The climate of Havana
Positioned in the tropical region of the Caribbean,
Havana year-round offers a warm and humid climate, classified under the Köppen system as "Aw," indicative of a tropical wet and dry terrain or savanna. Delving into a closer examination of data, Havana experiences an array of shifting climatological conditions, creating variance in weather scenarios throughout the year.
In terms of temperature, Havana projects a consistent pattern of warmth. High-temperature averages range from 25.8°C (78.4°F) in the cooler month of
January to a peak of 31.6°C (88.9°F) in
August. The lowest temperatures show a similar pattern, starting at 18.6°C (65.5°F) in January and
February, escalating to 24.1°C (75.4°F) in August.
Regarding humidity, Havana's relative humidity levels are fairly consistent across months, hovering between 72% and 80%. The city receives a significant amount of rainfall, ranging from 46mm (1.81") in
March to as high as 182mm (7.17") in
June. The number of rainy days corresponds to the amount of rainfall, less in dry months such as March and more in June. The daylight hours increase from 10.9 in January to peak at 13.5 hours in June, decreasing gradually to end the year at 10.7 hours in
December.
The best time to visit Havana
While the notion of the 'best' time to visit
Havana can be subjective, if optimal weather conditions are the primary factor, the period from
November to
April should cater to most. During this span, temperatures average between a comfortable 25.8°C (78.4°F) to 29.8°C (85.6°F) and the rainfall is relatively low, ranging from 58mm (2.28") to 98mm (3.86"). Daylight and sunshine hours are ample, presenting ideal conditions for sightseeing and exploring the rich cultural heritage of Havana.
The worst time to visit Havana
As there is considerable rainfall from
May to
October, with levels even going up to 182mm (7.17") in
June, this period may be less favorable for tourists. The highest relative humidity levels are also observed during this period, between 77% to 80%, which may add to the discomfort. The continual showers and humidity could hamper outdoor activities, making this timeframe the least attractive for visitors.
Spring weather in Havana
Transitioning into Spring,
Havana’s weather undergoes gradual warm-up. Average high temperatures, beginning at 26.1°C (79°F) in
February, climb to 29.8°C (85.6°F) by
May. Correspondingly, lows shift up from 18.6°C (65.5°F) to 22.4°C (72.3°F). Notably, rainfall increases to an average of 98mm (3.86") in May, as compared to just 46mm (1.81") in
March. Visitors during this period can enjoy longer daylight, increasing to 13.3 hours a day in May.
Summer weather in Havana
Havana summers are characterized by high temperatures, hefty rainfall, and increased humidity levels. High temperatures escalate from 30.5°C (86.9°F) in
June to the peak of 31.6°C (88.9°F) in
August. Rainfall dramatically surges with the high of 182mm (7.17") in June, slowly dropping to 100mm (3.94") by August. The relative humidity also increases during this period, reaching its peak at 78-79%.
Autumn weather in Havana
As Autumn sets in,
Havana experiences subtle cooling trends. High temperatures start to dip slightly from 31°C (87.8°F) to 29.2°C (84.6°F) by
November, and rainfall rates also decrease from 144mm (5.67") in
September to 88mm (3.46") in November. Relative humidity remains consistent, hovering around 80% in September and
October, before falling slightly to 77% in November.
Winter weather in Havana
Winter in
Havana witnesses a noticeable drop in temperatures. From a high of 27.7°C (81.9°F) in
December, temperatures dip to a low of 25.8°C (78.4°F) in
January. Correspondingly, winter nights in Havana see a drop in the recorded low temperatures, down from 21.3°C (70.3°F) in
November to 18.6°C (65.5°F) by January. Rainfall mitigates considerably, dropping to 58mm (2.28") in December and staying low till
February. Winter days in Havana are shorter, with daylight hours reducing to 10.7 hours in December.
Weather in January
January is the commencement of the year, and also, the initiation of mild winter months in
Havana. Peculiarly, January experiences one of the lowest daylight hours with 10.9 hours, yielding about 6 UV index. During this time, temperatures fluctuate from 25.8°C (78.4°F) to 18.6°C (65.5°F), indicating a significantly cooler phase.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Following
January,
February carries the winter signature, proving a slight increase in temperatures. The average high temperature nudges up slightly to 26.1°C (79°F) flipping the tourism interest. The latter part of the month marks the onset of a dry spell, with reduced rainfall as compared to the previous month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March arrives with a warmer signature, noticeably changing the ambiance in
Havana. The weather begins to warm up, locally marking the inauguration of the dry season. With increased daylight hours to 12 hours and increased sunshine hours to 8 hours, it's a period of climatic transformation.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April sets
Havana on the path towards the hot, humid summer months. A distinct elevation in temperature is noticed, marking the rise in heat and humidity, which reveals the transition period between winter to summer. April experiences an average UV index of 12, highest for the year, indicating a potential severity for skin exposure.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May marks the official commencement of the wet season in
Havana. Even though the temperatures head upwards, touching the average high of 29.8°C (85.6°F), occasional showers and cloud cover offer relief. Sea temperatures reach 27.7°C (81.9°F), perfect for refreshing dips, while temperatures on land encourage exploration of shaded, cultural sites.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Havana heralds the peak of the wet season. The average daily sunshine hours reduce to 8 hours, offering some respite from the escalation in temperature. Even so, the locales and guests relish the extra time outside granted by the year's longest daylight hours at 13.5 hours.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, in the heart of the wet season, stands witness to
Havana's highest average monthly temperatures - 31.3°C (88.3°F) high and 23.8°C (74.8°F) low. Through these warmer days, relief arrives in the form of seasonal showers, complementing the fluctuating humidity levels.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Despite the continuous languid, luxurious heat of the summer,
August is the warmest month in
Havana. The variation in temperature ranges between 31.6°C (88.9°F) and 24.1°C (75.4°F), the most abundance of the year, portraying August's intense heat.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Havana welcomes a slight retreat from the scorching summer months. Rainfall begins to climb once again, representing one of the wettest months of the year with 144mm (5.67"). The reduced temperature counts allow for more leisurely outdoor explorations.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
As
Havana steps into
October, the city gears up for a marginal drop in temperatures, signifying the preliminaries of cooler months. With the highest average relative humidity of the year at 80%, October remains a persistently humid month.
Weather in October »Weather in November
In
November,
Havana experiences a significant downscale in both temperature and rainfall, preluding to welcoming the winter months. November showcases an apparent reduction in rainfall to 88mm (3.46"), almost half of the previous month's quantity.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Welcoming the final month,
December,
Havana experiences a profound reduction in temperatures and rainfall. In contrast to
November, December records the lowest average sea temperature of 25.7°C (78.3°F), offering cooler swimming experiences.
Weather in December »