Things to Do in Havana in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Havana
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak dry season with virtually zero rainfall - March is statistically the driest month in Havana with 0.0 mm recorded precipitation, making it ideal for walking tours through Old Havana's cobblestone streets and beach days at Playas del Este without weather disruptions
- Comfortable temperatures averaging 27°C (81°F) during the day and cooling to 19°C (67°F) at night - warm enough for beach activities but not the oppressive heat of summer months, and evening breezes along the Malecón make outdoor dining genuinely pleasant
- Pre-spring break timing means fewer American tourists than April - accommodation prices are typically 15-20% lower than peak season, and you'll actually get tables at popular paladares without advance reservations, though the city is still lively with European visitors
- Extended daylight hours with sunset around 7:30pm give you more usable evening time - crucial in a city where the best experiences happen after dark, from live son performances at Casa de la Música to watching locals gather along the seawall as the sun drops
Considerations
- The 10 rainy days noted in weather data are misleading - March in Havana is exceptionally dry, but when brief showers do occur they're unpredictable and can disrupt outdoor plans for 30-45 minutes, though locals barely notice and continue their routines
- Strong sun with UV index of 8 combined with 70% humidity creates deceptive conditions - you'll burn faster than you expect even on overcast days, and the moisture in the air makes sunscreen less effective if you're sweating heavily during midday walks
- March sits in an awkward transition period where some cultural events have ended (Havana Jazz Festival is typically February) and summer festivals haven't started yet - the city lacks the concentrated cultural programming of peak months, though regular music venues maintain their schedules
Best Activities in March
Old Havana Walking Tours
March weather is actually perfect for exploring Habana Vieja on foot - the 27°C (81°F) daytime temperatures are warm but not punishing, and the dry conditions mean you can spend 3-4 hours wandering Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza Vieja, and the narrow streets without getting caught in afternoon downpours that plague other months. Start early around 9am when the light is gorgeous for photography and locals are setting up for the day. The humidity at 70% is noticeable but manageable if you pace yourself.
Playas del Este Beach Days
The beaches 18 km (11 miles) east of central Havana are at their best in March - water temperature hovers around 25°C (77°F), warm enough for extended swimming without a wetsuit, and the dry season means clear visibility for snorkeling off the eastern rocks. Playa Santa María del Mar is the main stretch, and March crowds are manageable compared to summer when Cuban families descend en masse. The UV index of 8 means you'll need serious sun protection, but the ocean breeze keeps it from feeling oppressive.
Classic Car Tours
March's dry weather and comfortable temperatures make convertible classic car tours genuinely enjoyable rather than sweaty ordeals. The iconic 1950s Chevrolets and Fords that line the Malecón are perfect for sunset cruises when temperatures drop to 22°C (72°F) and the evening light turns golden. Routes typically cover the Malecón waterfront, through Vedado's tree-lined streets, past Revolution Square, and into Miramar's diplomatic quarter. Wind in your hair, no rain to worry about, and the cars actually run better in dry conditions.
Fusterlandia Art District Visits
José Fuster's mosaic wonderland in the Jaimanitas neighborhood, 20 km (12 miles) west of central Havana, is an outdoor experience best enjoyed in March's dry conditions. The entire neighborhood is covered in Gaudí-inspired tile work, and you'll spend 90 minutes walking through decorated houses, bus stops, and public spaces. The artist often works on-site and welcomes visitors. March weather means you can explore comfortably without rain threatening the outdoor installations, and the bright sun actually makes the colorful mosaics more vibrant.
Viñales Valley Day Trips
March is ideal for the 2.5-hour drive west to Viñales tobacco country - roads are dry, visibility is excellent for viewing the dramatic mogote limestone formations, and temperatures in the valley are slightly cooler than Havana at 25°C (77°F). This is prime tobacco growing season, so you'll see farmers working the vegas and can visit casas de tabaco where leaves are drying. The landscape is intensely green from winter rains but paths are dry enough for hiking to caves and viewpoints. Full-day trips typically include farm visits, cave tours, and traditional lunch.
Live Music Venue Hopping
March evenings with temperatures dropping to 19-21°C (67-70°F) are perfect for Havana's legendary music scene. Casa de la Música in Miramar and Centro Habana both offer nightly son, salsa, and timba performances starting around 10pm. Smaller venues like Madrigal in Vedado or the Fabrica de Arte Cubano (when it reopens - check current status) offer more intimate settings. The dry weather means outdoor patios and rooftop venues are reliably open, and the comfortable temperatures let you dance without melting. This is where you'll actually interact with Cuban culture rather than just observing it.
March Events & Festivals
Bienal de La Habana
Havana's contemporary art biennial typically runs in spring of odd years, but 2026 is an even year so this won't be happening. Worth noting because many travelers confuse the schedule - the next edition would be 2027. March 2026 will have regular gallery exhibitions at Fabrica de Arte Cubano and Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes but no special programming.