Ready for a unique Caribbean escape this December? Cuba in December is a really good destination for various reasons; the best one, of course, is that it is Cuba!
As someone who has traveled there regularly since 2019 and been based in Havana for long periods of time, I believe I have some really good tips for you.
In December, Cuba has comfortable weather, vibrant events, and a hint of the holiday spirit. You will not find the elaborate, omnipresent Christmas decorations in Cuba like in the US and Europe, but there are some visible signs of Christmas in Cuba, too.
The biggest difference between the Western celebration and Cuba is probably that exchanging tons of gifts is not a part of the tradition. Instead, what is important in Cuba is family, food, music, and dance!
Here’s everything you need to know to plan an epic December trip.
Quick Guide: Weather in Cuba in December
In December, you will not be sweating through your sundress (like in the summer months) in Cuba, and you are not risking anything as hurricane season has ended at the end of November in the region.
Cuba in December is all about warm days and cool nights, even in the “bring a thin jacket” range of evening temperature. Lucky for you, you can plan a whole lot of Cuba dry season activities this month.
Here’s a quick weather breakdown to help you pack like a pro.
| Region | Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) | Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Havana | 79°F | 63°F | 2.3 |
| Trinidad | 81°F | 65°F | 2.0 |
| Varadero | 80°F | 64°F | 1.8 |
| Santiago de Cuba | 84°F | 68°F | 1.6 |
Quick Guide: What To Pack for December
- Flowy dresses (perfect for those Insta shots)
- A light jacket for breezy nights
- Swimwear
- Comfy heels for dancing
- Comfy walking shoes (you’ll thank me in Old Havana)
- Sunscreen (because you don’t want your tan to come with regrets)
- All medications you always or often use (you will not get it in Cuba)
- Foreign cash (cash is king in Cuba; bring euros or dollars)
Best Things to Do in Cuba in December
1. Explore Old Havana
The narrow streets of Old Havana, with colonial buildings and elaborate details on the partly run-down classical architecture, have an ambiance that you find nowhere else.
La Havana Vieja, Old Havana’s Spanish name, is a conglomerate of streets where it is easy to get a little lost in the beginning. It took me a couple of weeks to get my bearings roaming around the old city.
So I always recommend visitors to join a guided walking tour of the historic city to get to know the layout, as well as the rich history of everything that has happened here over the years.
Grab a café Cubano from a ventanita and let your inner explorer loose exploring Plaza de Armas, Plaza de la Catedral, Obispo Street, Hotel Ambos Mundos (where Hemingway stayed), Plaza Vieja (the biggest and oldest), and everything else!
Also read: 43 Best Things To Do In Havana Solo By A Local
2. Lounge Like a Queen on Cuba’s Beaches
Cuba has beaches everywhere along the coast, and even though the most famous ones are in the Varadero Peninsula, that is not the only place to go for incredible beach days.
You have Playa Ancón outside Trinidad, several beautiful beaches in Pinar del Rio (close to Vinales Valley), and other resort areas on the Cuban Keys, like Cayo Santa Maria or Cayo Coco.
You only need to go 20 minutes outside of Havana to find amazing beaches in Habana del Este, Western Havana! Catch the bus, or get a taxi to take you (and make sure he will pick you up again, too, or be very sure about where and when the buses leave!
EpicNomadLife Tip: Pack a lunch basket, refreshments, a good book, or your favorite playlist because you’ll want to stay for hours, and there is often not an array of beach bars along Cuban beaches.
Also read: 19 Best Beaches In Cuba from A Cuba Expert
3. Salsa the Night Away
You haven’t really been to Cuba if you haven’t shaken your feet and hips just a little.
Hit up local spots like Casa de la Música in Central Havana or Salsa Habana in the old city (on the corner of streets Villegas and Muralla) and show off your moves (Or just let the pros inspire you.)
I also recommend that you spend an hour or two taking salsa lessons with a skilled dance instructor; they are really good in Cuba. My favorite dancing school in Havana is Casona del Son, which is in the old city; they have their own website and are also on Facebook.
Then you are all set for the evening wherever you go!
Also read: 8 Fiery Cuban Dance Styles You Will Love!
