Things to Do in Havana in March

March Weather in Havana

27°C (81°F) High Temp

19°C (67°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather with minimal rainfall - only 10 wet days typically light evening showers that clear quickly, ideal for walking tours and outdoor dining
Comfortable evening temperatures (19°C/67°F) make rooftop bars and malecón strolls enjoyable without the suffocating heat of summer months
Festival Internacional del Nuevo Cine Latinoamericano screenings continue into early March, offering unique cultural experiences at restored Havana cinemas
Peak tourist crowds from December-February start thinning, meaning shorter queues at museums and better availability at paladares without full low-season price drops

Considerations

Accommodation prices remain elevated from high season - expect to pay 20-30% more than April-November rates, especially in Old Havana casas particulares
Afternoon humidity at 70% combined with limited air conditioning in many venues can feel oppressive between 1-4pm, forcing indoor breaks
Strong trade winds (15-25 km/h or 9-16 mph) make beach days at Playas del Este choppy and less comfortable than calmer months

Best Activities in March

Old Havana Walking Tours and Architecture Photography

March's moderate morning temperatures (22-24°C/72-75°F) and golden light make it perfect for exploring UNESCO sites before midday heat. The dry weather ensures cobblestone streets aren't slippery, and reduced rainfall means restoration work on colonial buildings is active - you'll see craftsmen at work. Morning shadows are ideal for photography between 8-11am.

Booking Tip: Join walking tours departing 9am or 10am to avoid afternoon humidity. Look for guides certified by the Ministry of Tourism. Typical group tours cost 25-35 CUC per person, private guides 40-60 CUC for 3-4 hours. Book 3-5 days ahead through licensed operators - see current options in booking section below.

Classic Car Tours and Malecón Drives

March's lower humidity and comfortable evening temperatures make convertible rides pleasant even during afternoon hours. The dry conditions mean vintage cars run more reliably - important since many classic Chevys and Buicks struggle in humid summer months. Evening tours (5-7pm) offer perfect lighting and cooler temperatures.

Booking Tip: Evening tours (5-7pm) offer the best experience with golden hour lighting. Expect 45-65 CUC per hour for classic convertibles, 30-45 CUC for covered cars. Book directly with car owners in Plaza de Armas or through hotel concierges. Check current tour availability in booking section below.

Rum Distillery Visits and Cigar Factory Tours

March's moderate humidity (70% vs 85%+ in summer) creates more comfortable conditions inside non-air-conditioned factories. The Havana Club Museum and San Cristóbal de la Habana factory offer better ventilation during this period. Cooler mornings mean less overwhelming sensory experiences during cigar rolling demonstrations.

Booking Tip: Morning tours (9am-12pm) are most comfortable before afternoon heat builds. Museum visits cost 7-12 CUC, factory tours 15-25 CUC including tastings. Book 1-2 days ahead as group sizes are limited. Some factories close Sundays. See current availability in booking section below.

Fusterlandia and Jaimanitas Art District Exploration

The outdoor mosaic installations by José Fuster are best experienced in March's comfortable temperatures without summer's blazing sun reflecting off ceramic tiles. The 20-minute drive from central Havana is pleasant in non-air-conditioned taxis, and you can spend 2-3 hours exploring without heat exhaustion.

Booking Tip: Combine with fishing village exploration for full-day experience. Taxi round-trip costs 40-60 CUC including 2-3 hour wait time. Tours including transport and guide cost 35-50 CUC per person. Morning visits (10am-1pm) offer best lighting. Check current tour combinations in booking section below.

Playas del Este Beach Day Trips

While March brings choppy waters due to trade winds, the comfortable air temperature (25-27°C/77-81°F) and lower UV intensity in morning hours make beach visits pleasant for sunbathing and beach walking. The 20 km (12.4 miles) drive east offers cooler travel conditions than summer months.

Booking Tip: Visit mornings (9am-2pm) before afternoon winds intensify. Bring reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+) as UV index reaches 8. Taxi round-trip costs 40-70 CUC, organized beach tours with lunch 35-55 CUC. Book through casa particular owners for better rates. See current beach tour options in booking section below.

Vedado Nightlife and Rooftop Bar Hopping

March's comfortable evening temperatures (19-22°C/67-72°F) make rooftop venues like La Guarida's terrace and Hotel Nacional's gardens perfect for extended evening socializing. The moderate humidity means less oppressive conditions in crowded salsa venues and jazz clubs that lack adequate ventilation.

Booking Tip: Rooftop bars are busiest 7-10pm when temperatures are most comfortable. Expect 8-15 CUC for cocktails, 5-10 CUC cover charges for live music venues. Make dinner reservations at paladares 2-3 days ahead. Evening entertainment tours cost 45-75 CUC including transport and venue entries.

March Events & Festivals

Early March

Festival Internacional del Nuevo Cine Latinoamericano (Extended Screenings)

Special March screenings of award-winning films from December's main festival at restored cinemas like Cine Chaplin and Cine La Rampa. Offers unique access to Latin American cinema with subtitles and director discussions. Tickets cost 2-5 CUC per screening.

Mid March

Havana Jazz Festival Spring Sessions

Monthly jazz performances at Casa de la Música and Teatro Nacional featuring both Cuban and international artists. March sessions benefit from comfortable venue temperatures and attract fewer tourists than winter months, creating intimate atmospheres.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester which becomes uncomfortable in 70% humidity and doesn't breathe during 27°C (81°F) afternoon temperatures

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and reflection off colonial building walls intensifies exposure during walking tours

Light cardigan or long sleeves - evening temperatures drop to 19°C (67°F) and ocean breezes along the malecón can feel cool

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - Old Havana's cobblestones can be slippery even in dry conditions, especially worn smooth stones near plazas

Quick-dry shorts and swimwear - for Playas del Este beach trips and potential afternoon showers that end quickly

Lightweight rain jacket - afternoon showers occur 10 days per month, typically lasting 20-30 minutes but can be heavy

Portable phone charger - power outages are common and you'll rely heavily on phones for navigation and translation apps

Cash in small denominations - bring euros or Canadian dollars to exchange, as credit cards are unreliable and ATMs frequently empty

Insect repellent with DEET - March's humidity creates ideal mosquito conditions, especially in evening hours around sunset

Insider Knowledge

Book casa particulares by 2pm daily - many owners decide on pricing for next few days based on occupancy, and you can negotiate better rates for 3+ night stays during March's shoulder season

Eat lunch at paladares between 12:30-2pm when locals dine - kitchens are freshest, prices are sometimes lower than dinner, and afternoon heat makes this the natural rest period before evening activities

Exchange money at CADECAs (official exchanges) on weekday mornings - they have better bill availability and shorter queues than afternoon or weekend visits when tourism peaks

Take classic car tours in late afternoon (5-7pm) rather than morning - engines run cooler in moderate temperatures, and you'll get golden hour lighting plus comfortable convertible conditions

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities during 1-4pm peak heat and humidity - even March's moderate temperatures feel oppressive when combined with 70% humidity and limited shade in Old Havana

Bringing only summer clothes - evening temperatures drop to 19°C (67°F) with ocean breezes, making light layers essential for comfortable malecón walks and rooftop dining

Expecting reliable internet and card payments - Cuba's infrastructure requires cash backup plans and offline maps, especially important when afternoon showers can disrupt already limited connectivity