Things to Do in Havana in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Havana
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Pre-rainy season sweet spot with manageable humidity at 70% - you'll get warm days around 29°C (85°F) but without the oppressive August heat that drives locals indoors by noon
- Shoulder season pricing means accommodation costs drop 20-30% compared to December-March high season, and you'll actually find availability at casas particulares without booking months ahead
- Mango season peaks in May - street vendors sell massive Manila mangos for 5-10 CUP (about 20-40 cents USD), and locals make batidos de mango that taste nothing like what you get back home
- Fewer tour groups clogging Old Havana's narrow streets, which means you can actually photograph Plaza Vieja at 9am without 40 people photobombing your shot
Considerations
- Those 10 rainy days typically hit as sudden afternoon downpours between 2-5pm - not all-day rain, but intense 30-45 minute storms that flood streets temporarily and shut down outdoor activities
- May sits at the edge of hurricane season preparation mode, so some beach facilities in Playas del Este start closing for maintenance, and boat trips to Cayo Levisa get cancelled more frequently
- Heat combined with 70% humidity means walking Old Havana after 11am feels like moving through soup - you'll sweat through shirts faster than you expect, even in cotton
Best Activities in May
Old Havana Walking Tours
May mornings from 7-10am offer the best window for exploring Habana Vieja before heat and humidity peak. The cobblestone streets stay relatively comfortable, and you'll catch locals doing their morning routines rather than just seeing other tourists. The variable cloud cover actually helps with photography - harsh Caribbean sun can blow out those pastel building facades, but May's softer light is perfect. Book morning slots specifically, as afternoon tours get cut short by rain about 60% of the time.
Vinales Valley Day Trips
May hits Vinales perfectly - tobacco harvest finished in April, so farmers are relaxed and actually have time to talk, but the valley stays brilliantly green before June's dry period browns everything out. The mogotes (limestone hills) look dramatic against May's variable cloud formations. Temperature in the valley runs 2-3°C cooler than Havana, making horseback riding and hiking actually pleasant. Rain typically holds off until late afternoon, giving you a solid 6-hour window.
Fabrica de Arte Cubano (FAC) Nights
May's humidity makes evening indoor activities more appealing than you'd think, and FAC represents Havana's contemporary art scene at its best. This converted cooking oil factory hosts rotating exhibitions, live music, film screenings, and performance art Thursday-Sunday nights. The crowd skews local and young in May since fewer tourists means less diluted atmosphere. Entry runs 2-3 CUC, drinks 2-4 CUC, and the space stays comfortable with industrial fans and high ceilings even when packed.
Classic Car Tours
Those iconic 1950s convertibles make more sense in May than you'd expect - the variable cloud cover means you're not getting scorched under direct sun, and morning rides along the Malecon seawall catch decent breezes. Afternoon storms actually create dramatic photography opportunities if you time it right (though drivers will put tops up). May's medium crowds mean you can negotiate better rates than peak season, and you'll spend less time stuck in traffic around tourist zones.
Playas del Este Beach Time
Havana's nearest decent beaches sit 20 km (12 miles) east, and May offers a interesting trade-off - fewer crowds than summer, but some facilities start closing for pre-hurricane season maintenance. Water temperature stays warm at 26-27°C (79-81°F), and weekday visits feel almost private. That said, expect limited food options and bring supplies. Morning beach sessions (8am-1pm) avoid both peak heat and afternoon storms.
Callejon de Hamel Sunday Rumba
This Afro-Cuban alley art project in Centro Habana hosts live rumba performances every Sunday around noon, and May's shoulder season means the crowd stays manageable - you can actually see the drummers and dancers without fighting through tour groups. The performance lasts about 90 minutes, completely free (though musicians appreciate tips). The surrounding street art and murals photograph beautifully under May's softer light conditions. Gets packed by 12:30pm, so arrive before noon.
May Events & Festivals
International Workers Day Parade
May 1st brings massive organized celebrations through Revolution Square with hundreds of thousands of Cubans marching in solidarity demonstrations. This is genuine Cuban political culture, not tourist performance - expect revolutionary speeches, Cuban flags everywhere, and crowds that dwarf anything you've seen. Fascinating cultural experience if you're interested in Cuban society, though understand this is state-organized and highly political. Streets around Revolution Square close from early morning through afternoon.
Mango Season Peak
Not an official event, but May marks peak mango harvest and you'll see the cultural impact everywhere - street vendors on every corner selling mangos by the bag, families making mango preserves, and casas particulares serving mango with breakfast. Try mangos con limon y sal (with lime and salt) from street vendors, or batidos de mango at any cafe. This is seasonal eating at its most authentic, and mangos taste completely different from imported supermarket versions back home.