Last updated: January 18, 2025
Havana, Cuba, exhibits a tropical savanna climate, classified under the Koppen-Geiger system as Aw. This dynamic climate is characterized by a warm average temperature of 26°C (78°F), with extremes that range from a brisk minimum of 7°C (45°F) in February to sweltering maximums of 35°C (95°F) in August. Such temperature variability not only defines the seasonal rhythm of Havana but also influences the ecological and cultural landscapes of this vibrant city.
Havana, Cuba, showcases a distinct temperature pattern throughout the year, with a noticeable transition from cooler months to a consistently warm climate. January and February bring milder temperatures, with minimums hovering around 7°C to 11°C (45°F to 51°F) and average highs in the low 30s°C (mid-80s°F). As spring approaches in March and April, temperatures steadily rise, reaching maximums of up to 34°C (94°F) during the daytime, while nighttime lows remain comfortably warm. The peak of summer reveals Havana at its hottest, particularly in July and August, where maximums can soar to 35°C (95°F), complemented by warmer minimums of around 22°C to 23°C (72°F to 73°F). With the arrival of autumn, temperatures gradually cool but stay relatively warm, offering average highs around 27°C (80°F) and lows that typically do not drop below 16°C (61°F). Overall, Havana's climate reflects a rich tapestry of warmth, making it a quintessential tropical destination year-round.
Havana experiences a mild climate, with January temperatures dipping to a minimum of 16°C (61°F) and reaching a maximum of 32°C (90°F) in August. This range illustrates the city's warm tropical nature, making it an appealing destination year-round. For a detailed breakdown of monthly temperatures in Havana, you can refer to the link: monthly temperatures in Havana.
Havana, Cuba, experiences a noticeable pattern in precipitation throughout the year, characterized by distinct wet and dry periods. The beginning of the year sees relatively light rainfall, with January and February averaging around 27 mm (1.1 in) over just a few days. As spring transitions into summer, rainfall intensifies significantly, particularly in May, which garners the most precipitation at 168 mm (6.6 in) across approximately 14 days. This marks the onset of the wet season, as the city enters a phase where thunderstorms become more frequent, leading to greater monthly totals.
During the peak of the wet season from June through October, Havana receives substantial rainfall, with monthly averages ranging between 108 mm (4.3 in) and 131 mm (5.2 in). September typically stands out as one of the wettest months, emphasizing the tropical savanna climate's tendency toward heavy downpours. As autumn sets in, rainfall begins to taper off, leading to a more moderate November and December, with precipitation levels dropping to 53 mm (2.1 in) and 43 mm (1.7 in), respectively. Overall, the precipitation dynamics in Havana underscore a clear seasonal rhythm, with a distinct wet season dominating the summer months.
Havana, Cuba, boasts an impressive amount of sunshine throughout the year, with a clear seasonal trend that reflects the transition from winter to summer. The year begins with January delivering approximately 227 hours of sunshine, gradually rising in February to 280 hours as the days lengthen. By March, the sun begins to shine more brightly, offering 332 hours, and continuing to increase through April, which sees an average of 337 hours. This upward trajectory culminates during the summer months, particularly in July, when Havana enjoys its sunniest period, basking in an impressive 343 hours of sunshine.
As summer progresses into August, the sunshine hours remain abundant at 336 hours, providing plenty of bright days. However, the trend begins to decline slightly with a gradual reduction in sunshine heading into the fall, with hours decreasing to 299 hours in October and further to 288 hours in both November and December. Despite this decline, the overall annual sunshine for Havana is significant, cementing its reputation as a warm tropical destination. The peak months of July and August highlight the city's vibrant, sun-soaked climate, making it an appealing choice for those seeking warmth and light throughout the year.
Havana, Cuba, experiences a significant variability in UV Index levels throughout the year, reflecting its tropical climate and proximity to the equator. The year begins with January witnessing a UV Index of 7, categorizing it as high, with a burn time of 25 minutes. As winter transitions into spring, UV levels rise sharply, peaking in February at 10 (very high) and then skyrocketing to 11 in March, which is classified as extreme. This upward trend continues into April and May, where the UV Index maintains a level of 12, requiring even shorter exposure times of just 10 minutes to avoid skin damage.
The intensity of UV radiation reaches its zenith in June, climbing to a UV Index of 13—the highest recorded in Havana—while remaining at 12 from July through September. These months demand vigilant sun protection due to the consistent extreme exposure marked by a burn time of just 10 minutes. As autumn approaches, there is a slight decline in UV levels, with October and November indicating a decrease to 10 and 8 respectively, still in the very high category. By December, the UV Index returns to 7, allowing for longer exposure times of 25 minutes. Overall, the UV Index in Havana underscores the importance of sun safety, particularly during the peak months of March through September.
UV Risk Categories
In Havana, Cuba, daylight duration exhibits a clear seasonal pattern that reflects the city's tropical location. The year begins with approximately 10 hours of daylight in January, gradually increasing to 11 hours in February. This upward trend continues through the spring months, peaking in May and June, where the city enjoys around 13 hours of daylight. As summer arrives, the consistent long days provide ample sunlight, creating a vibrant atmosphere ideal for outdoor activities.
However, as the year progresses into autumn and winter, daylight duration starts to decline. By August, the hours of daylight decrease slightly to 12 hours, followed by further reductions in October and November, bringing the total daylight to 11 hours in these months. The year concludes with December returning to 10 hours of daylight, mirroring the beginning of the cycle. Overall, this ebb and flow of daylight hours in Havana not only influences daily life and activities but also showcases the city's rhythmic transition between seasons.
Havana, Cuba experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round. Average temperatures range from 23°C (74°F) in January to 29°C (84°F) in August, with maximums often reaching up to 32°C (90°F) during the summer months. Rainfall is most abundant in May, averaging 157 mm (6.2 in), while drier months occur from January to March. The city enjoys considerable sunshine, peaking at 343 hours in July. For more details, visit the Havana climate.
In summary, Havana, Cuba, presents a dynamic and captivating climate characterized by warm temperatures, significant sunshine, varying UV levels, and a predictable rhythm of daylight duration throughout the year. With its tropical savanna climate, the city experiences a consistent average warmth, enhanced by lengthy sunshine hours, particularly during the summer months. This climate profile calls for awareness of UV exposure, especially during peak months when the UV Index reaches extreme levels. Moreover, the natural ebb and flow of daylight hours across the seasons enriches Havana’s landscape and influences the vibrant life of its residents and visitors. Collectively, these climatic factors contribute to Havana's allure as a year-round tropical destination, inviting exploration and appreciation of its rich cultural and natural heritage.