Things to Do in Havana in May

May Weather in Havana

29°C (85°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season tail-end means fewer extended rain periods - showers are brief 15-20 minute bursts that cool the air
Perfect temperature for Old Havana walking tours - mornings start at comfortable 22°C (72°F) before warming up
Mango season peaks in May - local markets overflow with varieties tourists never see (mamey colorado, manila, kent)
Shoulder season pricing until mid-May - casa particulares average $45-65/night vs $80+ in winter peak

Considerations

Humidity reaches 70% by midday making stone streets feel like saunas - outdoor activities best before 11am
Inconsistent rain patterns with 10 rainy days - brief but intense downpours can flood cobblestone streets within minutes
Many rooftop bars close early afternoon due to heat - prime sunset viewing spots become uncomfortably hot until 6pm

Best Activities in May

Old Havana Architecture Walking Tours

May's morning temperatures of 22°C (72°F) make the 4-5 km (2.5-3 mile) UNESCO route comfortable before humidity peaks. Afternoon rain creates dramatic lighting for photography of colonial facades. The stone streets dry quickly after showers, and fewer cruise ship groups visit in May compared to winter months.

Booking Tip: Book morning slots (8am-11am) through licensed heritage guides. Expect to pay ₱1,500-2,500 pesos for 3-4 hour comprehensive tours. Avoid unlicensed street guides. Check current certified tour options in booking section below.

Malecón Sunset and Evening Strolls

May evenings along the 8 km (5 mile) seawall are ideal - ocean breezes counter the day's humidity, and locals emerge for their daily social hour. Perfect temperature for the classic Havana evening ritual of watching waves crash while sipping mojitos. Rain usually clears by sunset (around 7:30pm).

Booking Tip: No booking needed for independent walks. Join evening photography tours for ₱2,000-3,000 pesos including classic car transport to best viewing spots. Tours typically run 6pm-9pm when lighting is optimal.

Classic Car Tours Through Vedado

Convertible 1950s classics are perfect for May's variable weather - tops down during dry spells, quickly up during brief showers. The 30-minute Vedado circuit covers Revolution Square and Embassy Row when morning temperatures make leather seats comfortable. Afternoon humidity makes closed cars unbearable.

Booking Tip: Book morning tours (9am-12pm) with established operators charging ₱4,000-6,000 pesos per car (1-4 people). Verify cars have working soft tops for sudden rain. See current classic car tour options in booking section below.

Viñales Valley Tobacco Farm Day Trips

May is harvest completion time - witness traditional tobacco drying in curing barns and learn rolling techniques from farmers. The 180 km (112 mile) journey takes advantage of May's dry roads before rainy season intensifies. Valley temperatures stay 2-3°C cooler than Havana due to elevation.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours typically cost ₱8,000-12,000 pesos including transportation, lunch, and farm visits. Book 5-7 days ahead during May's shoulder season. Departure at 7am returns by 6pm. Check current Viñales tour options in booking section below.

Havana Salsa and Son Music Venues

May's warm evenings create perfect conditions for outdoor music venues and rooftop dance spaces. Casa de la Música and Fábrica de Arte Cubano stay open later due to comfortable nighttime temperatures around 24°C (75°F). Live music starts later (10pm+) when heat dissipates.

Booking Tip: Entry fees range ₱500-2,000 pesos depending on venue and night. No advance booking needed for most venues, but arrive early for popular weekend shows. Dance lesson packages cost ₱3,000-4,000 pesos for week-long courses.

Havana Bay and Fortress Harbor Tours

May's calmer seas make boat tours to El Morro and Cabana fortresses more comfortable. Harbor breezes provide relief from city humidity, and occasional rain showers over water create spectacular photo opportunities. The 45-minute boat circuit includes underwater viewing of Spanish colonial anchors.

Booking Tip: Harbor tours cost ₱2,500-4,000 pesos per person with licensed maritime operators. Morning departures (10am-12pm) avoid afternoon heat buildup on boats. Verify life jacket availability and weather policies for rain delays.

May Events & Festivals

Early to Mid May

Havana Biennial Art Festival

Contemporary art takes over galleries, streets, and abandoned buildings across the city. Artists from 40+ countries transform colonial courtyards into interactive installations. Free street exhibitions complement paid gallery shows charging ₱200-800 pesos.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or packable poncho - May showers are brief but intense, flooding cobblestone streets quickly

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester in 70% humidity which feels suffocating by midday

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - wet colonial stones become extremely slippery during and after rain

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index of 8 causes burns within 15 minutes on exposed skin

Quick-dry shorts and pants - you'll get caught in rain, and heavy fabrics stay damp in humid conditions

Portable umbrella that fits in daypack - locals always carry them in May for sudden downpours

Insect repellent with DEET - standing water after rains increases mosquito activity especially at dusk

Cash in small bills - many casas particulares and restaurants can't break large denominations, especially pesos

Portable phone charger/power bank - frequent rain can limit charging opportunities if stuck indoors

Electrolyte tablets or powder - humid walking tours and dancing cause significant fluid loss

Insider Knowledge

Habaneros take shelter in air-conditioned museums during 2-4pm heat peak - Museo Nacional and Museo de la Revolución become crowded with locals, not just tourists

Street food vendors serve seasonal fruits only locals know - ask for 'fruta bomba' (papaya) and 'anón' (sugar apple) at peso prices instead of tourist markets

Casa particular owners drop prices 20-30% for last-minute bookings in May - show up at 6pm with backup options and negotiate directly

Peso vs dollar confusion peaks in May with new visitors - learn the dual currency system before arrival as taxi drivers and vendors exploit tourist ignorance

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities during 2-4pm heat peak when humidity makes 29°C (85°F) feel like 35°C (95°F) - locals disappear indoors during these hours

Wearing leather shoes on wet colonial cobblestones - even light rain makes them skating rinks, causing tourists to slip constantly

Booking evening restaurant reservations before 8pm - Cubans eat late, and the best atmosphere starts after sunset when temperatures drop