Things to Do in Havana in January

January Weather in Havana

26°C (78°F) High Temp

18°C (65°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect escape from northern hemisphere winter - consistent 26°C (78°F) highs with cooling trade winds make walking tours and outdoor dining comfortable all day
Dry season with virtually zero rainfall - only 0.0 mm (0.0 inches) but variable cloud cover provides natural shade during midday exploration
Tourist shoulder season means 30-40% lower accommodation prices compared to December, plus shorter queues at major sites like Capitolio and Hemingway House
Peak season for live music venues - cooler evenings bring locals out to jazz clubs in Vedado and son performances in Plaza de Armas until 2am

Considerations

Occasional norte (cold fronts) can drop temperatures to 15°C (59°F) for 2-3 days, catching visitors unprepared with only summer clothing
Variable weather means some days are overcast and humid while others are brilliantly sunny - difficult to predict ideal timing for outdoor photography
Strongest UV index of 8 during peak dry season - sunburn happens within 20 minutes without proper protection, especially on Malecón walks

Best Activities in January

Old Havana Walking Photography Tours

January's variable cloud cover creates perfect natural lighting for photographing colonial architecture without harsh shadows. Comfortable 26°C (78°F) temperatures mean you can walk the 4 km (2.5 mile) historic circuit without overheating. Fewer crowds than December make it easier to capture iconic shots of Plaza de Armas and Cathedral Square.

Booking Tip: Book morning tours (8am-11am) for best light and cooler temperatures. Look for guides certified by the Oficina del Historiador. Typically cost 25-35 CUC per person for 3-hour tours. Check current availability in booking section below.

Malecón Sunset and Evening Music Experiences

Cool January evenings (18°C/65°F) make the 8 km (5 mile) Malecón seawall perfect for sunset strolls. This is when locals emerge for impromptu music sessions and socializing. The comfortable temperature means you can enjoy outdoor venues like La Floridita and nearby jazz clubs without summer heat exhaustion.

Booking Tip: Best experienced independently - start at Hotel Nacional around 5pm and walk east. Evening music venues fill up by 9pm. Cover charges typically 10-20 CUC. Dress warmly for potential norte cold fronts.

Classic Car Countryside Tours

January's dry conditions and comfortable temperatures make open-air classic car tours to Viñales Valley ideal. Zero rainfall means convertible tops stay down for the 2-hour (180 km/112 mile) journey. Tobacco harvest season provides authentic farm experiences and the best cigars of the year.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead for best car selection. Full-day tours typically cost 80-120 CUC including driver and fuel. Look for operators with vintage cars from 1950s era. Weather is perfect for this activity all month.

Hemingway Trail Experiences

Perfect weather for visiting Hemingway's Havana haunts - Finca Vigía, Cojímar fishing village, and his favorite bars. January's comfortable temperatures make the outdoor museum tour at his home pleasant, and clear skies provide excellent views of the Gulf Stream he wrote about.

Booking Tip: Finca Vigía closes Mondays and during rare January rain days. Entry is 5 CUC, guided tours add 10-15 CUC. Combine with Cojímar village visit (45 minutes drive). Book through licensed cultural tourism operators.

Revolutionary History Walking Tours

January's mild temperatures make extensive walking tours of revolution sites comfortable. Visit Plaza de la Revolución, Museum of the Revolution, and Sierra Maestra-related sites without summer heat fatigue. Cool evenings perfect for outdoor discussions and rooftop museum visits.

Booking Tip: Morning tours (9am-12pm) avoid midday UV exposure. Look for historian-guides with university credentials. Full-day experiences typically 40-60 CUC. Some sites close for maintenance in January - confirm availability.

Authentic Salsa Dancing Classes

Cool January evenings create perfect conditions for learning salsa in outdoor courtyards and rooftop studios. Locals are more active in comfortable weather, leading to better social dancing opportunities. Casa de la Música venues have longer hours and more authentic crowds during this season.

Booking Tip: Begin with beginner classes at cultural centers (5-10 CUC per class). Advanced dancers book private lessons for 20-30 CUC/hour. Evening social dancing starts after 10pm. Wear breathable clothing despite cooler temperatures.

January Events & Festivals

Mid January

Festival de Jazz Plaza

International jazz festival featuring Cuban and global artists performing in venues across Havana. Outdoor concerts take advantage of January's perfect evening temperatures. Major venues include Teatro Nacional and Hotel Nacional.

Third Sunday in January

Havana Marathon

International marathon taking runners through Old Havana, Vedado, and along the Malecón. January's cooler temperatures and low humidity create ideal running conditions. City celebrates with music and street festivities.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Light sweater or fleece - norte cold fronts can drop temperatures to 15°C (59°F) for several days with little warning

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 during peak dry season, sunburn occurs within 20 minutes on exposed skin

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester in 70% humidity, choose loose-fitting garments for comfort

Light rain jacket or poncho - despite 0mm average rainfall, brief tropical showers can occur on 10 days during the month

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - cobblestones in Old Havana become slippery when wet from morning dew

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitos are active during warm January evenings, especially near Malecón waterfront

Portable phone charger - power outages more common during winter maintenance season, backup power essential for navigation

Cash in small denominations - CUC and pesos needed for tips, street food, and independent transportation

Wide-brimmed hat - essential protection during midday walking tours when UV index peaks at 8

Light scarf or bandana - useful for covering shoulders in churches and protection from dust in classic cars

Insider Knowledge

Cubans celebrate New Year with massive street parties until January 6th - join the revelry but expect noise, crowds, and limited restaurant service during first week

Classic car owners raise prices 20-30% during tourist season - negotiate in early morning when drivers compete for daily bookings, or book through casa particular hosts for better rates

Many paladares (private restaurants) close for renovation during January's slower period - always call ahead or have backup dining options, especially in residential Vedado neighborhoods

January is tobacco harvest season in Pinar del Río - this is when you'll find the absolute freshest cigars and can witness actual rolling demonstrations at farms, not just tourist shows

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothes - norte cold fronts arrive without warning and can last 3-4 days, leaving visitors shivering in shorts and t-shirts during evening activities

Assuming all attractions stay open - many museums and cultural sites use January's lower tourism for maintenance closures, always verify opening days before planning itineraries

Underestimating sun exposure during variable weather - overcast days still deliver strong UV rays, and many visitors get severe sunburn thinking clouds provide protection