When to go · Cuba
Cuba in January
Mixed month. Dry and pleasant, but check advice and flights; 1 January national holiday.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Crowds
- High
- Cuba
- Prices
- High
- Cuba
Verdict
Dry and pleasant, but check advice and flights; 1 January national holiday.
Weather in January
- West and Havana · Havana, Viñales, Varaderobest weather
Dry season November–April, 20–27 °C; hot and humid May–October with afternoon storms; cold fronts can bring cool, windy spells in January.
- Centre and south coast · Trinidad, Cienfuegos, Santa Clara, Camagüeybest weather
Similar pattern, slightly warmer; the Escambray hills are cooler.
- Oriente · Santiago de Cuba, Baracoa, Holguínbest weather
Hottest region; Baracoa is wet much of the year. The east took the worst of Hurricane Melissa in October 2025.
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Triumph of the Revolution and Victory of the Armed Forces
1–2 Jan
Closures; events in Havana.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Cuba
- High
- Prices · Cuba
- High
High-price month: see what to book ahead.
What to pack
Nothing unusual for the weather this month.
Where to go in January
Rated best or good this month
West and Havana
Best weather of the year (Havana, Viñales, Varadero)
Centre and south coast
Best weather of the year (Trinidad, Cienfuegos, Santa Clara, Camagüey)
Oriente
Best weather of the year (Santiago de Cuba, Baracoa, Holguín)
Dry and warm; best walking weather.