Cuba Weather in January

 Season: Dry Season 

In Short: mostly sunny, dry, enough daylight

El Cubano Natural Park in January

In Cuba, the weather in January is comfortable, mostly sunny with pleasant temperatures. The monthly average temperature ranges from 19°C (66.2°F) to 26°C (78.8°F). As January is in the middle of the dry season, you can hardly see a rainy day. Even if it rains, it is usually short and rapid. And the average total precipitation for the month is about 64 mm. As for sunlight duration, the sun rises at about 7 o’clock and sets at about 6 0’clock, giving enough daylight time to travel outdoor.

 The warmest cities in Cuba in January 

Guantanamo: 20.2-27.9°C (68.36°F-82.22°F); Santiago de Cuba: 19.8-28°C (67.64°F-82.4°F); Holguin: 19.5-28°C (67.1°F-82.4°F)

 The coldest cities in Cuba in January 

Santa Clara: 17.8-25.8°C (64.04°F-78.44°F); Pinar del Río: 18.5-25.3°C (65.3°F-77.54°F); Cienfuegos: 18.5-26.1°C (65.3°F-78.98°F)

Recommended Clothes to Wear in January

Breathable and sweat-absorbing clothes such as T-shirt made of pure cotton or linen, shorts, skirt or dress are suitable for visitors to wear during the daytime in January. The nighttime temperature is much lower, so you can add a casual coat and change short bottoms into thin jeans to keep you warm. If you spend time on the beach, you can wear fashionable sandals or flip flops. If you need to walk a lot in some scenic spots, lightweight sports shoes are the best choice. 

Most importantly, the UV rays in Cuba is so strong that your skin can’t be exposed to the sun for a long time, so don’t forget to wear sun protection items when you are outside. And there’s still a chance to encounter sporadic showers in January, keeping any raingear is very necessary on your trip. Moreover, essential medicines like insect repellent is also needed when you adventure in rainforests.

Why Travel to Cuba in January

1. January is one of the peak months for tourism in Havana, but outside the capital, most places in Cuba remain quiet. Therefore, you can still enjoy fewer crowds and cheaper accommodation when you travel to Cuba in January.
2. The cool climate in January is perfect for hiking in a lush environment consisting of tobacco plantations and dense woods, as well as exploring the underground cavern systems.
3. There are some colorful festivals you can take part in in January to experience rich cultural and happy atmosphere and learn more about local customs.
4. Abundant sunny days in January provide more opportunities for outdoor activities. You can wander through the streets or churches to immerse into the locals’ life.

Where to Go and What to Do in Cuba in January

Tourism Rate:

Vacation in Varadero

If you want to take a vacation in Cuba in January, Varadero, the “blue beach” must be your top choice. One significant reason for this is that Varadero is one of the best places in Cuba to swim in the sea because of its warm and blue waters. In addition to water activities, boating in the Josone Park and exploring the Cueva de Ambrosio caverns are also available here. And meanwhile, you can also find quite a few fancy beaches, restaurants, bars, hotels and hospitable natives everywhere. 

Hike in Baracoa

Compared to other central regions in Cuba, Baracoa is relatively quiet and less crowded in January. The landscape here is at its most attractive at this time, including lush tropical rainforests, spectacular waterfalls and coconut groves. On warm and dry days, you can hike around here for physical and mental pleasure. In Baracoa you can also enjoy time at the beach, which can be a little emptier than other regions because there are fewer tourists. There is also a statue of Christopher Columbus for history buffs to appreciate. 

Stroll in Camaguey

The favorable climate in January is ideal for strolling in Camaguey, Cuba’s third largest city, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2008. This city gives the impression of being clean and calm, and blue walls can be seen everywhere. The Cinema Street is a fantastic paradise for cinephiles as you can find five different cinemas and a series of companies related to movie industry on it. And watching a ballet performance at night with the locals in an old theater named Teatro Principle is also a must-do thing. What’s more, there are a variety of historical buildings and art scenes for those who love history and culture to view.

Revel in Havana Jazz Festival, 2024

Havana Jazz Festival is the largest one in South America and takes place in Cuba from January 21st to 28th, 2024. The next one is expected to be celebrated from January 27th to February 3rd, 2025. The festival attracts numerous jazz musicians and fans from all over the world and you can appreciate excellent performances showed by international jazz artists. This is certainly a good way to immerse yourself in vibrant Cuban culture on some cool nights. 

Relax at Festival de la Trova Longina

Festival de la Trova Longina in January is also not to be missed for music lovers. This festival is held in Santa Clara from January 8th to 12th every year and it is named after a famous song created by Cuban musician Manuel Corona. The Trova style of music is still popular around the world today. During this time, you can gather with locals to honor this composer, enjoy authentic Cuban music and other meaningful activities. 

January Weather of Major Cuba Cities

City	Temperature	Rainfall (mm)	Humidity (%)	Sunrise/ Sunset
Havana	18.6-25.8°C (65.48°F-78.44°F)	64.4	75	07:10:33  /17:55:44
Camaguey	18.8-27.7°C (65.84°F-81.86°F)	20	80	06:48:32  /17:40:57
Holguin	19.5-28°C (67.1°F-82.4°F)	13	80	06:39:56  /17:34:02
Santiago de Cuba	19.8-28°C (67.64°F-82.4°F)	15	79	06:39:38  /17:35:49
Cienfuegos	18.5-26.1°C (65.3°F-78.98°F)	18	79	07:01:01  /17:49:26
Guantanamo	20.2-27.9°C (68.36°F-82.22°F)	16	79	06:34:59  /17:31:31
Santa Clara	17.8-25.8°C (64.04°F-78.44°F)	24	81	06:59:41  /17:47:22
Pinar del Río	18.5-25.3°C (65.3°F-77.54°F)	28	80	07:15:17  /18:03:02

3-Day Weather Forecast of Major Destinations

Havana

Camaguey

Holguin

Santiago de Cuba

Santa Clara

Pinar del Rio

Cuba Weather by Month