Things to Do in Havana in September

September Weather in Havana

31°C (87°F) High Temp

23°C (74°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

End of hurricane season means calmer weather - August storms have passed but October tourist crowds haven't arrived yet
Perfect temperature for evening walks through Old Havana - comfortable 23°C (74°F) nights ideal for outdoor dining and salsa dancing
Mango season peaks in September - street vendors sell perfectly ripe mangos for 5-10 CUP, and locals make fresh batidos (smoothies) everywhere
September 8th marks Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre celebrations - authentic religious processions and santería ceremonies throughout the city

Considerations

Humidity stays consistently high at 70% - cotton clothes will feel damp and take longer to dry, especially problematic for multi-day trips
Brief but intense afternoon showers occur 10 days of the month - usually 2-4pm when you want to explore outdoor sites like Malecón
September is technically still hurricane season until October 1st - while rare, tropical storms can disrupt flights and outdoor plans with little warning

Best Activities in September

Old Havana Walking Tours and Architecture Photography

September's lower humidity in early morning (7-10am) makes extended walking tours comfortable before the day heats up. The soft light during brief cloudy periods creates perfect conditions for photographing colonial facades. Fewer tourists mean unobstructed shots of Plaza de Armas and Cathedral Square. Local guides are more available and prices drop 20-30% from peak season.

Booking Tip: Book walking tours 3-5 days ahead through casa particular hosts who connect with licensed local guides. Expect to pay 25-35 CUP per person for 3-hour tours. Start tours by 8am to avoid afternoon heat and rain. Look for guides certified by the Ministry of Tourism.

Salsa Dancing and Live Music Venues

September evening temperatures of 23°C (74°F) create perfect conditions for dancing until dawn. Many venues open their outdoor courtyards that remain closed during hotter summer months. Casa de la Música and Fabrica de Arte Cubano host special September programming. Local dance schools offer intensive workshops for visitors before tourist season begins.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for most venues - cover charges range 10-20 CUP. Private salsa lessons cost 15-25 CUP per hour. Evening venues typically open 10pm-4am. Dress code is casual but locals dress up - pack lightweight dress clothes that breathe in humidity.

Hemingway Trail and Literary Sites

September's variable weather provides dramatic skies perfect for visiting Finca Vigía (Hemingway's former home) and his favorite bars. The morning clarity before afternoon clouds offers excellent views from his house terrace. Floridita and El Bodeguita del Medio are less crowded, allowing time to actually appreciate their literary significance rather than just taking tourist photos.

Booking Tip: Finca Vigía requires advance booking through official channels - reserve 7-10 days ahead. Entry costs 5 CUP plus 2 CUP for photography. Taxi to San Francisco de Paula costs 800-1200 CUP roundtrip. Visit mornings to avoid afternoon rain and for better lighting inside the house.

Sunset Malecón Walks and Fishing with Locals

September sunsets along the Malecón are spectacular due to variable cloud formations. The sea wall is less crowded than winter months, and local fishermen are more willing to share techniques and stories. The 23°C (74°F) evening temperature makes the 7 km (4.3 mile) seawall walk comfortable. Street musicians and impromptu gatherings happen naturally.

Booking Tip: No booking required - this is free public space. Bring small denominations (5-10 CUP notes) for street musicians and vendors. Best time is 6-8pm for sunset. If interested in fishing, basic equipment rental from locals costs 20-30 CUP per day. Avoid the area during afternoon rain showers.

Traditional Cuban Cooking Classes

September marks the peak of tropical fruit season - mangos, guavas, and papayas are at their best, making cooking classes more authentic and flavorful. Many casa particulares offer private cooking lessons during the slower tourism period. You'll learn to make real ropa vieja, not tourist versions, plus seasonal fruit preserves and traditional drinks using available ingredients.

Booking Tip: Arrange through casa particular hosts 5-7 days ahead. Private classes cost 30-50 CUP per person including ingredients and meal. Group classes through cultural centers run 20-25 CUP. Sessions typically last 3-4 hours including shopping at local markets. Morning classes avoid afternoon heat in kitchen spaces.

Vintage Car Tours of Revolutionary Sites

September's lower tourist numbers mean vintage car availability increases and prices drop. The variable weather creates dramatic backdrops for photos at Plaza de la Revolución and other historic sites. Classic cars are more comfortable in moderate temperatures - leather seats won't be scorching hot, and you can enjoy convertible rides without excessive sun exposure.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 days ahead during September low season. Expect to pay 40-60 CUP per hour for classic car with driver. Half-day tours (4 hours) typically cost 200-250 CUP for up to 4 people. Verify cars have working seatbelts and recent maintenance. Morning tours avoid potential afternoon weather.

September Events & Festivals

Early to Mid September

Festival de Teatro de La Habana

Cuba's premier theater festival features performances in historic venues throughout Old Havana. Local and international companies perform everything from classical works to contemporary Cuban pieces. Many performances are in Spanish, but physical theater and dance pieces transcend language barriers. Tickets are remarkably affordable at 20-50 CUP.

September 8th

Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre Celebrations

September 8th marks Cuba's patron saint celebration with processions, santería ceremonies, and traditional music. The most authentic celebrations happen in local neighborhoods rather than tourist areas. Regla neighborhood across the bay hosts the most significant ceremonies. Visitors can respectfully observe but should understand basic santería etiquette.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry synthetic shirts or merino wool - cotton stays damp in 70% humidity and takes hours to dry in casa particular rooms

Lightweight waterproof phone case - afternoon showers are brief but intense, and you'll want to protect electronics during sudden downpours

SPF 50+ sunscreen minimum - UV index of 8 means burns happen within 15 minutes, and tropical sun reflects strongly off colonial white buildings

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - cobblestones in Old Havana become slippery when wet from afternoon rain

Small umbrella or packable rain jacket - September has 10 rainy days with showers lasting 20-30 minutes typically between 2-4pm

Breathable long pants for evening - locals dress up for salsa venues, and pants protect against mosquitoes during humid evenings

Portable battery pack - power outages are common, and you'll use phone heavily for photos, translation, and navigation in areas without WiFi

Cash in small denominations - bring euros or Canadian dollars to exchange, as credit cards work sporadically and ATMs are unreliable

Basic Spanish phrasebook or offline translator app - English is limited outside tourist zones, and locals appreciate any effort to communicate

Mosquito repellent with DEET - September humidity creates ideal breeding conditions, especially problematic during evening activities along the Malecón

Insider Knowledge

September is 'entre temporadas' (between seasons) when many locals take their own vacations - some family-run paladares close for 1-2 weeks, so always call ahead

The peso fluctuation is most stable in September before tourist season begins - exchange money at CADECAs (official exchange houses) for better rates than hotels

Casa particular owners are most negotiable in September - you can often get 10-15% off published rates, especially for stays longer than 3 nights

Local farmers markets (mercados agropecuarios) have the best produce selection in September - perfect time to experience authentic Cuban ingredients before they become scarce in tourist season

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothes - September evenings can feel cool at 23°C (74°F) with high humidity, and you'll want lightweight layers for air-conditioned restaurants

Planning extensive outdoor activities from 2-4pm - this is when brief but intense rain showers typically occur, disrupting walking tours and outdoor photography

Expecting all restaurants and attractions to be open - September is maintenance season when some venues close temporarily, always verify current status before making specific plans