Best time to visit Cuba

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Cuba

Best time of year to visit Cuba

Choose a dry season from December to April as the best time visit Cuba. January and February is ideal time for sightseeing but it could get too cold for beach vacationers. The winter weather is terrific, but the stay is a bit pricey, so make your reservation months in advance. With an increasing likelihood of rain, Cuba gets less touristic and more affordable from April through June. So if you've always wondered how tobacco harvest looks like, that's your chance! Mind that Easter holidays are an exception with crowds filling the streets. Carnival Santiago de Cuba and school holidays make hot July the busiest period. During the summer, heat is almost intolerable, so don't forget to stay hydrated. Another good tip is to avoid the hurricane season from August to early November. Well, Monarch butterflies don't mind the risk, so autumn is a good time for wintessing their mass migration.

14 THINGS TO DO IN CUBA (APRIL 04 - APRIL 13)

Tobacco Harvest

Tobacco Harvest

March–April • activity

Get world's finest cigars from the very heart of world's tobacco industry

Beach​ Season

Beach​ Season

November–April • activity

The dry season is your best choice to enjoy the sun and the beach

Crab Migration

Crab Migration

April • nature

After mating season, millions of female crabs head to the Bay of Pigs

Caimito Season

Caimito Season

February–June • food

A purple 'star' among the Cuban fruit that​ will become your ultimate love at first bite

Hiking Pico Turquino

Hiking Pico Turquino

mid-October–April • activity

Conquer Cuba's highest peak and learn more about the rebellion stories of Fidel and Che

Avocado Season

Avocado Season

April–September • food

Set off for your Cuba journey to taste the best of local avocado dishes

Snorkeling and Diving

Snorkeling and Diving

December–April • activity

Visit Cuba's hidden gems for your best snorkeling experience

Cenote Diving, Snorkelling, and Swimming

Cenote Diving, Snorkelling, and Swimming

all year round • activity

Diving into majestic flooded caves is a special experience of the Caribbean

Hiking

Hiking

October–May • activity

Discover the beauty of Cuba on foot

Guanabana Season

Guanabana Season

April–September • food

Try one of the tastiest fruits you can find in Cuba

​Bonefishing

​Bonefishing

February–July • activity

Catch the most shiny and strong fish off the fascinating Cuban coast

Tarpon Fly Fishing

Tarpon Fly Fishing

April–June • activity

A challenge for experienced fishermen, that requires much skill and knowledge

Tocororo (Cuban Trogon) Breeding Season

Tocororo (Cuban Trogon) Breeding Season

April–July • nature

National bird of Cuba resembles the colors of the Cuban flag

Kitesurfing

Kitesurfing

November–April • activity

Find your own perfect spot to glide the waves in Cuba

27 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Festival del Habano

Festival del Habano

out of rangeFebruary 26-March 1, 2024 • event

Gathering of the tobacco-lovers from all over the world longing to try Cuba's original cigars

Carnival of Santiago de Cuba

Carnival of Santiago de Cuba

out of rangeFebruary 9–17, 2024 • event

Country's most colorful and delightful carnival—the brightest jewel of Cuba's festivals

International Havana Ballet Festival

International Havana Ballet Festival

out of rangeOctober 26-November 2, 2024 • event

Enjoy spectacular ballet performances that take place once in two years in Havana

Fiesta del Fuego (Festival of the Caribe)

Fiesta del Fuego (Festival of the Caribe)

out of rangeJune 30-July 6, 2024 • event

Burning of the devil and saluting Congo gods—this is one of the most colorful festivals in Cuba

Monarch Butterfly Migration

Monarch Butterfly Migration

out of rangeSeptember–November • nature

The famous Monarch butterflies migrate every year to warmer places, such as Cuba, to mature

Mango

Mango

out of rangeMay–July • food

Taste the sweetest mango fruit available everywhere during the summertime

Havana Jazz Festival

Havana Jazz Festival

out of rangeJanuary 27-February 3, 2025 • event

A marathon of Afro-Cuban jazz in historic Havana

Romerias de Mayo

Romerias de Mayo

out of rangeMay 3–May 8 • event

One of the most colourful, cheerful and authentic Cuban Christian celebrations in Holguin

