Havana · Month comparison
May vs March
March ranks #2 overall vs May at #8. The best month to visit Havana — peak weather, fewer crowds, and affordable prices all at once.
May
#8 of 12 months
Best match
The rainy season opens: prices fall, tourists thin out, but afternoon downpours become frequent.
- ↑Prices drop sharply as the wet season begins — casas particulares and mid-range hotels available at their lowest rates of the year.
- ↑Low tourist volumes mean Havana's streets, bars, and music venues feel far more local; the contrast with January is striking.
March
#2 of 12 months
Best match
The best month to visit Havana — peak weather, fewer crowds, and affordable prices all at once.
- ↑28°C highs, 8.5 sunshine hours, 74% humidity, and only 46mm of rain — the best weather scores of any month combined with moderate crowds.
- ↑International tourists thin out after February half-term, meaning Old Havana's palaces, the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, and El Floridita bar are all manageable.
| Factor | May | March |
|---|---|---|
| Weather score | 6 | 9 |
| Value score | 8 | 5 |
| Crowd score | 8 | 5 |
| Events score | 3 | 5 |
| Atmosphere | 6 | 8 |
| Avg high temp | 30°C | 28°C |
| Monthly rain | 119mm | 46mm |
| Daily sunshine | 8hrs | 8.5hrs |
May trade-offs
- ↓Humidity jumps to 82% and the heat rises to 30°C — the combination makes outdoor activity exhausting without shade and water.
- ↓Afternoon downpours can disrupt classic-car tours, walking itineraries, and outdoor dining.
- ↓No major events; May is one of Havana's quieter cultural months.
March trade-offs
- ↓No headline festivals; March sits between the Jazz Festival and Carnaval, so cultural programming is relatively low-key.
- ↓Temperatures are climbing — 28°C is pleasant now, but by midday sightseeing in full sun requires pacing.
- ↓Power outages (apagones) remain a reality in Havana year-round; March is no exception — carry a power bank.
Scores compare months within Havana. Climate data: Open Meteo ERA5 30-year normals (1991–2020). Methodology →