Things to do in Havana in December

When is your trip?

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Looking for a different month?

Overview

December is a great time to visit Havana. The weather is usually very warm and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 70—82°F (21—28°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Havana during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a sunset cruise along the Malecón, take a day trip to the Viñales Valley, explore the historic Old Havana district, and more!

Havana has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your December trip to Havana. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to December. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Havana in December. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout December, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

Visiting Havana? See our Havana Trip Planner.
I'll never travel to Havana without this trip planner again
Learn more
Don't take our word for it
Slide 1 of 6

Best events and things to do in Havana in December

Top experiences in December
Take a sunset cruise along the Malecón
The Malecón, Havana's iconic seaside promenade, is the perfect place to catch a breathtaking sunset over the Caribbean Sea. In December, the weather is mild and the skies are often clear, creating a stunning backdrop for a leisurely sunset cruise. Whether you choose to sail on a traditional wooden boat or a modern catamaran, the experience of watching the sun dip below the horizon while the city lights come to life is a magical and romantic way to end the day in Havana.
Take a day trip to the Viñales Valley
The Viñales Valley, located just a few hours from Havana, is a picturesque and tranquil escape from the bustling city. In December, the lush green landscapes and dramatic limestone formations are at their most vibrant, making it the perfect time to explore the valley. Take a guided tour of the tobacco farms and caves, go horseback riding through the countryside, or simply relax and soak in the natural beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Explore the historic Old Havana district
The historic Old Havana district is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-see destination for history enthusiasts. In December, the cobblestone streets and colonial architecture are adorned with festive decorations, creating a magical atmosphere. Take a leisurely stroll through the charming plazas and narrow alleyways, and visit the many museums, galleries, and historic landmarks that make Old Havana a living museum.
Sample traditional Cuban holiday treats
December is a time for indulging in delicious Cuban holiday treats, and there's no better place to do so than in Havana. From sweet and flaky pastelitos to rich and creamy arroz con leche, the local bakeries and street vendors offer a tempting array of traditional holiday treats. Don't miss the opportunity to savor these delectable delights and experience the flavors of Cuban holiday cuisine.
Take a salsa dancing lesson
Salsa dancing is an integral part of Cuban culture, and taking a salsa dancing lesson in Havana is a fun and immersive experience. In December, many dance schools and cultural centers offer classes for beginners and experienced dancers alike. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a complete novice, learning to dance salsa in the city where it originated is a memorable and exhilarating experience.
Attend a Cuban Christmas celebration
December is a festive time in Havana, and attending a Cuban Christmas celebration is a unique cultural experience. From traditional music and dance performances to elaborate feasts and lively street parties, the holiday season in Havana is full of joy and excitement. Immerse yourself in the local traditions and join in the merriment of a Cuban Christmas celebration.
Take a ride in a vintage car
Havana is famous for its vintage cars, and taking a ride in one is a quintessential Cuban experience. In December, the weather is perfect for cruising around the city with the top down, taking in the sights and sounds of Havana. Whether you choose a classic convertible or a sleek 1950s sedan, a ride in a vintage car is a fun and nostalgic way to explore the city.
I'll never travel to Havana without this trip planner again
Learn more
Holidays in Havana in December
December
  • Christmas Day (December 25)
  • New Year's Eve (December 31)
Other notable holidays
  • Liberation Day (January 1)
  • Victory Day (January 2)
  • Epiphany (January 6)
  • José Martí's Birthday Memorial (January 28)
  • Palm Sunday (April 13)
  • Maundy Thursday (April 17)
  • Good Friday (April 18)
  • Labor Day / May Day (May 1)
  • Mother's Day (May 11)
  • Independence Day (May 20)
  • Revolution Anniversary (July 25)
  • Day of the Rebellion (July 26)
  • Revolution Anniversary Celebration (July 27)
I'll never travel to Havana without this trip planner again
Learn more

Weather in Havana in December

Temperatures on an average day in Havana in December

The average temperature in Havana in December for a typical day ranges from a high of 82°F (28°C) to a low of 70°F (21°C). Some would describe it as very warm and breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Havana, August, has days with highs of 91°F (33°C) and lows of 80°F (27°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 80°F (27°C) and lows of 68°F (20°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Havana in December based on historical data.