Guarapo Drink

Guarapo Drink

out of rangeAugust • food

Quench your thirst with most excuisite sugarcane juice

Mamoncillo Season

Mamoncillo Season

out of rangeJuly–October • food

Taste Cuban mamoncillos—your most sour tropical experience

Christmas in Cuba

Christmas in Cuba

out of rangeDecember 24 • event

Las Parrandas de Remedios Christmas festival in Cuba differs from the other Christmas​ celebrations around the world

Lobster Season

Lobster Season

out of rangeJune–February • food

Sample most delicious lobsters masterly cooked by the locals

Coffee Harvest

Coffee Harvest

out of rangeJuly–February • food

Sample one the most delicious, fragrant and fresh coffee on the planet

Day of the National Rebellion

Day of the National Rebellion

out of rangeJuly 26 • event

One of the biggest public holidays in Cuba is celebrated for three days

Labour Day or Día de los Trabajadores

Labour Day or Día de los Trabajadores

out of rangeMay 1 • event

Visit Cuba for the holiday that reveals its socialist nature

Marabana: Havana Marathon

Marabana: Havana Marathon

out of rangeNovember 17, 2024 • event

Run through the streets of Havana and join the running history

San Lazaro Pilgrimge

San Lazaro Pilgrimge

out of rangeDecember 17 • event

Witness the impressive and passionate pilgrimage happening annually at San Lazaro Church in the town of Rincón

Zafra Harvest

Zafra Harvest

out of rangeAugust–September • activity

Visit Cuba during the sweetest harvest you've ever seen

Guava or Guayaba

Guava or Guayaba

out of rangeJuly–August • food

Guava apple is a tropical and subtropical fruit, that has distinctive red colour of the flesh and bright green colour of the peel

Timbalaye Rumba Festival

Timbalaye Rumba Festival

out of rangeAugust 20–September 1, 2023 • event

Immerse in Cuban rhythms during the annual rumba fiesta

Surfing

Surfing

out of rangeDecember–February (north) | August–October (east) • activity

Surf Cuba off the eastern and northern coast

Orquideario de Soroa

Orquideario de Soroa

out of rangeSeptember–November • nature

The Orchid Garden designated as a World Biosphere Reserve offers the stunning 20,000 plants of 700 orchid species

Charangas de Bejucal

Charangas de Bejucal

out of rangeJanuary 1 | December 24 • event

Beautiful illumination and music are the main highlights of this traditional fiesta

Cubadisco

Cubadisco

out of rangeMay 7–13, 2023 • event

A seven-day festival celebrating Cuban music

Trinidad Carnival | Fiestas Sanjuaneras

Trinidad Carnival | Fiestas Sanjuaneras

out of rangelate June • event

One of the brightest and most exuberant celebrations on the island

Easter Cross Procession in Trinidad

Easter Cross Procession in Trinidad

out of rangeMarch 29, 2024 • event

Easter religious procession with candles and music

Cherimoya Season

Cherimoya Season

out of rangeNovember–early February • food

Visit Cuba for cherimoya harvest time to taste one of the most delicious fruit ever

Last updated:
Jan
7.8
Feb
7.5
Mar
7.4
Apr
6.5
May
5.7
Jun
4.8
Jul
4.7
Aug
4.6
Sep
4.8
Oct
5.6
Nov
7
Dec
7.4

Cuba weather in January

7.8/10 score
Very good
22° average
average temperatures
7 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
January in Cuba is the very moment when the dry season kicks in. A good one reason why Cuba is a good candidate to travel to. The first month of the year brings the sunniest days and slightly lower but still pleasant temperatures, perfect for exploring the mountains. Considered to be the coldest month by Cubans, you will rarely see the locals on the beach in January. The amount of rain depends on the destination you head off too, you can face more or less rain. Choosing Varadero as a place to visit, you literally adjudge yourself on a minimum of precipitation. The air is warm throughout a day, but the nights are especially cool, so you’ll be probably happy to have at least a hoodie packed. And don't underestimate the power of the umbrella!

