Best time to visit · Havana · Cuba
The best time to visit Havana
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Mosbo6, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The best time to visit Havana is November to April, the dry season, when days are warm and sunny and humidity is lower; March and April are a good balance of weather and fewer crowds than Christmas and New Year. May to October is hot, humid and rainy, and September and October carry the highest hurricane risk.
Key facts
- Best months
- November–April
- Shoulder season
- May–July
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 32°C (90°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 26°C (79°F))
- Rainiest month
- September (~13 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- September
Seasons
Havana has a tropical climate: a warm dry season from November to April and a hot, humid wet season from May to October with heavy afternoon showers. The Atlantic hurricane season runs June to November, with the highest risk in September and October.
November–April
Dry season
Warm, sunny and less humid, with the busiest cultural calendar; book casas early for Christmas, New Year and February.
May–June
Early wet season
Afternoon thunderstorms begin and humidity climbs, but mornings are often clear and crowds are smaller.
July–August
Summer
Very hot and humid, with Carnaval on the Malecón and beaches crowded with Cuban families.
September–October
Hurricane peak
The wettest months with the highest storm risk; the quietest and lowest-priced time to visit.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sea | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26°C | 18°C | 6 | 25°C | 10.9 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| February | 26°C | 18°C | 5 | 25°C | 11.4 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| March | 27°C | 19°C | 4 | 25°C | 12 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| April | 29°C | 20°C | 4 | 26°C | 12.7 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 30°C | 22°C | 8 | 27°C | 13.2 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| June | 31°C | 23°C | 12 | 28°C | 13.5 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| July | 32°C | 24°C | 10 | 29°C | 13.4 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| August | 32°C | 24°C | 12 | 30°C | 12.9 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| September | 31°C | 23°C | 13 | 29°C | 12.2 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| October | 29°C | 22°C | 12 | 28°C | 11.6 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| November | 27°C | 20°C | 7 | 27°C | 11 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| December | 26°C | 19°C | 6 | 26°C | 10.7 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| February | International Book Fair at La Cabaña (usually February); Habanos Festival — cigar festival (usually late February or March) |
| July | Carnaval de La Habana along the Malecón (usually July or August) |
| November | Anniversary of the city's founding, celebrated at El Templete (16 November) |
| December | International Festival of New Latin American Cinema (usually December); Havana International Jazz Festival (usually December or January) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in September, and the sights are quietest in September. Many visitors avoid September–October.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Dry season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Early wet season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Hurricane peak | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Havana?
The best time to visit Havana is November to April, the dry season, when days are warm and sunny and humidity is lower; March and April are a good balance of weather and fewer crowds than Christmas and New Year. May to October is hot, humid and rainy, and September and October carry the highest hurricane risk.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Havana?
Usually in September. Peak of the hurricane season and the wettest month; quiet and low-priced.
+What is the rainiest month in Havana?
September, with about 13 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Havana get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 32°C (90°F) and lows of 24°C (75°F).