Are you wondering about the best time to visit Havana? Then, you have come to the right place. While this Cuban city is a year-round destination, certain months are more convenient for travel. These months allow visitors to explore outdoor activities, experience pleasant weather, and make the most of their trip. The only downfall is likely the expenses; tourist season tends to be more pricey than other times. Still, don’t worry! You won’t dent your bank account as Havana is a moderately priced destination.
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- December-March: Best Time to visit Havana
- Partake In Celebrations In April And May
- Experience Extreme Heat From June To August
- Save Your Money Travelling Havana Between September And November
- Attend Cooking Classes
- Attend Photography Workshops
- Visit Museums And Art Galleries
- Try Local Delicacies In Restaurants
December-March: Best Time to visit Havana
The most appropriate time to explore Havana is between December and March. These months experience dry season and warm temperatures. Although the day is sunny, it is manageable with an average temperature of 23 degrees Celsius. Visitors can enjoy a nice beach day in this city’s white-sand beaches. Playas del Este is pretty busy this time of the year, with locals and tourists flocking to enjoy nice weather and engage in watersports.
You can also go shopping and sightseeing in Havana’s neighborhoods. Many stores and boutiques are in Old Havana, Obispo Street, and Vedado. In addition, you can explore nearby restaurants, eateries, and cafes. Since it is peak tourist season, you might face challenges in finding accommodation. Luxurious hotels are almost packed, and booking in advance is better. Check out some top things to do during this time below:
Join Salsa Dancing Lessons
- Duration: 1.5-2 hours
- Dress Code: Wear anything comfortable
Did you know Salsa dance is originally from Cuba? Its catchy beats, fast movements, and chemistry between dancers have gained popularity in the US. You must keep up with your partner and have coordination throughout the performance. Moreover, Havana offers many salsa classes for affordable rates. You can join them and learn some basic moves.
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Go For A Hike
- Top Destinations: Vinales Valley, El Yunque, El Nicho, Old Town Havana
- Level: Easy and moderate
There is no other perfect outdoor activity than hiking. Havana has many beautiful places offering hiking opportunities. Many tourists go for a hike from Havana to Viñales. It is only two hours from the city and offers scenic routes. Hikers of any level can explore this town and embark on a solo or guided journey. You will also find horse riding tours if you are not into walking.
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Book Havana Cigar And Rum Tours
- Havana Cigar Price Range: 10 CUC apiece
- Havana Rum Price Range: $19 onwards
Cuban Cigars are famous worldwide. They are more expensive than other cigarettes and are made using the highest-quality tobacco leaves. Likewise, Havana’s rum is something you should try.
y during your visit. You can learn about rum-making and tobacco manufacture during cigars and rum tours. You can even partake in the Cuban Cigar Workshop.
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Go On A Road Trip In A Vintage Car
- Duration: 2 hours onwards
- Price: 25-30 CUC
On a sunny day, you should go on a road trip with your friends. It will be even better if you ride a vintage car. Havana boasts sturdy, fast, and comfortable automobiles from the 1950s. They are colorful and only cost 25-30 CUC per hour. You can book a car tour and explore the city.
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Partake In Celebrations In April And May
Havana boasts over 2.1 million people of different ethnicities. The majority of people are of Spanish ancestry, with a minority of Black and mulattoes. Each ethnic group has its own culture, tradition, and beliefs. However, they all come together and enthusiastically celebrate their festivals every year. If you want to learn about them, you must visit between April and May.
The season of festivities began, starting with the world-famous International Cuban Dance Festival from April 20 to 26. During this time, streets will be crowded with people singing, dancing, and performing. Each festival is celebrated with grandeur, and anyone is welcome to participate. Some of the festivities falling during these months are as follows:
- Huella de Espana Festival: It is more of a parade led through the streets of Old Havana every April.
- International Cuban Dance Festival: This festival, generally held in late April, features performances from soloists and dance companies.
- City in Movement, aka Habana Vieja Ciudad en Movimiento: This unique event, held in April, seeks to teach the audience about Havana’s history, design, and architecture.
- Easter: Havana residents celebrate Easter, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
- Havana Biennial: This traditional art festival welcomes artists worldwide for free exhibitions and workshops.
- Romerías de Mayo: This unique festival is celebrated every May and includes parades, concerts, and exhibitions.
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Experience Extreme Heat From June To August
May and June see a mix of dry and wet seasons in Havana. While the wet season has officially started, rainfall is minimal at first. Days are usually hot, with balmy evenings and temperatures averaging 27 degrees Celsius. June has an average of fourteen rainy days and a chance of hurricanes.
From June to August, Havana experiences the hottest climate with high humidity. East provinces like Las Tunas and Holguin also experience extreme weather, making visitors uncomfortable. Nonetheless, there are many things to do, from attending events to exploring local bars.