📍 Best tour: American Classic Car Sightseeing
📍 Best casa stay: Hostal Balcones Muralla Old Havana
📍 Best paladar: La Guarida in Central Havana
4. Attend Misa de Gallo
“Misa de Gallo” is a Midnight Mass, which is an important tradition during Christmas in Cuba, held on Christmas Eve. Christmas here is a family-focused and family-friendly Cuban tradition.
Although the island today has a mix of Catholicism and the Cuban version of Santeria (and it has a history of religious restrictions), Catholicism remains deeply ingrained in its culture, and many families follow this tradition.
Ask about the Misa de Gallo in your destination, and in Havana, you will find it in the beautiful Havana Cathedral.
Even if you’re not particularly religious, being present at a Misa de Gallo will be a wonderful late-night experience on Christmas Eve.
Also read: 43 Best Things To Do In Havana Solo By A Local
5. Join A Cuban Family For Christmas?
This one is not super easy unless you know someone in Cuba already.
However, if you are planning to stay in a casa particular, you can respectfully ask if it is possible to join the Cuban family for Christmas (which normally is a time for the close family in Cuba).
If you do so, you should also contribute to paying for the meal, as today in Cuba, inflation is soaring and prices are record high – and the traditional pork meal is a huge expense for Cubans these days.
6. Hit the Road to Viñales
Roll down the windows and feel the freedom as you cruise to Viñales Valley, home to jaw-dropping green, fertile landscapes and legendary Cuban cigars.
I recommend you spend at least one night in a casa particular in Vinales, the drive there takes 3-4 hours depending on the weather and what kind of transport you choose.
You can go with the local Viazul bus, book a seat in a taxi colectivo (a shared taxi), get private transport, or join an organized tour to Vinales that will show you the best of the valley in one or two days.
Also read: 7 Amazing Casa Particulares Vinales Valley Cuba
7. Celebrate New Years On A Rooftop
I don’t know about you, but I am a sucker for rooftops, restaurants, bars, pools – whatever you have on a rooftop with a view, and I love it!
Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Cuba on a rooftop is a really good option, and there are a variety of great places to do that, especially in Havana.
Check out the restaurant at the Manzana Kempinski Hotel right between Old and Central Havana or the amazing Paladar La Guarida in Central Havana – my favorite place.
La Guarida has amazing food and service, a spectacular interior, two terraces with outdoor seating, and a stunning outdoor bar for a nightcap at midnight.
If you are somewhere else, ask the locals where you should go!
8. Walk The Malecon At Sunset
This is a must-do any time of year when you visit. The Havana Malecon is the city boardwalk, and it is not as beautiful or well-kept as many western coastal towns; in fact, it is a bit rugged.
What is unique about the Malecon in Havana, though, is that this is where the locals meet up at night to socialize, and they bring huge subwoofers and a bottle of something to share and have a great time hanging on the wall by the sea.
You can also check out the rooftop at Malecon 663, which is really something between a hostel and a boutique hotel located closer to the Vedado city district.
The interior here is super cool, and the rooftop has amazing cocktails, food, and a great vibe, perfect for a sunset refreshment, too.
9. Visit La Cabana Fortress for the Cannon Salute
Every evening at 9 pm, there is a cannon salute from the Havana fortress called La Cabana (so this is not the tower called El Morro across the bay).
La Cabana is part of the old fortification system protecting Havana, and you can spend an hour or two in the middle of these old buildings and take in the stunning views of Havana and the Malecon across the bay.
You need to pass an underwater tunnel to get here, so it is best to get a taxi to take you. And be there around 8 pm, so you have time to look around before the cannon salute starts!
10. Have Dinner At San Cristobal
San Cristobal is an incredible paladar (privately owned restaurant) in Central Havana, and you will know what I mean immediately when you enter.
This is actually the place Obama had dinner when he was on his historic visit to Havana a few years back.
To enter San Cristobal, you need to pass a guard outside, through a majestic double door, and into a venue filled with art, memorabilia, and stunning architectural details on walls and in the ceiling.
The food here is outstanding, and if you are a group, you should ask for a chambre separee – trust me, this will be a unique experience. When I had friends visiting in Havana, we celebrated a birthday here in a chambre separee, and it was an amazing evening.
EpicNomadLife Tip: Book your table beforehand; this place is popular.
Events in Cuba in December
Cuba is not really big on Christmas, so there are no things like Christmas markets and special holiday events in December.
