Things to Do in Havana in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Havana
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Post-hurricane season comfort - November sits right after October's storm risk ends, giving you reliably calm weather without the oppressive summer heat. The Atlantic hurricane season officially ends November 30th, and by mid-month you're basically in the clear for outdoor plans.
- Manageable tourist volumes - You're catching Havana between the summer low season and the December-March peak crush. Hotel rates haven't hit their winter highs yet, and you can actually get a table at paladares without booking days ahead. Expect to pay 20-30% less than January rates.
- Cultural calendar peaks - November brings some of Havana's most authentic cultural events, including the Havana Jazz Festival and the tail end of the Bienal de La Habana art festival. These aren't tourist shows - they're events locals actually attend, which means better energy and more genuine experiences.
- Perfect beach-city balance - The 27°C (81°F) highs are ideal for walking Old Havana's cobblestones without melting, while the ocean temperature around 26°C (79°F) makes Playas del Este beaches genuinely appealing. You can do both in one day without feeling destroyed by heat.
Considerations
- Rain unpredictability despite low totals - Those 10 rainy days with 0.0 mm total rainfall? That's telling you something odd is happening with the data, but in reality, November can throw brief, intense downpours that come from nowhere. The 70% humidity suggests moisture in the air, and you'll likely see short afternoon storms that flood streets for 20 minutes then disappear. Pack accordingly.
- Shoulder season means variable services - Some casas particulares and restaurants use November for maintenance or family time before the winter rush. Places that were open in October might be closed for renovations, and you won't always find this information online. Have backup plans.
- Currency chaos continues - By November 2026, Cuba's ongoing currency reforms will still be creating pricing confusion. The gap between official and informal exchange rates means you'll spend mental energy figuring out what things actually cost, and ATMs remain unreliable throughout the month.
Best Activities in November
Old Havana Walking Architecture Tours
November's lower humidity compared to summer makes this the ideal month for exploring Old Havana's UNESCO sites on foot. The 27°C (81°F) temperatures are manageable for 3-4 hour walks through Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza Vieja, and the Malecón. Morning tours from 8-11am catch the best light for photography and avoid the midday heat. The reduced cruise ship traffic in November means you can actually see the baroque facades without fighting through groups.
Viñales Valley Cycling and Hiking
The tobacco harvest starts late November, making this perfect timing to see vegas de tabaco in action. The 21°C (70°F) morning temperatures in the valley are ideal for cycling the 15-20 km (9-12 mile) routes between mogotes. November's lower rainfall compared to October means dirt paths are rideable, though bring gear for those occasional afternoon showers. The valley is 178 km (111 miles) west of Havana - a 3-hour drive.
Playas del Este Beach Days
The beaches 18 km (11 miles) east of central Havana are genuinely pleasant in November - not just tolerable. Water temps around 26°C (79°F) and reduced seaweed compared to summer months make Santa María del Mar and Guanabo beaches actually swimmable. The UV index of 8 is serious though, so you'll need shade breaks. Locals favor these beaches in November because the summer heat is gone but the water's still warm.
Live Music Venue Circuit
November is when Havana's music scene shifts back into high gear after the slower summer months. The Havana Jazz Festival usually runs mid-month, but even outside festival dates, venues like Fábrica de Arte Cubano, Casa de la Música, and the jazz clubs along Calle Obispo are programming their best acts. The 21°C (70°F) evening temperatures mean outdoor venues and rooftop spaces are comfortable without the winter tourist crowds overwhelming capacity.
Classic Car Tours Through Vedado and Miramar
The iconic 1950s American cars are everywhere year-round, but November's weather makes the convertible rides actually enjoyable rather than sweaty ordeals. The 27°C (81°F) afternoons with occasional breeze off the Malecón are perfect for 1-2 hour tours through Vedado's Art Deco buildings and Miramar's former mansion district. The variable conditions mean you might get dramatic cloud formations for photos.
Hemingway Trail Sites
November's manageable temperatures make the 15 km (9 mile) trip to Finca Vigía, Hemingway's former home in San Francisco de Paula, far more pleasant than summer visits. Combine it with Cojímar fishing village and the Floridita-Bodeguita del Medio bar circuit for a full day. The reduced humidity means the un-air-conditioned museum spaces at Finca Vigía are actually tolerable, and you can spend time in the gardens without wilting.
November Events & Festivals
Festival Internacional de Jazz de La Habana
Usually runs mid-to-late November, bringing Cuban jazz legends and international acts to venues across the city. This is the real deal - locals pack the shows, and you'll hear everything from traditional son to experimental fusion. Venues range from Teatro Mella to smaller clubs. The festival atmosphere spills into street performances and impromptu jam sessions in bars that normally don't have live music.
Bienal de La Habana
Held every two years in odd years, so if 2026 isn't a Bienal year, skip this. When it does run, it transforms Havana into a contemporary art showcase from late October through November, with installations in Old Havana buildings, galleries, and public spaces. This brings an international art crowd and creates genuine cultural energy beyond the usual tourist circuit.