Month guide · Havana · Cuba
Havana in December
What December is really like in Havana: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Unknown author Unknown author, Public domain
Quick answer
December is one of the best months to visit Havana. Expect average highs of 26°C (79°F), lows of 19°C (66°F), about 6 rainy days and roughly 10.7 hours of daylight. Dry, warm and the busiest time of year, especially around Christmas and New Year.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 26°C (79°F) / 19°C (66°F)
- Rainy days
- About 6
- Daylight
- About 10.7 hours
- Sea temperature
- 26°C (79°F)
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in December
December is the coolest month in Havana: days average 26°C (79°F) against a yearly average high of 29°C (84°F), and nights fall to about 19°C (66°F). Rain falls on roughly 6 of its 31 days. Compared with November (27°C (81°F)), December is about as warm; by January highs stay near 26°C (79°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 07:03
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 17:47
- Daylight
- About 10.7 hours
- Sea
- 26°C (79°F)
Hurricane peak (September–October). The wettest months with the highest storm risk; the quietest and lowest-priced time to visit.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 5 for crowds (the peak is December at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in December). Book accommodation early: December is one of the pricier months.
Events in December
- International Festival of New Latin American Cinema (usually December)
- Havana International Jazz Festival (usually December or January)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in December
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Castle · La Habana del Este
Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro
The 16th-century fortress guarding the harbour entrance has a lighthouse and ramparts with views back across the bay to the Malecón and Old Havana.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Views
- Iconic
- Kids
Castle · La Habana del Este
Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña
Arrive by about 8:30pm to find a good spot along the wall for the cannon ceremony.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- After dark
- Kids
- Views
Architecture · Vedado
Hotel Nacional de Cuba
The 1930 Art Deco and neo-colonial hotel on a bluff above the Malecón has hosted film stars and politicians.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Couples
- Views
- Architecture
Religious site · Habana Vieja (Old Havana)
Plaza de la Catedral and Havana Cathedral
Come early in the morning or at dusk, when the stone glows and the tour groups have gone.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- Architecture
- History
- Photo spot
The sea averages 26°C (79°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Havana.
What to pack
For highs near 26°C, lows near 19°C and 6 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit Havana?
One of the best months to visit Havana, with 2 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are January–April and November. Compare every month.
Havana in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Havana?
It is one of the best months to visit Havana. Dry, warm and the busiest time of year, especially around Christmas and New Year.
+How warm is Havana in December?
Average highs are around 26°C (79°F) and lows around 19°C (66°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Havana in December?
Expect rain on about 6 days of the month.