Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Ouest, Haiti, is categorized under the Köppen-Geiger classification as Aw, characterized by a tropical savanna climate. Temperatures showcase a distinct seasonal variation, with a minimum of 10°C (51°F) recorded in January, ascending to an average of 25°C (77°F) throughout the year, and peaking at 36°C (97°F) in July. This interplay of warmth and seasonal shifts contributes to the region's unique ecological dynamics and underscores the importance of understanding local climate patterns in relation to both environmental and human activities.
The temperature patterns in Ouest, Haiti, reveal a clear seasonal trend marked by a warm tropical climate. During the cooler months of January to March, minimum temperatures dip to around 10°C to 15°C (51°F to 59°F), with average highs hovering between 31°C to 32°C (89°F to 90°F). As the region transitions into the warmer months of April through June, temperatures rise, reaching maximums of 33°C to 35°C (92°F to 95°F), with average temperatures steadily climbing to 24°C to 26°C (76°F to 79°F). July and August experience peak temperatures, where maximums touch 36°C (97°F), while average temperatures stabilize around 26°C (80°F). The months of September to December show a slight cooling trend, with temperatures gradually receding back to 24°C (75°F) for averages, while maximums range from 31°C to 34°C (89°F to 93°F). This consistent fluctuation encapsulates the tropical savanna climate's duality, balancing comfortable warmth with periodic seasonal variation.
Petionville and Port-au-Prince both experience similar temperature ranges, with a minimum of 11°C (52°F) in January and a maximum of 32°C (90°F) in July. For further details on the monthly temperatures, you can explore the links: monthly temperatures in Petionville and monthly temperatures in Port-au-Prince.
Precipitation patterns in Ouest, Haiti, exhibit a pronounced seasonal variation characterized by a distinct wet season from March through October. The months of April to September are particularly notable for their higher rainfall, with April receiving 123 mm (4.9 in), which peaks in September at 148 mm (5.8 in). Rainfall frequency during this period also increases, with September experiencing the highest number of rainy days at 20, contributing to a lush tropical landscape. In contrast, the early part of the year, particularly January and February, is marked by significantly lower precipitation levels, averaging around 21 mm (0.8 in), often falling over just 5 days.
The total annual precipitation highlights the contrasts in precipitation distribution throughout the year, with November and October also receiving substantial rainfall—114 mm (4.5 in) and 140 mm (5.5 in), respectively. Following the wet season, December experiences a marked decline in precipitation, dropping to just 24 mm (0.9 in) over 5 days. This climatic pattern contributes to the region's rich biodiversity and agricultural productivity, while the seasonal variability in rainfall underscores the need for effective water management strategies to adapt to the changing climate conditions.
In Ouest, Haiti, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend that aligns with the transition from winter to summer. Starting in January with 253 hours of sunshine, the region experiences a gradual increase over the following months. February marks the beginning of this ascent with 304 hours, followed by a remarkable peak in March at 344 hours, showcasing the region's transition into the sunnier part of the year. The sunny conditions persist through April and May, maintaining around 337 hours. This period not only optimizes conditions for agricultural practices but also highlights the potential for solar energy harnessing as temperatures warm up and outdoor activities increase.
The most abundant sunshine occurs during the summer months, with July reaching an impressive 353 hours, making it the month with the highest sunshine duration. However, as the year progresses into autumn, a gentle decline begins, notably in September with 309 hours, followed by October and November, which see further reductions to 304 hours and 284 hours, respectively. Despite this decline, December sees a resurgence with 315 hours, indicating that even during the cooler months, Ouest maintains a considerable amount of sunlight. This consistency of sunshine duration not only enhances the attractiveness of Ouest for tourism but also indicates favorable conditions for various ecological and agricultural systems throughout the year.
The UV Index in Ouest, Haiti, reveals significant variability that underscores the need for increased awareness of sun safety throughout the year. Beginning with a UV Index of 9 in January, conditions are rated as "very high," allowing sun exposure of only 15 minutes before burns may occur. However, as winter transitions into spring, the UV Index spikes dramatically, reaching 11 and then climbing to 13 in March. The highest levels are recorded in April and May, both boasting a UV Index of 14, categorized as extreme, which necessitates caution and protective measures against sunburn with burn times reduced to just 10 minutes.
The extreme UV conditions persist throughout the summer months, with consistent readings of 13 from June to September, ensuring that sun protection remains a priority during outdoor activities. As the year winds down, the UV Index begins to taper off, decreasing to 12 in October and further to 9 in November, before settling at 8 in December, both classified as "very high" but with longer allowable exposure times of 15 minutes. This pattern highlights the year-round intensity of UV radiation in Ouest, necessitating ongoing public health campaigns focusing on sun safety, particularly during peak months.
UV Risk Categories
In Ouest, Haiti, daylight duration exhibits a relatively stable pattern throughout the year, with only slight fluctuations. The year begins with 11 hours of daylight in both January and February, indicating a consistent amount of sunlight during the winter months. As spring arrives in March, daylight begins to extend to 12 hours, remaining at this length through April and May. This gradual increase indicates the transition to the longer days of summer, where daylight duration reaches its peak in June and July with 13 hours of sunlight, providing ample opportunity for various outdoor activities.
As summer gives way to autumn, daylight returns to 12 hours in August and September before tapering off again in the latter part of the year. October sees a decrease to 11 hours, a pattern that continues through November and December. This consistency in daylight hours reflects Ouest’s tropical location, where seasonal variations are mild compared to temperate regions. The stable daylight duration throughout the year not only supports the region’s diverse ecosystems but also provides a reliable framework for agricultural practices and daylight-dependent activities within the community.
Petionville, Haiti, enjoys a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. Average monthly temperatures range from a minimum of 11°C (52°F) in January to a maximum of 32°C (90°F) in July and August. Rainfall peaks from April to October, with September receiving the highest average precipitation at 228 mm (9.0 in). Despite the rainy season, sunshine is abundant, particularly in July with 355 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Petionville climate.
Port-au-Prince, Haiti, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. Average monthly temperatures range from a minimum of 11°C (52°F) in January to a maximum of 32°C (90°F) in July, with consistent warmth year-round. Precipitation is highest from April to October, peaking in September at 228 mm (9.0 in), while January and December are relatively drier with just 31 mm (1.2 in) and 36 mm (1.4 in), respectively. Sunshine is abundant, especially in the summer months, with July recording the most at 355 hours. For more details, visit Port-au-Prince climate.
In conclusion, the climatic characteristics of Ouest, Haiti, are defined by distinct patterns of temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The region experiences a tropical savanna climate with a notable warm season that peaks in summer, coupled with a pronounced rainy season that enriches its biodiversity and agricultural viability. Alongside high UV levels, particularly during the peak months, individuals and communities must remain vigilant in sun protection measures. Meanwhile, consistent daylight hours throughout the year further facilitate outdoor activities and agricultural practices. Understanding these climatic elements is crucial for effective environmental management, public health initiatives, and optimizing agricultural yields, ultimately contributing to the sustainability and well-being of the region's inhabitants.