What's the weather like in Havana in August
The month of August can be unbearably hot in Havana. Visitors at this time of year are often there for one purpose and that is to swim in the incredibly warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
As the midday heat descends upon the Cuban capital city, Havana, everyone heads to the water or inside to keep cool. Therefore, August is not an ideal time for outdoor enthusiasts to visit Havana, and the chance of hurricanes may keep other visitors away. The fewer tourists can mean lower prices for those who do visit in August, and hotels often have deals to entice the less cautious tourists.
Rainfall
August is in the middle of Havana's rainy season. With an average 13 rainy days throughout the month, visitors should be prepared for some precipitation while on their holiday. However, the month of August only receives an average 70 mm of precipitation, and some days in Havana can be entirely dry, although humid.
Temperature
The average temperature is consistent with that of June and July, at 27°C (81°F), but the humidity associated with Havana's sub-tropic climate can make it feel hotter. Visitors who want to explore Old Havana or the nearby towns should be prepared to sweat a lot. Likewise, the average high temperature remains the same throughout the summer, with an average high temperature in June, July and August of 32°C (90°F).
Sunshine Hours
In Havana the month of August has an average 10 hours of daily sunlight, and each of those hours will be warm. The city heats up quickly as the sun climbs across the sky from morning to midday, and sunset can be a reprieve from a brutally hot August sunlight. The overnight temperatures offer some relief from the midday highs, and without the blazing hot, Caribbean sun the average low temperature drops to 22°C (72°F).
Sea Temperature
Many visitors also find relief in the nearby Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf's gentle waters are great for wading and swimming. Additionally, the sea temperatures rise to an annual high of 30°C (86°F) during August, meaning this month has the warmest water temperatures of the year.
Havana Hotels in August
There is no way to sugarcoat it, August in Havana is hot and humid. During midday the strong sun will drive visitors and locals alike to the water or to seek some shade. Visitors can begin to beat the heat by staying at the NH Capri La Habana. The rooftop pool is a wonderful place to start the day, and the guest rooms were renovated in 2014 to include all the modern amenities. From the lobby to the guest rooms, the interior of the modern NH Capri La Habana is filled with light and airy spaces the perfect place to cool down after a day spent soaking up the Havana sun.
The Hotel Riviera Cuba has so many names it would be difficult not to hit on one of them while searching Havana's best hotels. Also known as the Gran Caribe Habana Riviera, Hotel Riviera Havana, Havana Riviera or locally just as the Riviera, this hotel is an ode to the 1950's. The Riviera was once the place to dress to impress, to see and be seen in Havana. Today, it still retains that atmosphere of opulence and wealth, but the retro furniture and 1950's era décor makes it feel like a game where each guest is able to spend their stay playing a part.
Today, the trendy Havana neighbourhood of Vedado is home to more locals and businesses than hotels, but the Casavana Cuba is an exception. Vedado is the newest part of Havana, and the neighbourhoods 23rd street is the centre of Havana's gay scene. Casavana Cuba's location in Vedado is ideal for exploring many parts of Havana.
Havana Beaches for August
Playa Guanabo is a smaller part of the Playas del Este, located a short drive or bus ride outside Havana. This strip of sand is not as beautiful as some of the other beaches along Cuba's northern coastline or within the Playas del Este, but it is nearly 7 kilometres long and has plenty of space for visitors to spread out. Additionally, it is possible to rent a casa particular right along the coastline where the beach meets the adjacent small town. Discos and other nightlife options are also available, although the venues are often more popular with local Cubans than tourists.
Bars and Restaurants
Sometimes it is the restaurants that take the culinary and dining experience back to basics that find the most success. Such is true with Paladar Doña Eutimia in Havana. The paladar has an international and local following that love this Cuban restaurant. So much so, there is often a queue for a table. However, the owner, Leticia, rushes no one through their meal of traditional Cuban food. The recipes are those Leticia learned from her own mother, and despite some long waiting times, everyone will eventually find a place at her tables.
For a place that is trendier yet, head to Castas y Tal. Located in an apartment building in the Vedado neighbourhood, Castas y Tal was once a traditional paladar but recently transformed into a bistro and lounge. The menu is full of Cuban dishes, with an added flair.
Things to do in Havana in August
While the weather in August may dissuade some visitors from coming to Havana during this month, the weekend carnivals that take place July through August may change some minds. The Havana Carnival has been ongoing for generations. While the origin of the Havana Carnival is a celebration of Corpus Christi on the 6th of January by the slaves in Cuba, the dates and intent have changed and evolved over the years. Today, the Havana Carnival is a two-month celebration that includes parades, dancers, sweets, music and celebration in the streets each weekend. The colours and atmosphere are truly incredible and not to be missed.
Held in mid-August each year the International Hip Hop and Rap Festival in Havana is a unique event for the country. The event features over 50 international artists, in addition to a number of local artists, each year. Held in the nearby neighbourhood of Alamar, a visit to the festival is an education in modern day hip hop and the history of rap in Cuba.
Fabrica de Arte is a great place to escape when the weather gets too hot. Visit to see the Afro-Cubun musician X-Alfonso's artwork. Make the most of the coffee and cocktails in the museum and take a relaxing walk around the museum. You can mingle with the local artists Thursday-Sunday.
