Cuba in January: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for January
Average temperature across Cuba in January.
City Weather in January
| City | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Havana | 27° | 19° | 70 mm | high | Mild |
| Santiago de Cuba | 29° | 20° | 44 mm | high | Warm |
| Camagüey | 28° | 17° | 35 mm | high | Mild |
| Holguín | 28° | 19° | 37 mm | high | Mild |
| Guantánamo | 29° | 19° | 33 mm | high | Warm |
| Santa Clara | 27° | 16° | 43 mm | high | Mild |
| Arroyo Naranjo | 26° | 17° | 61 mm | high | Mild |
High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.
Western Cuba (Havana, Pinar del Río & Viñales)
Mornings in Havana and Viñales in January feel refreshingly cool for the island - low 20s°C by day and breezy along the Malecon - making city walks and tobacco-valley hikes comfortable. Clear skies and the steady northeasterly trade winds help keep humidity down; this is peak high-season so expect crowds in Old Havana and higher prices. Pack a light windbreaker for evening sea breezes and book accommodation well in advance if you want a casa particular in Vedado or Viñales.
Central Cuba (Trinidad, Cienfuegos, Santa Clara & Escambray)
January offers cool, pleasant mornings and sun-drenched afternoons ideal for wandering colonial streets in Trinidad or exploring Cienfuegos’ bayside promenade. Mountain air in the Escambray can feel distinctly cooler, making Topes de Collantes trails comfortable for daytime hikes. This is peak tourist season, so museums and paladares fill up - reserve tables if you want a sunset view over Trinidad’s Plaza Mayor.
Camagüey & Northern Cays (Camagüey, Jardines del Rey, Cayo Coco)
January skies over Camagüey are typically bright and cool for Cuba - daytime highs around the low 20s°C - making city exploration pleasant and flights to Jardines del Rey usually reliable. Cays like Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo have calm, sunny conditions ideal for beach walks and birdwatching at the lagoon reserves. With lower humidity and fewer bugs, January is a favorite month for photographers of colonial streets and flamingo-filled wetlands.
Eastern Lowlands (Santiago de Cuba, Baracoa & Guantánamo Bay)
January’s mornings in Santiago de Cuba and Baracoa are pleasantly warm with daytime highs in the mid-20s°C and lower humidity than the summer months. This is a prime month for cultural tourism - music and street life thrive without oppressive heat - and coastal breezes make daytime exploration comfortable. Pack light layers for the cool night air in Santiago and expect fewer rain-related disruptions than in late summer.
Sierra Maestra & Eastern Highlands (Pico Turquino, Sierra Cristal)
January brings cool, crisp mountain mornings in the Sierra Maestra - nights can drop into the low teens °C on higher trails, while daytime hikes under sun feel brisk and comfortable. Trails to Pico Turquino are dry and firm, making this one of the best months for multi-day treks, though wind and rapid temperature swings mean a good warm layer and a rain shell are necessary. Expect fewer mosquitoes at altitude and clearer long-distance views than in the summer.