Possibly because Cubans generally celebrate the religious holiday as a one-day family fiesta without all the gift bonanza, numerous Christmas parties, and huge Christmas trees.
Christmas In Cuba: Nochebuena
Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) is celebrated with roast pork and close family, and probably salsa dancing into the night. As I have said before, no celebrations in Cuba can happen without music and dance!
Most Cubans will, if they have a tree, have a small plastic one sitting on a table in the living room and some glittering decor.
They will also have small dolls representing the saints of Santeria (orichas) right inside their door, and these saints get both cake, food, and rum when there is a celebration (like Nochebuena)!
Cubans always know how to party, and Christmas in Cuba is no different. You will find food, music, and dancing, which are part of any fiesta.
The focus on Christmas Eve is on having a good time with your loved ones, and exchanging gifts is simply not a thing.
New Year’s Eve
Celebrating New Year’s Even in Cuba will be a slightly different experience. This is a day that is generally celebrated with extended family, community, and friends and does have a bit more spark to its fiesta.
New Year in Havana is still energetic and electric, although, without the fireworks and midnight champagne, it is not that different from other Cuban celebrations.
The only time I know of big fireworks on New Year’s was in 2019, the year of Havana’s 500-year anniversary.
In essence, Christmas Eve in Cuba is about reflection, family, and gratitude, while New Year’s Eve is a jubilant celebration of renewal, hope, and community.
MAYBE Las Parrandas Festival In Central Cuba
If you are lucky, the Las Parrandas Festival will happen in December in Central Cuba. This festival is not happening on a fixed date, so you need to do your research and find out when it kicks off!
The Las Parrandas Festival started in a small village in 1820 (204 years ago!), and it is so important that it is actually inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.
Locals prepare for this festival the entire year, which is a mix of competition, parades, art, music, and food, in short, a gran fiesta that is one of a kind!
Plan ahead—holiday events can be booked quickly, and you don’t want to miss the fun!
Solo Travel To Cuba
If you are someone who feels that a trip to Cuba is a bucket list thing and an exotic destination, I absolutely agree.
And if you are also wondering whether Cuba is a good solo traveler destination, I can tell you that it is – including for solo female travelers. Traveling solo in Cuba safely is not that hard.
Cuba is a very safe destination, it is easy to connect with people if you want to. You can also stay in hostels for company, or a casa particular, and connect with the family you are staying with.
When you travel alone, I recommend you learn a bit of Spanish before you go (unless you speak it already). English is still not that common in Cuba except for a few tourist-heavy areas, and it is also a lot more fun to communicate in the local language!
Prices in Cuba in December
Okay, here’s the tea: December is peak season, so flights and hotels might make your wallet cry a little. But don’t worry—you can stretch those dollars if you:
- Book early (like, yesterday).
- Stay in casas particulares (more on that below).
- Dine at local spots instead of fancy tourist traps.
Where to Stay in Cuba
Luxe Hotels
There are more and more luxury hotels and resorts in Cuba, but there is one thing you need to be aware of.
If you are a US citizen, Americans are not allowed to stay at a hotel that is owned by the Cuban state (more than 50% ownership). This includes most of the luxury hotels and resorts in Cuba, Havana, Varadero, the Cuban Keys, and some of the major cities.
So Americans traveling to Cuba need to make sure they stay at a privately owned facility, which is basically all casa particulares, and also some hotels.
Anyone else can stay in hotels and resorts without violating any rules and regulations.
You can find my best tips for stays in Cuba here, or go to my Cuba information hub to browse the destination you are looking for.
Casas Particulares
Want the real Cuban experience? Book a casa particular, aka a licensed homestay. You’ll get cozy vibes, local tips, and maybe even a killer home-cooked meal.
Not all online accommodation apps offer stays in Cuba due to ongoing sanctions, but the ones below do.
How to Book:
- Platforms like Airbnb or Hostelworld make it easy.
- You can also book casas from Expedia online
- Always confirm online details with your host—Wi-Fi isn’t a given in Cuba.
Support the Cuban People?
American citizens need to choose one of 12 pre-approved reasons to travel to Cuba, as they can not travel as normal tourists due to national regulations. One of these reasons is called “to support the Cuban people.”
In order to support the Cuban people (directly) and comply with these regulations, you need to stay in privately owned accommodation. You must also shop in paladares, privately owned restaurants, and shops.