Visiting Havana? See our Havana Trip Planner.

Historical temperature average in December
82°F
highs
70°F
lows

General weather summary

Very warm and breezy
Feels like
10%
Chance of rain
0.038 in
Amount
15.4 mph
Wind speed
73%
Humidity
10.7 hrs
Daylight length
7:01 AM
Sunrise
5:46 PM
Sunset
65%
Cloud cover
Sleeveless shirt
What to wear
What to wear in December
With an average high of 82°F (28°C) and a low of 70°F (21°C), it generally feels very warm and breezy. With that in mind, most people would dress in something very light like a sleeveless shirt
I'll never travel to Havana without this trip planner again
Learn more

Best attractions for Havana in December

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Havana has to offer for travelers in December, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Havana that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Havana for December.
Old Havana
1. Old Havana
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Walking Areas
Old Havana is the city-center and one of the 15 municipalities forming Havana, Cuba. It has the second highest population density in the city and contains the core of the original city of Havana. The positions of the original Havana city walls are the modern boundaries of Old Havana. Wikipedia.
El malecon cubano
2. El malecon cubano
3.0
(1)
Night club
Sights & Landmarks
Old Town Square
3. Old Town Square
4.6
(3003)
Plaza
Sights & Landmarks
Laid out in 1559, this public square with a fountain features buildings from baroque to art nouveau.
Plaza de la Catedral
4. Plaza de la Catedral
4.7
(2211)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Old Havana plaza containing a baroque 1770s cathedral, the Colonial Art Museum & cafe tables.
Revolution Square
5. Revolution Square
4.5
(7088)
Plaza
Sights & Landmarks
Vast plaza & site of many presidential addresses, featuring monuments to Cuban revolutionary heroes.
Castle of the Three Kings of Morro
6. Castle of the Three Kings of Morro
4.6
(2175)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Iconic symbol of Havana's seagoing past, this fort dates back to the late 16th century.
Museum of the Revolution
7. Museum of the Revolution
4.2
(2300)
Local history museum
Museums
Housed in a former palace, this museum includes historical exhibits & Fidel Castro's famous yacht.
Plaza de Armas
8. Plaza de Armas
4.6
(1645)
Plaza
Sights & Landmarks
The city's oldest plaza is surrounded by restaurants & host to numerous secondhand book stands.
National Capitol of Cuba
9. National Capitol of Cuba
4.6
(3114)
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
Built in 1929, this elegant municipal building features a sizable, domed cupola & a central portico.
Playas del Este
10. Playas del Este
4.0
(1)
Outdoor Activities
Beaches
Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
11. Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
4.5
(522)
Art museum
Museums
Cavernous, multilevel cultural museum with a vast collection of works by Cuban & other artists.
Cuban Art Factory
12. Cuban Art Factory
4.7
(1865)
Cultural center
Sights & Landmarks
Contemporary cultural center with unique offerings, such as films, concerts & art exhibitions.
Plaza de San Francisco de Asís
13. Plaza de San Francisco de Asís
4.6
(1088)
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
This open cobblestone plaza facing the harbor is home to the Fuente de los Leones fountain.
Cristóbal Colón Cemetery
14. Cristóbal Colón Cemetery
4.5
(272)
Monument
Cemetery
Vast cemetery with around 1 million graves & ornately designed mausoleums & memorials.
P.º de Martí
15. P.º de Martí
2.7
(80)
Notable street
Sights & Landmarks
Grand city boulevard surrounded by trees & dotted with fountains, statues & other landmarks.
Fusterlandia
16. Fusterlandia
4.6
(840)
Museum
Neighborhoods
Extensive public-art installations by local artist José Fuster, with colorful, whimsical mosaics.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Havana?

Get inspired for your trip to Havana with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

Planning a trip to Havana?
Save all the best places to visit with WanderlogDownload the travel planning app everyone's been raving about
  • Itinerary + map in one view
  • Live collaboration
  • Auto-import hotels and reservations
  • Optimize your route
  • Offline access on mobile
  • Optimize your route
  • See time and distance between all your places
Learn more
Get the iOS app from the App Store
Get the Android app from Google Play