Things to Do in Havana in April

April Weather in Havana

28°C (83°F) High Temp

21°C (69°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect shoulder season weather - warm 28°C (83°F) days without the oppressive heat of summer months, ideal for walking Old Havana's cobblestone streets
Minimal rainfall (0.0mm average) with only brief 15-20 minute afternoon showers that locals call 'lloviznitas' - perfect for outdoor activities and photography
Peak cigar harvest season ends in March, meaning April tobacco tours offer the freshest experiences in Vuelta Abajo region with newly cured leaves
Spring concert season at Gran Teatro de La Habana and outdoor venues - Cuban musicians emerge from winter hiatus with new performances

Considerations

Humidity reaches 70% making midday walking uncomfortable - plan indoor activities between 12-3pm or stick to shaded areas like Plaza de la Catedral
Easter week (varies yearly) brings Cuban family travel, creating crowds at beaches like Playas del Este and higher accommodation prices
Trade winds are inconsistent in April, making sailing conditions unpredictable compared to winter months

Best Activities in April

Old Havana Walking Architecture Tours

April's moderate temperatures make this the ideal month for exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites. Morning temperatures of 21°C (69°F) are perfect for 3-4 hour walks through Plaza de Armas, Plaza Vieja, and colonial buildings. The dry weather means restored facades photograph beautifully without rain damage or harsh summer shadows.

Booking Tip: Book morning slots (8-11am) to avoid afternoon humidity. Group tours typically cost $25-40 CUC, private guides $60-80 CUC for half-day. Look for certified National Heritage guides. See current options in booking section below.

Varadero Beach Day Trips

April offers perfect beach weather before summer's intense heat. Ocean temperature reaches comfortable 25°C (77°F), and the dry season means crystal-clear water for swimming. Trade winds provide natural cooling, and you'll avoid the March spring break crowds while still getting 8+ hours of sunshine daily.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Havana typically cost $45-65 CUC including transport and lunch. Book 5-7 days ahead for better bus seats. Avoid weekend trips when Cuban families visit. See current tour packages in booking section below.

Classic Car Sunset Tours

April's clear skies and minimal rain create perfect conditions for convertible tours. The 70% humidity feels pleasant with wind from driving, and April sunsets occur around 7:30pm - ideal timing after afternoon restaurant closures. Photography conditions are excellent with golden hour lighting and clear visibility along the Malecón.

Booking Tip: Sunset tours run $30-50 CUC per person for 1.5-2 hours. Book American classics (1950s Chevrolets, Buicks) rather than Soviet cars for open-air experience. Reserve 3-4 days ahead during April. See current classic car options in booking section below.

Viñales Valley Tobacco Farm Tours

Post-harvest April is perfect for tobacco education tours. The rainy season hasn't started, so rural roads to organic farms remain accessible. This is when farmers cure and roll the year's best leaves - you'll see the actual tobacco that becomes premium cigars, not tourist demonstrations. The valley's mogotes (limestone hills) are most visible in April's clear air.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost $55-75 CUC including transport, lunch, and farm visits. Choose tours that include both tobacco farms and limestone cave visits. Book 7-10 days ahead for small group experiences. See current Viñales options in booking section below.

Salsa Dancing Classes and Club Tours

April weather is perfect for Cuba's indoor-outdoor club scene. Evening temperatures around 24°C (75°F) mean rooftop venues and open-air dance floors are comfortable. This is when Havana's best dancers return from winter breaks, and you'll find authentic Cuban moves rather than tourist-focused instruction.

Booking Tip: Evening packages including lesson + club entry cost $35-50 CUC. Start with 1-hour private lessons ($25-35 CUC) before group classes. Peak dancing happens Thursday-Saturday after 10pm. See current dance tour options in booking section below.

Hemingway Trail Literary Tours

April's dry weather makes this perfect for visiting Finca Vigía (Hemingway's house), Cojímar fishing village, and his favorite bars like El Floridita. The moderate temperatures allow comfortable walking between locations, and clear skies mean excellent views from his former home's hilltop location. Gardens are in spring bloom without summer's overwhelming growth.

Booking Tip: Combined tours visiting 3-4 Hemingway locations cost $40-60 CUC for half-day trips. Include transport as locations are spread across Havana province. Finca Vigía closes Mondays. See current Hemingway tour options in booking section below.

April Events & Festivals

Mid to Late April (even years)

Festival Internacional de Guitarra de La Habana

Biennial classical guitar festival featuring international and Cuban masters performing at venues across the city. Concerts happen in historic locations like Basílica Menor and Teatro Nacional, offering intimate settings with world-class musicians.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight, breathable cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester which becomes unbearable in 70% humidity and 28°C (83°F) temperatures

SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply frequently - UV index reaches 8, and Caribbean sun reflects off white colonial buildings

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - Old Havana's colonial cobblestones become slippery during brief afternoon showers

Light rain jacket or compact umbrella - those 10 rainy days bring sudden 15-20 minute downpours, usually between 2-4pm

Insect repellent with DEET - April humidity brings mosquitoes, especially near waterfront areas and in evening

Portable phone charger - Cuban power outages are common, and you'll use GPS extensively for navigation

Small daypack for water bottles - staying hydrated is crucial in humid conditions, and bottled water costs $1-2 CUC throughout the city

Light cardigan for evening - ocean breezes can make 21°C (69°F) nights feel cooler after hot days

Cash in small bills (CUC or USD) - credit cards rarely work, and change is often unavailable for large denominations

Basic Spanish phrasebook or translation app downloaded offline - English is limited outside major tourist areas

Insider Knowledge

April is when Cuban families receive remittances for Easter celebrations, meaning better ingredients appear in paladares (private restaurants) and markets have more variety than other months

The afternoon rain pattern is so predictable that locals call 2-4pm 'café time' - this is when museums, galleries, and air-conditioned restaurants fill up with both tourists and Cubans

Book casa particulares (private homes) at least 3 weeks ahead for April - Cuban-Americans visit for Easter, and university students travel during spring break period, reducing accommodation availability

Friday afternoons bring 'Viernes Culturales' - impromptu street performances in Old Havana as weekend begins, offering authentic cultural experiences that aren't in any guidebook

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities during 12-3pm when humidity peaks - even locals retreat indoors during these hours, and you'll be miserable walking cobblestone streets

Assuming brief rain showers will ruin your day - these 15-20 minute 'lloviznitas' actually provide cooling relief and create dramatic photography opportunities with wet colonial architecture

Not bringing enough cash - April sees increased prices due to Easter demand, and you'll need 20-30% more CUC than budget guides suggest for this month