There are more and more privately owned services in Cuba, so this will not be a problem. However, for Americans, it is important to be sure you travel in compliance with the rules.
You do not need to apply for this or do any paperwork of any kind.
You just say you travel to support the Cuban people if anyone asks, and you may be required to produce an itinerary that shows your stays and activities to prove that you are in compliance.
And you need to buy a tourist card for Cuba to enter the country. Americans need the PINK tourist card (or tourist visa), while everyone else needs to buy the GREEN one (which is now also an e-visa).
And my last note is that anyone who travels to Cuba now will support the Cuban people.
The economy is difficult, and the private economy is strained, so if you travel there and spend money on restaurants, activities, and particular casa stays, you are supporting a lot!
Last Minute Trip To Cuba?
Can you do a last minute trip to Cuba? Well, yes, you can – but not from everywhere (depending on how “last minute” we are talking.
There are no issues with booking a flight and a place to stay and get going today, but the bottleneck is that you need a Cuban tourist card, or a tourist visa, to enter.
So here is what you need to know:
- Air Canada has the Cuban tourist card included in their flight price, so if you can fly with them, you don’t need to acquire the tourist card on your own.
- If you fly from Miami International Airport with American Airlines or Delta Airlines, you can buy a tourist card for Cuba next to the check-in counter.
- If you are not a US citizen, you can buy an e-visa online and have it sent to your email right away.
- For US citizens who are not able to fly with Air Canada and can not fly from or via Miami, you need to buy the PINK tourist card for Cuba before you can go. This is not an e-visa at the moment, so the paper version of this tourist card must be sent to your mailbox. This might take a few days or even a week+.
Got questions? Drop them in the comments, or let me know your favorite spot in Cuba. Also, if I have forgotten anything, let me know!
Why Visit Cuba in December?
Dry season? Check.
Perfect temps? Double-check.
A different holiday vibe? Definitely.
Because of the temperatures alone, Cuba is a great choice for a December holiday, an ultimate getaway for anyone tired of freezing in their parka and dreaming of sipping mojitos under swaying palms.
Secondly, as the Caribbean region has just entered the dry season, you are not at risk of being trapped in a tropical storm. Nice temperatures (not excruciating hot) and little precipitation are super conditions for exploring the uniqueness of Cuba.
The holiday season adds a little extra spice this time of year, and if you choose to stay at a casa particular, you might ask to be a part of a traditional Cuban Christmas Eve.
Even though Cubans don’t celebrate Christmas in the elaborate way we tend to in Europe and the US, there is a smaller celebration that generally includes the closest family.
FAQ: Cuba in December
Here’s a little bonus Q&A to keep you in the know.
1. Is December a good time to visit Cuba?
Yes! December has ideal weather for exploration, cultural events, and a whiff of festive atmosphere, and – it is the dry season, making it one of the best months to explore Cuba.
2. What should I pack for Cuba in December?
Pack lightweight clothing, a jacket for cooler evenings, comfortable walking shoes, and sunscreen. Since it is Cuba, you also need to bring all supplements and medication you sometimes or always use, you will not find it in Cuba!
3. Are there direct flights to Cuba in December?
Many airlines offer direct flights to popular destinations like Havana and Varadero during the holiday month.
From the US, you can fly directly from Miami with Delta Airlines or American Airlines. From Europe, there are direct flights to Havana from Paris, Madrid, and Frankfurt, as well as to Varadero from the UK.
4. Is Cuba expensive in December?
Prices are a bit higher as December is generally peak travel season (especially the last half of the month), but affordable options like casa particulares, and local restaurants can still help you stick to a budget.
Wrap-Up Cuba in December Winter Holidays
For you as a visitor, think warm sunshine, sultry salsa nights, and festive vibes that’ll have you saying, “Winter? Never heard of her.”
This is your go-to guide to slay the Cuban holiday season in style. December offers the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure.
From the festive energy of Havana to the chill beach days in Varadero, every moment feels like a postcard. So, what are you waiting for? Book those tickets, pack your bags, and get ready to slay your Cuban getaway.
Related blog posts:
Is Female Solo Travel In Cuba Safe? A Local Woman’s Advice
Cuba Trips From US: How To Travel To Cuba From US
11 Iconic Cuba Landmarks From A Local: Journey Through Time And History
