What's the weather like in Havana in December
The month of December in Havana is characterised by bustling tourist centres and lovely temperatures that accommodate all sorts of activities, from sand and surf, to shopping and sightseeing. The hurricane season is in the past, and the dry season has begun in the Cuban capital. Overall, the weather is bright, sunny and warm.
The only downside to a December holiday in Havana is accommodation can be more difficult to find and should be booked well in advance. However, the happy holiday atmosphere across Havana can also be a benefit and boost to a holiday in this Caribbean city.
Sunshine Hours
Havana is a great place to find some winter sunshine. In December visitors can expect an average 8 hours of bright sunlight. Despite shorter days than in the preceding months of October and November, but there are fewer cloudy days and less precipitation, which leads to the same average hours of sunlight from October through December.
Temperature
December is pleasantly warm in Havana. An average temperature of 23°C (73°F), means visitors can spend entire days on the white-sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico or wandering the city streets and be comfortable. While the temperature is comfortable, December is still humid due to the sub-tropical climate of Havana and some days can be warmer than are shown on the thermometer.
The average high temperature reaches 27°C (81°F) for the month of December, and the average low temperature is a balmy 18°C (64°F). The evening hours after sunset and overnight see the lowest temperatures.
Sea Temperature
The Gulf of Mexico remains swimmable and inviting, perhaps more so due to the small drop in sea temperature throughout the month of December. The average sea temperature is 27°C (81°F) for the month, and visitors can expect to spend many days wadding in the Gulf waters or taking part in water sports during this winter month.
Rainfall
There is very little precipitation during the month of December. The dry season officially arrives by the 1st of this month, and there is a mere 30mm of precipitation on average. With only an average 6 rainy days during December it is easy to see why Havana is a popular tourist destination at this time of year.
Havana Hotels for December
One look at the forecast in December and it is easy to see why this is the high season for visiting Havana. There are endless days of gorgeous sunshine at a time of year when much of the northern hemisphere is experiencing true winter weather. A holiday stay at Memories Miramar Havana is a good option for a Christmas getaway. The hotel is located within the residential neighbourhood of Miramar, but many of the attractions and sights of Havana are nearby. With 2 restaurants, 2 bars and a swimming pool on-site, this hotel is a great option for business travellers, couples or the entire family.
Most of Havana's accommodation options, whether the casa particulares or upscale hotels are reminiscent of a bygone era in Cuba. However, there are some newer accommodation options that are appearing around Havana in recent years. One option is Hotel Terral. Opened in 2012, Hotel Terral is located near Havana's famous Malecón. The décor and interior of this airy hotel reflect the blues, greens and purples of the nearby water.
Despite the newer hotel options that are becoming available throughout Havana, many visitors arrive in Cuba with a desire to feel transported back to the golden age of Caribbean travel. Visitors who seek a classic hotel in the heart of Old Havana will be thrilled to stumble upon Hotel Plaza Cuba. The exterior of this old world hotel is striking, by day or night. The interior reflects the hotel's 100 years of history and a current renovation is sure to align the past with the present for a wonderful guest experience.
Havana Beaches in December
Located a mere 15 minutes' drive from Old Havana is the stunning Playas del Este. Surrounded by pine trees and stretching for over 9 kilometres, Playas del Este is the closest white-sand beach to central Havana. During the months of June, July and August Playas del Este is busy and bustling with locals from Havana, but quiets down during other months of the year.
Bars and Restaurants
December is a time of celebration across the globe. Why not make it a time to visit one of the most exclusive and well-received restaurants in Havana? The atmosphere in
Paladar La Guarida is warm and intoxicating. Soft light, framed artwork on the walls and white table clothes create a sense of comfort and sophistication, all at once. This is the restaurant that many envision when they picture Havana, and it is real. It is advised to make a reservation in advance.
Straightforward Italian pasta and pizza are served at 5Esquinas Trattoria. Similarly, the atmosphere and staff at this small restaurant are friendly. The outdoor seating is particularly pleasant as the restaurant is located on a quiet and dead end street.
Another consistently good option for dinner in Havana is Donde Lis Restaurante & Bar. While the food is excellent, it is the staff who stand out at this beautiful restaurant. Located in Old Havana, Donde Lis Restaurante & Bar is close to many hotels and apartments, which leads to a busy atmosphere nightly. The friendly service creates a warm ambiance that entices guests to return time and again.
Things to do in Havana in December
The entirety of Old Havana was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, and a day spent wandering this city centre can be insightful to the history of Havana and culture of modern day Cuba. The more temperate weather of December allows visitors to truly explore the small streets and prominent plazas of Old Havana.
As it is the prime tourist month in December, there are also a number of festivals to get involved in and enjoy. One of these is the Festival Internacional del Nuevo Cine Latinoamericano de La Habana, otherwise called the Festival of New Latin America Cinema. The festival is a popular event, and has been held in Havana since 1979. Throughout the event, international films are shown at venues across Havana, celebrating Latin American cinema, and a number of awards are presented.
El Capitolio is Havana' s most ambitious and grandiose building, created after the post-WWI sugar boom. It was formerly the seat of Cuban Congress and in later years it housed the Cuban Academy of Sciences and National Library of Science and Technology. It's a beautiful, must visit building to explore in Havana.
