Things to Do in Havana in February

February Weather in Havana

25.6°C (78°F) High Temp

18.3°C (65°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

February is Havana's absolute driest month with zero average rainfall - perfect for walking tours through Old Havana's cobblestone streets without mud or flooding concerns
Cooler evening temperatures of 18°C (65°F) make rooftop bar sessions and outdoor salsa dancing comfortable from 8pm onwards - locals call this 'dancing weather'
Trade winds from the northeast create natural air conditioning, reducing the oppressive humidity that plagues summer months and making classic car tours bearable
February coincides with peak sugarcane harvest season - local rum distilleries offer special tastings and you'll see traditional ox-drawn carts in rural areas just 30 km (18.6 miles) from the city

Considerations

Variable weather patterns mean you could face a surprise cold front dropping temperatures to 15°C (59°F) for 2-3 days - locals scramble for jackets they rarely need
This is peak tourist season pricing with accommodation rates 40-60% higher than summer months and advance booking essential for anything decent
Strong trade winds can make harbor boat trips choppy and uncomfortable - Hemingway's favorite fishing spots become off-limits on windier days

Best Activities in February

Old Havana Walking Photography Tours

February's dry conditions and perfect morning light (soft shadows until 10am) create ideal photography conditions in Plaza de Armas and Cathedral Square. The 70% humidity won't fog your lenses like in summer, and morning temperatures of 18°C (65°F) mean comfortable 3-4 hour walks through the UNESCO sites without overheating.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead as this is peak season. Tours typically cost $25-45 USD per person. Look for guides certified by the Ministry of Tourism who can access restricted colonial building courtyards. Morning tours (8-11am) offer the best light and fewer crowds.

Classic Car Countryside Tours

February's trade winds and lower humidity make open-top 1950s convertible rides to Viñales Valley actually enjoyable - you won't arrive drenched in sweat. The sugarcane harvest is active, so you'll see traditional farming methods alongside tobacco fields. The 90 km (55.9 miles) round trip takes 6-8 hours in vintage cars without air conditioning.

Booking Tip: Reserve 10-14 days ahead through licensed classic car cooperatives. Full-day tours range $80-120 USD for up to 4 people per car. Ensure the car has working seat belts and the driver has proper commercial insurance. Avoid unmarked private cars.

Rum Distillery and Sugarcane Plantation Visits

February is peak zafra (sugarcane harvest) season - you'll witness the entire rum production process from fresh-cut cane to fermentation. The Ron Havana Club and smaller family operations offer tastings that are more meaningful when you see the raw materials being processed. Cooler temperatures make the humid distillery environments tolerable.

Booking Tip: Book directly with distilleries 1-2 weeks ahead. Tours cost $15-35 USD including tastings. Some plantations 45 km (27.9 miles) outside Havana offer ox-cart rides during harvest. Look for tours that include the actual production facilities, not just tasting rooms.

Salsa Dancing and Nightlife Tours

February evenings are perfect for Havana's outdoor salsa venues - comfortable 20°C (68°F) temperatures and lower humidity mean you can actually dance without melting. Casa de la Música and rooftop venues stay lively until 3am. The dry weather means outdoor stages and dance floors are consistently available.

Booking Tip: Evening tours typically cost $30-50 USD including basic lessons and 2-3 venues. Book 5-7 days ahead during peak season. Look for tours that include both tourist-friendly venues and local spots where Habaneros actually dance. Avoid tours that only visit hotel bars.

Hemingway Trail Literary Tours

February weather allows comfortable visits to all outdoor Hemingway locations - Finca Vigía (his home), Cojímar fishing village, and La Floridita bar. The dry conditions mean his outdoor writing spaces and gardens are accessible, and morning temperatures make the 20 km (12.4 miles) journey to his house pleasant in non-AC transport.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost $40-65 USD per person. Book 1-2 weeks ahead as his house has limited daily visitors. Combine with fishing village visits where locals remember him. Tours typically last 4-5 hours including transport time.

Malecón Seaside Cycling Tours

February's trade winds make cycling the 8 km (5 miles) Malecón seawall refreshing rather than exhausting. You'll see why locals gather here every evening - the breeze provides natural cooling. Early morning rides (7-9am) offer the calmest conditions and best views of the sunrise over Havana Bay.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals cost $8-15 USD per day, guided tours $25-35 USD. Book bikes the day before to ensure availability during peak season. Look for operators with well-maintained bikes and included helmets. Avoid cycling during midday when UV index peaks at 8.

February Events & Festivals

Mid to Late February

Havana International Jazz Festival

This prestigious festival brings international and Cuban jazz artists to venues across the city. Performances happen in historic theaters, outdoor plazas, and intimate clubs. February's comfortable evening temperatures make outdoor concerts particularly enjoyable, and you'll experience both world-class music and local jazz culture.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long pants in breathable cotton - many restaurants and cultural sites require covered legs, and evening temperatures of 18°C (65°F) make them comfortable

Light cardigan or thin jacket for evening - temperature drops can catch visitors off-guard when trade winds pick up after sunset

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and Caribbean sun reflects off colonial white buildings and ocean

Comfortable broken-in walking shoes with good grip - Old Havana's 500-year-old cobblestones are uneven and can be slippery

Small daypack with secure zippers - for carrying water, camera, and layers as you move between air-conditioned museums and outdoor plazas

Quick-dry shirts - 70% humidity means cotton takes forever to dry if you get caught in brief showers

Portable phone charger - power outages are common and you'll use GPS constantly navigating the city

Cash in small bills (USD and EUR) - credit cards work sporadically and you'll need cash for everything from tips to transportation

Basic Spanish phrasebook or translation app - English is limited outside tourist zones and locals appreciate the effort

Reusable water bottle - staying hydrated is crucial and reduces plastic waste in a city with limited recycling

Insider Knowledge

The 5-8pm period is golden hour for both photography and local life - Habaneros emerge for their evening paseo (stroll) when temperatures cool, and you'll see authentic street life rather than tourist performances

Book casa particular accommodations in Vedado or Centro Habana neighborhoods rather than Old Havana - you'll pay 30-40% less, have better amenities, and experience how locals actually live while staying within 2 km (1.2 miles) of attractions

Change money at official CADECA exchanges or banks - never with street hustlers who approach tourists. The official rate fluctuates daily, and black market exchanges often involve counterfeit bills or short-changing

Municipal buses (Route P1, P7) cost 1 peso and connect major neighborhoods - locals use them constantly and they're reliable, though crowded during rush hours 7-9am and 5-7pm

Avoid These Mistakes

Wearing flip-flops or sandals for city walking - Old Havana's colonial cobblestones will destroy your feet and inappropriate footwear marks you as a target for overpricing

Only visiting government-run restaurants (paladares) - private family restaurants offer better food and authentic experiences, though you need reservations during February's peak season

Booking accommodation less than 3 weeks ahead in February - this is absolute peak season and quality casa particulares fill up, leaving you with overpriced, substandard options or distant locations