Things to Do in Havana in December

December Weather in Havana

26°C (79°F) High Temp

19°C (67°F) Low Temp

0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season perfection - December is peak season for good reason, with virtually no rain (0mm/0 inches) and comfortable temperatures ranging 19-26°C (67-79°F)
Festival season - December brings Las Charangas de Bejucal (late December), plus Christmas celebrations that blend Catholic and Afro-Cuban traditions with incredible street parties
Perfect beach weather - Consistent sunshine and gentle trade winds make Playas del Este ideal, while Malecón evening walks are comfortable in the cooler 19°C (67°F) nights
Cultural season peak - Teatro season, ballet performances at Gran Teatro de La Habana, and outdoor concerts are in full swing as venues take advantage of the dry weather

Considerations

Peak season crowds - December is Cuba's busiest month with European winter refugees, meaning popular spots like Plaza de Armas and Hemingway bars can feel overwhelmed
Highest accommodation prices - Casa particulares that cost CUP 2,500 in September jump to CUP 4,500-6,000 in December, and must be booked 6-8 weeks ahead
Nortes wind system - Cold fronts from North America can drop temperatures to 15°C (59°F) for 2-3 day periods, catching sun-seekers off guard with unexpected chill

Best Activities in December

Malecón Sunset and Evening Walks

December's dry weather and comfortable 19-26°C (67-79°F) temperatures make the 8 km (5-mile) seawall perfect for evening strolls. The winter sun sets at 5:45pm, creating golden hour photography opportunities. Locals gather here nightly in December's pleasant weather for dominoes, fishing, and socializing. December nortes winds can create dramatic wave crashes against the wall.

Booking Tip: Free activity, but bring a light jacket for the 19°C (67°F) evening temperatures. December trade winds make it 3-4°C cooler along the water. Best between 4:30-7:30pm. See walking tour options in booking section below for guided historical context.

Classic Car Tours Through Vedado and Habana Vieja

December's dry conditions mean vintage car tours run reliably without rain cancellations that plague May-October. The 70% humidity is manageable with car windows down, and December's clear skies showcase colonial architecture perfectly. Peak season means more restored cars are in operation, giving you better vehicle selection.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead in December peak season. Tours typically cost CUP 5,000-8,000 for 2 hours. Morning tours (9am-11am) avoid the strongest UV (index 8). Look for operators with insurance documentation. See current classic car tour options in booking section below.

Finca Vigía and Hemingway Trail

Hemingway's former home is 15 km (9.3 miles) southeast of Havana. December's dry weather means the gardens are accessible and outdoor areas comfortable for extended visits. The museum's outdoor terraces offer views of Havana without the June-November rain interruptions. December's clear days provide visibility to the Sierra Maestra on the horizon.

Booking Tip: Combines well with Cojímar fishing village visits. Transportation typically CUP 3,000-4,500 return. Open Tuesday-Saturday 9am-4pm. December sees longer queues due to cruise ship visitors - arrive by 10am. See current Hemingway tour combinations in booking section below.

Playas del Este Beach Days

December transforms these beaches 18 km (11.2 miles) east of Havana. Water temperature stays 24°C (75°F), air temperature 26°C (79°F), with gentle trade winds. December's low rainfall means reliable beach days, unlike the seasonal afternoon storms of summer months. Santa María del Mar beach has the best December infrastructure for day trips.

Booking Tip: Beach entry free, but transport typically CUP 1,200-2,000 return via collective taxi. December peak season means busier weekends - visit weekdays for space. Pack SPF 50+ for UV index 8. See current beach transfer options in booking section below.

Tropicana Cabaret and Nightlife Circuit

December's dry evenings make outdoor cabaret venues like Tropicana reliable - no show cancellations from weather. The famous outdoor stage operates comfortably in December's 19-26°C (67-79°F) range. December brings special holiday-themed performances and extends show schedules for peak tourist season.

Booking Tip: Shows typically CUP 8,000-15,000 depending on seating. Book 10-14 days ahead in December peak season. Outdoor shows require light jacket for after-midnight temperatures. Dinner packages available 6:30pm, shows start 10pm. See current cabaret and nightlife options in booking section below.

Valle de Viñales Day Trips

December's dry season opens the tobacco valley 180 km (112 miles) west for reliable day trips. Mogotes (limestone hills) are clearly visible in December's low-humidity air, and tobacco harvest season means active farms to visit. December temperatures stay comfortable for the 2-3 hour rural walking portions of tours.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically CUP 6,000-9,000 including transport and lunch. December is peak season for this UNESCO site - book 2 weeks ahead. Tours run 7am-7pm with 3.5-hour each way travel time. See current Viñales tour options in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

Late December

Las Charangas de Bejucal

Cuba's most authentic carnival celebration happens 30 km (18.6 miles) south of Havana. Two neighborhoods compete with elaborate floats, costumes, and street dancing. This December tradition predates the revolution and showcases genuine Cuban culture without tourist commercialization.

Early to Mid December

Festival Internacional del Nuevo Cine Latinoamericano

Latin America's most prestigious film festival takes over Havana's cinemas and cultural centers. December screenings happen in venues across Vedado and Habana Vieja, with outdoor evening screenings taking advantage of the dry weather.

Late December

Christmas and New Year Street Celebrations

While officially secular, December brings spontaneous street music, improved food availability, and family gatherings that spill into public spaces. Parque Central and Plaza de Armas see increased evening activity with live music and dancing.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Light cotton long pants - December evenings drop to 19°C (67°F), and pants protect against mosquitoes during 70% humidity days

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index hits 8 and reflects strongly off white colonial buildings and water

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - Despite 0mm average, nortes fronts can bring unexpected showers for 2-3 day periods

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - Colonial cobblestones become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) daily exploring

Cotton or linen shirts - Avoid polyester in 70% humidity; natural fibers breathe better in warm, humid conditions

Light sweater or cardigan - Air conditioning in restaurants and museums can be aggressive, and evening temperatures drop significantly

Mosquito repellent with DEET - December's humidity maintains mosquito activity, especially around sunset Malecón walks

Power bank and charging cables - Power outages are common, especially during peak tourist season strain on infrastructure

Cash in small denominations - Credit cards unreliable, and small vendors prefer exact change in CUP

Quick-dry towel - Beach trips to Playas del Este and humid conditions mean regular towel use

Insider Knowledge

Book casa particulares by November 15th - December is peak European escape season, and the best properties with AC and breakfast fill up 6-8 weeks ahead

Carry pesos Cubanos (CUP) in small bills - December tourist influx creates change shortages, and 500 CUP notes are often refused by street vendors and small restaurants

Start restaurant meals by 6pm - Popular paladares run out of ingredients by 8pm during December peak season, especially weekends when cruise ships dock

Use Havana's morning rhythm - Locals shop and handle business 7-10am before heat peaks; museums and attractions have shortest queues before 10am in December tourist season

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating December crowds - This is Cuba's absolute peak season with European Christmas visitors; popular spots like Floridita and Bodeguita del Medio have 45+ minute waits

Not booking accommodation early enough - Casa particulares that cost CUP 2,500 in September jump to CUP 6,000 in December and sell out by mid-November

Packing only summer clothes - December nortes cold fronts can drop temperatures to 15°C (59°F) for 2-3 days, catching sun-seekers unprepared