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Month guide · Havana · Cuba

Havana in January

What January is really like in Havana: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.

Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team

Photo: Tacorontey, CC BY-SA 4.0

Quick answer

January is one of the best months to visit Havana. Expect average highs of 26°C (79°F), lows of 18°C (64°F), about 6 rainy days and roughly 10.9 hours of daylight. Dry, sunny and pleasantly warm; one of the most popular months, with occasional cool northerly fronts.

Key facts

Average high / low
26°C (79°F) / 18°C (64°F)
Rainy days
About 6
Daylight
About 10.9 hours
Sea temperature
25°C (77°F)
Crowds
Busy
Hotel prices
High

Weather in January

January is the 10th-warmest month in Havana: days average 26°C (79°F) against a yearly average high of 29°C (84°F), and nights fall to about 18°C (64°F). Rain falls on roughly 6 of its 31 days. Compared with December (26°C (79°F)), January is about as warm; by February highs stay near 26°C (79°F).

Sunrise (15 January)
About 07:12
Sunset (15 January)
About 18:04
Daylight
About 10.9 hours
Sea
25°C (77°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, January rates 4 for crowds (the peak is December at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in December). Book accommodation early: January is one of the pricier months.

Events in January

January has no major recurring festival in Havana, which usually means easier bookings.

What to do in January

Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.

Malecón, Havana
Photo: Lukas Mathis, CC BY-SA 2.0

Waterfront · Centro Habana

Malecón

Walk the stretch from the Prado to the Hotel Nacional at sunset, or ride it in a classic convertible.

Time needed
1–2 hours
Cost
Free
  • Free
  • Iconic
  • Couples
  • After dark
  • Views
  • Photo spot

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
Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña, Havana
Photo: Unknown author Unknown author, Public domain

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
Hotel Nacional de Cuba, Havana
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith, Public domain

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

The sea averages 25°C (77°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Havana.

What to pack

For highs near 26°C, lows near 18°C and 6 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; comfortable walking shoes.

Is January a good time to visit Havana?

One of the best months to visit Havana. The other best months are February–April and November–December. Compare every month.

Havana in other months

Questions travellers ask

+Is January a good time to visit Havana?

It is one of the best months to visit Havana. Dry, sunny and pleasantly warm; one of the most popular months, with occasional cool northerly fronts.

+How warm is Havana in January?

Average highs are around 26°C (79°F) and lows around 18°C (64°F).

+Does it rain a lot in Havana in January?

Expect rain on about 6 days of the month.