Things to Do in Havana in November

November Weather in Havana

27°C (81°F) High Temp

21°C (70°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect weather for walking tours - November's lower humidity (70% vs 85% in summer) makes exploring Old Havana's cobblestone streets comfortable from 8am-6pm without the crushing heat
Dry season begins - virtually no rainfall (0.0mm average) means outdoor activities like Malecón sunset walks and rooftop salsa nights happen reliably without weather cancellations
Festival season peaks - November hosts Festival Internacional del Nuevo Cine Latinoamericano (mid-November) when film screenings transform the city and locals fill outdoor venues until midnight
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs 30-40% less than December-February peak season, with casa particulares available for CUP 2,000-3,500 per night vs CUP 4,000+ in winter

Considerations

Hurricane tail end - while rare, late-season tropical systems can still affect western Cuba through mid-November, potentially disrupting beach day trips to Playas del Este
Variable daily weather - temperatures swing 6°C (11°F) daily, requiring both shorts for afternoon heat and light layers for evening breezes along the Malecón
Tourist infrastructure transitions - some paladares and tour operators adjust schedules between low and high seasons, with reduced hours or temporary closures for maintenance

Best Activities in November

Old Havana Walking Architecture Tours

November's comfortable morning temperatures (21-24°C/70-75°F) make exploring Habana Vieja's 4 main plazas ideal before 11am. The lower humidity lets you appreciate baroque colonial details without the summer sweat. UNESCO World Heritage sites are less crowded than peak season, perfect for photography at Plaza de Armas and Catedral de San Cristóbal.

Booking Tip: Book through certified heritage guides 7-10 days ahead. Tours typically cost CUP 1,500-2,500 for 3-4 hours. Look for guides licensed by the Oficina del Historiador. Morning departures (8-9am) offer best weather conditions.

Classic Car Sunset Tours

November's reliable dry weather and 6:30pm sunsets create perfect conditions for convertible rides along the Malecón. Evening temperatures drop to comfortable 23-25°C (73-77°F) with ocean breezes. The golden hour photography is spectacular with fewer afternoon rain clouds blocking light.

Booking Tip: Reserve vintage convertibles 10-14 days ahead through licensed operators. Expect CUP 4,000-6,000 for 2-3 hour tours. Book 5-6pm departure for optimal sunset timing. Verify vehicle insurance and driver credentials.

Salsa Dancing Classes and Club Nights

November's cooler evenings make outdoor dance venues at Fábrica de Arte Cubano and rooftop locations comfortable until 2am. The festival atmosphere from film events creates extra energy in nightlife scenes. Locals are more active outdoors as oppressive summer heat breaks.

Booking Tip: Drop-in classes typically CUP 800-1,200 per session. Private lessons CUP 2,000-3,000 for 2 hours. Book through dance schools in Vedado or Centro Habana. Evening venues open 9pm-3am with peak energy after 11pm.

Viñales Valley Day Trips

November's dry season makes the 180km (112 miles) drive to tobacco country reliable without mud-season road issues. Cooler temperatures (19-26°C/66-79°F) are perfect for mogote hill climbing and cave exploration at Cueva del Indio. Tobacco harvest season creates authentic farm experiences.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours typically CUP 5,000-7,500 including transport and lunch. Book through licensed tour operators 5-7 days ahead. Departure times 7:30-8am for optimal weather. Verify air-conditioned vehicles for 3-hour journey.

Hemingway Trail Literary Tours

November weather allows comfortable exploration of Finca Vigía (Hemingway's former home) in San Francisco de Paula without summer's crushing heat. The 15km (9.3 miles) journey to his former residence is pleasant in dry conditions. Daiquiri tastings at El Floridita are more enjoyable without high humidity.

Booking Tip: Combined tours typically CUP 3,500-5,000 including Finca Vigía, El Floridita, and La Bodeguita del Medio. Book 3-5 days ahead. Morning departures (9-10am) beat afternoon heat. Entry fees additional CUP 300-500 per site.

Playas del Este Beach Excursions

November's calm Caribbean conditions and minimal rainfall make the 20km (12.4 miles) drive to Santa María del Mar and Guanabo beaches reliable. Water temperature stays warm at 26°C (79°F) while air is less humid. Fewer jellyfish than summer months.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically CUP 2,500-4,000 including transport and beach access. Independent travel via P1 bus costs CUP 40 each way. Rent beach chairs/umbrellas for CUP 200-400. Pack lunch as beachside restaurants have limited hours in shoulder season.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Festival Internacional del Nuevo Cine Latinoamericano

Cuba's premier film festival transforms Havana with outdoor screenings in plazas, red carpet events, and late-night parties. International filmmakers and celebrities create buzz throughout Vedado and Old Havana. Many venues offer free screenings alongside ticketed premieres.

Early to Mid November

Bienal de La Habana Contemporary Art Festival

Every two years (next in 2025), this major art event fills galleries, warehouses, and public spaces with contemporary Latin American and Caribbean art. Street installations and performance pieces activate neighborhoods beyond traditional museum spaces.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long pants - November evenings can drop to 21°C (70°F) with ocean breezes, especially for sunset Malecón walks and outdoor dining

Breathable cotton shirts - 70% humidity still requires moisture-wicking fabrics; avoid polyester which traps sweat during 27°C (81°F) afternoon temperatures

Light rain jacket or compact umbrella - despite low rainfall averages, brief afternoon showers occur 10 days per month lasting 15-30 minutes

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 with strong Caribbean sun reflection off colonial buildings and ocean surfaces throughout the day

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - Old Havana's polished colonial stones become slippery when wet; avoid smooth-soled sandals

Light sweater or cardigan - indoor spaces often over-air condition to combat humidity, creating 6-8°C (11-14°F) temperature differences

Insect repellent with DEET - November's warmth and humidity still support mosquito activity, particularly during evening outdoor activities

Quick-dry clothing for beach trips - if visiting Playas del Este, synthetic blends dry faster in humid conditions than cotton swimwear

Portable phone charger - November's festival events and extended outdoor time drain batteries faster; power outages occasionally affect neighborhoods

Small day pack - November weather encourages all-day exploration; carry water, sunscreen, and layers for temperature changes between morning and evening

Insider Knowledge

Take advantage of peso conversion stability - November 2025 exchange rates are typically more predictable than peak season fluctuations; change money at official CADECAs rather than street exchanges

Book casa particulares directly via WhatsApp - owners often offer November discounts (15-25% off) to fill shoulder season gaps before December holiday bookings surge

Time restaurant visits strategically - many paladares reduce hours during November transition period; call ahead or visit 1-3pm for lunch, 7-9pm for dinner to avoid disappointment

Use film festival energy for networking - November's cinema crowd includes industry professionals and cultural enthusiasts; attend public screenings and post-event discussions for authentic local interactions

Avoid These Mistakes

Overpacking for heat - tourists bring full summer wardrobes but November evenings require layers; pack 60% warm weather, 40% light layers for comfort

Ignoring afternoon weather changes - mornings feel perfect for all-day plans but afternoon humidity spikes and possible brief showers require flexible scheduling

Assuming peak season availability - some restaurants, tours, and transport reduce November schedules; confirm operating hours and book 3-7 days ahead rather than showing up spontaneously