Havana Climate

The city’s climate is tropical as is the rest of the island. But it gets more continental influence in winter, which makes the temperatures cooler during these months. The minimum temperature recorded was 2.0°C in Santiago de las Vegas in the township of Boyer.

In addition there is a large oceanic influence on the climate, because the Gulf Stream passes off western Cuba. Precipitation is abundant in September and October and in April and March. The hurricanes that hit the island, usually do not directly impact the city, causing only minor damage in most cases.

Because of these climatic benefits, the city is visited throughout the year. In summer and Christmas it is filled with visitors from other provinces who come to spend the holidays with their relatives in town and go shopping. Winter and spring is invaded by foreign tourists staying at the luxury hotels and basking on the beaches, as well as visiting museums and sightseeing.

As in Spain they have a siesta tradition, especially in summer when temperatures become extremely hot and in some suburban areas, especially because the center is a constant bustle and beaches and the boardwalk are crowded.

Sometimes members of the public cool off in the fountains of Havana, the most famous is the National Hotel Cascada 23rd Street in Vedado. There are many traditions depending on the season, for example it is good luck to swim in the first rain of May, and pregnant women can not leave their room if there is an eclipse.

Population

According to the 2002 census, it has 2,201,610 inhabitants in 2006 it was estimated at 2,350,000. It is a metropolitan area of 3,073,000 making it the most populated city in the Caribbean. It represents 19.1 percent of the population.