200800