Explore Local Bars
- Top Destinations: El Floridita, Bar Melodrama, Yarini Habana
- Things To Do: Relax, try new cocktails
Visitors should go out during the night because days are hot and humid. They can explore many local attractions and visit local pubs. They will find everything from exotic cocktails to local favorites like Cuba Libre, Saaoco Rum, and Mojito there. Among many establishments, El Floridita serves the best-frozen daiquiris. It is easily recognizable with its rustic decor and golden statue of novelist Ernest Hemingway.
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Dance The Night Away In Nightclubs
(Source: Cabaret Parisien Facebook)
- Top Destinations: Buena Social Vista Club, Tropicana
- Things To Do: Watching cabaret performances, dining, dancing
Havana’s rich nightlife perfectly suits late-night owls and party animals. Visitors will experience a vibrant and lively atmosphere with Cuban music playing in the background. In addition, several clubs host cabaret performances, which are extravagant shows involving dance and music. These clubs are open until the early hours of the morning. You must be 18 or older to enter and buy a ticket for the shows.
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Watch The Biggest Carnival Of The Year: Festival del Fuego
- Date: Early weeks of July
- Location: Santiago de Cuba
- Duration: 3 days
- What To Expect: Fire Parade, Dance, and Music Performances
One of the best things to do in July in Havana is attend Festival del Fuego, aka the Fire Festival, in Santiago de Cuba. This street party is considered the biggest carnival in Cuba and sees thousands of attendees annually. It starts early morning and features street dancing, music, theatre performances, and night parties. The most anticipated event is the Fire Parade on the evening of the final day. It begins with a ritual salute to Nzambi Congo and ends with a burning of a huge effigy of the Devil.
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Save Your Money Travelling Havana Between September And November
September marks the beginning of hurricane season in Havana. Rainy days are expected, with an average of 17 mm rainfall in September. The risk of hurricanes continues in October and November. However, the latter will have most sunny days and an average temperature of 24 degrees Celsius. November offers neither too hot nor too cold temperatures, making it the perfect time for exploring natural and historic attractions.
However, don’t let rain dampen your plans. This city has many indoor attractions and activities. In addition, accommodation is cheaper, and visitors will find many budget-friendly deals. Hence, many travelers visit Havana even in the off-season. Some of the recommended activities during these months are as follows:
Attend Cooking Classes
- Duration: 3 to 4 hours
- Price: $65 onwards
You can participate in workshops indoors during rainy days in Havana. Among many available options, cooking classes are famous among tourists. A professional cook will guide them in preparing ingredients, cooking, and garnishing the dish. Visitors will learn about traditional Cuban dishes of their choice and taste their creations at the end of the class. These cooking workshops are only half a day long and easy to squeeze into your itinerary.
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Attend Photography Workshops
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Price: $65 onwards
Havana is a sight to behold in any weather. It looks beautiful on sunny days, with busy people and colorful cars roaming the streets. Likewise, it looks equally mesmerizing, soaked in rain. Residents go through their days carrying colorful umbrellas or wearing raincoats. You can go for a solo photography session or join workshops to learn the basics of photography. It will be a learning experience from your trip.
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Visit Museums And Art Galleries
- Top Destinations: Museo de la Revolucion, Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, Factoria Habana Art Gallery
- Things To Do: Watch exhibits, learn history, see artifacts
I can’t think of a better thing to do in Havana between September and November than visiting museums and art galleries. These indoor attractions offer shelter from the rain and allow visitors to learn about Cuban history and unknown facts. Museo De La Revolucion tells the tale of the 1959 Cuban Revolution with its vivid exhibits of bullet-riddled and blood-stained uniforms. Likewise, Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes features Cuban art collections from colonial times to contemporary generations.
Try Local Delicacies In Restaurants
(Source: La Guarida Facebook)
- Top Destinations: Habana 61, O’Reilly 304, Topoly, El Cafe, La Guarida
- Things To Do: Try new dishes, learn about its ingredients and recipes
Havana’s rich culinary scene is worth exploring. Its local delicacies like rope vieja, tostones, chiviricos, and chicharrones are delicious. You can find authentic Cuban dishes in most restaurants and paladars in the town. If you want to taste authentic Cuban dishes, we suggest you reserve a table at Habana 61. It serves the best ropa vieja in the city. However, if you prefer international cuisine, Asian-inspired Jama is your destination. They create unique Japanese dishes with Cuban flavor.
The best time to visit Havana depends on your travel preference. If you prefer outdoor activities, November-April is the perfect time for traveling. If you are curious about Havana residents’ culture and society, you must visit between April and May and partake in local festivities. In addition, you can explore indoor attractions like museums and art galleries throughout the year.
Deciding on the appropriate time to visit Havana is not so challenging. All you need to do is consider the weather and the event calendar. Based on these factors, you can plan your travel itinerary. Don’t forget to do pre-research before arriving in this city. One helpful tip: American debit and credit cards don’t work in Cuba. You should also have your health insurance in case unforeseen circumstances happen.
