Things to Do in Havana in January
January weather, activities, events & insider tips
January Weather in Havana
Is January Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak dry season with virtually zero rainfall despite 10 cloudy days - you can plan outdoor activities without worrying about afternoon downpours washing out your plans. The occasional overcast day actually provides relief from the intense sun.
- Comfortable evening temperatures around 18°C (65°F) make walking tours of Old Havana and the Malecón genuinely pleasant after 6pm, when the daytime heat dissipates and locals come out to socialize. This is when the city actually comes alive.
- High season means more live music venues are operating at full capacity, with multiple nightly shows at Casa de la Música and the jazz clubs in Vedado. You'll catch better performers and fuller audiences, which matters tremendously for the energy of Cuban music.
- Clearer skies and lower humidity than summer months mean better visibility for photography and exploring the colorful colonial architecture without that oppressive tropical heaviness. The light in January is actually spectacular for capturing those iconic pastel building facades.
Considerations
- High season pricing hits hard - casa particular rates jump 30-40% compared to September, and you'll pay tourist prices at paladares where a meal that costs 15 CUC in low season suddenly becomes 25 CUC. Book accommodations at least 6-8 weeks ahead or you'll face inflated last-minute rates.
- Crowds at major sites like Plaza de la Catedral and Fusterlandia mean you're sharing the experience with tour groups, especially between 10am-2pm. The intimate, discover-it-yourself vibe gets diluted when you're one of fifty people trying to photograph the same vintage car.
- Nortes (cold fronts from North America) can occasionally drop temperatures to 15°C (59°F) for 2-3 days, which sounds mild but feels genuinely chilly in buildings with no heating. Locals break out sweaters, and you'll wish you packed more than tank tops and shorts.
Best Activities in January
Old Havana Walking Tours
January's lower humidity makes exploring the UNESCO World Heritage colonial center actually comfortable for 3-4 hour walks. The 70% humidity is manageable compared to summer's 85%, and morning temperatures around 22°C (72°F) are ideal for covering the 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles) circuit through Plaza Vieja, Plaza de Armas, and the cathedral district. Late afternoon light from 4-6pm creates that golden-hour glow on the weathered pastel buildings that makes every photo look like a postcard.
Viñales Valley Countryside Tours
The tobacco harvest happens January through March, so you'll actually see farmers working the vegas (tobacco fields) and can visit working drying houses with fresh leaves hanging. The 140 km (87 mile) drive west takes about 3 hours, and January's dry weather means the mogote limestone hills stand out dramatically against clear blue skies. Morning temperatures in the valley sit around 20°C (68°F) - perfect for hiking or horseback riding through the plantations without overheating.
Classic Car Tours
Convertible rides along the Malecón are genuinely more pleasant in January when you're not getting drenched by rain or melting in 32°C (90°F) heat. The dry season means the cars (most from the 1950s with questionable weatherproofing) stay relatively reliable. Book sunset tours departing around 5:30pm when temperatures drop to 24°C (75°F) and the light turns magical. The hour-long coastal route covers about 15 km (9.3 miles) from Old Havana through Vedado to Miramar.
Live Music Venue Experiences
January brings better performers to Havana's music scene as high season means venues can afford to book top talent. The comfortable evening temperatures mean outdoor courtyard venues like those in Callejón de Hamel stay pleasant until midnight. Shows typically run 9pm-1am, with cover charges ranging 5-15 CUC depending on the venue. The energy at packed shows with locals and tourists dancing son, salsa, and rumba together is what you came to Cuba for.
Playas del Este Beach Days
The beaches 18 km (11 miles) east of Havana are actually swimmable in January with water temperatures around 25°C (77°F) - refreshing but not cold. January's dry weather means you'll likely get full sunny beach days without the summer rain interruptions. The beaches are less crowded midweek, though weekends see Havana locals heading out. UV index of 8 means you'll burn quickly - the sun is intense even when temperatures feel mild.
Hemingway Trail Visits
January's clearer weather makes the 15 km (9.3 miles) trip to Finca Vigía (Hemingway's former home) in San Francisco de Paula more pleasant, and you can actually see into the rooms through the windows without rain obscuring the view. Combine it with a stop at Cojímar fishing village where he docked his boat Pilar. The museum and village circuit takes 3-4 hours total. Morning visits around 10am avoid the hottest part of the day.
January Events & Festivals
Havana International Jazz Festival
If the festival runs in January 2026 (it typically alternates between December and January), you'll catch world-class jazz performers at venues across the city including the Teatro Nacional and smaller clubs in Vedado. This is Cuba's premier jazz event, drawing international artists who collaborate with Cuban musicians. Tickets for major concerts run 10-30 CUC, while smaller venue shows may be free or low-cost. The festival atmosphere transforms the city's music scene for about a week.
José Martí Birthday Commemoration
January 28th marks the birthday of Cuba's national hero, with ceremonies at the José Martí Memorial in Plaza de la Revolución. While primarily a local observance, it offers insight into Cuban national identity and history. Expect some government buildings and museums to have altered hours. The memorial itself is worth visiting regardless - the 109 m (358 ft) tower offers panoramic city views.