Cuba weather in February

7.5/10 score
Very good
22° average
average temperatures
7 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
February means a continuation of a dry season on Cuba with slightly cooler temperatures. It's a great month if you'd like to avoid occasional hurricanes and the rains. Even though the weather can be rather fresh, it would still be a paradise in comparison to a “real winter” within its meaning. February is excellent for sightseeing, but the weather can be somewhat fresh for chilling on the beach. Several rainfalls are also possible. However, it depends more on the place you are out for. The number of rainy days should be the same across the country. But Havana is considered to be the driest. The nights might be a bit chilly, so pack a warm jumper with you. An umbrella will also come in handy.

Cuba weather in March

7.4/10 score
Very good
23° average
average temperatures
7 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
March is still a dry season with fresh days but also marks spring arrival to Cuba. This month offers comfortable temperatures and more sunny days, which make it a perfect time to travel to Cuba. Some days of the month might be even warmer, but without that hellish humidity and storms, that summer usually offers. The weather in the cities of the eastern regions gets fairly hotter with the least rainfall than in Havana and the west. The sea is warm, and the temperatures are perfect for tanning. Following comfortable weather and bright days, light clothes are sincerely advisable to pack for a trip to Cuba throughout March. Add sunglasses, hat, and bronzing cream. However, mind that a warm hoodie or a sweater can do you a service either, especially in case of the cold front that might come from the north.

Cuba weather in April

6.5/10 score
Good
25° average
average temperatures
7 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
As the last month of the dry season, April in Cuba boasts with higher temperatures, heaps of sunshine, and, on the average, four potential days of rain. So weatherwise, this makes April a fabulous month to visit Cuba. Days might fluctuate from warm to even hot. In Havana, Eastern, and Central Cuba. Even though the humidity is increasing by leaps and bounds, it is relatively low to turn your clothes into a wiper. If you plan to come to Cuba in April, your best choice will be to pack light clothes and a bathing suit along with a hat and sunglasses. A light sweater and umbrella might be useful during your trip as well.

Cuba weather in May

5.7/10 score
Acceptable
26° average
average temperatures
8 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
May in Cuba marks the start of the wet season, so get ready for the rain to be your companion during the trip. Rapid temperature growth is appended. The good news is that the thunderstorms will follow you in the late afternoon only. Mornings, on the other hand, tend to be sunny and hot. Allied to the humidity increase, this pattern is essential for Havana and Western Cuba particularly. Hefty rains don't come to the regions mentioned above until July or August. May's longstanding rain showers are about much of Oriente and Santiago de Cuba. Lightweight clothes is still your best friend as well as a swimsuit, sunhat, and sunscreen. However, it would be needless to remind you about an umbrella or a light raincoat.

Cuba weather in June

4.8/10 score
Marginal
27° average
average temperatures
9 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
June brings approximately half of a month of intense downpours to Cuba with the main victims as Havana and Western Cuba. In a role of the beginning of the hurricane season, it brings at least one thunderstorm continuing for several days. However, they are just massive, sharp, and short for the rest of the month. Because of almost unbearable heat and higher levels of humidity, it's beginning to feel a lot like a sauna with the Eastern Provinces suffering from it the most. But no panic, you'll definitely be able to find the remnants of the gentle sun. The mornings are still pleasant and preferable for sightseeing. When planning a trip to Cuba in June, make sure you pack all you need to beat the heat. A slicker is a must, however, don't diminish the importance of sunscreen, sunglasses, or a shade hat.

Cuba weather in July

4.7/10 score
Marginal
27° average
average temperatures
9 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
July offers almost half a month of rain and is considered to be the start of hurricane season in Cuba. However, the mid-summer is a bit less rainy than June or September, with the downpours expected in the afternoon. The days are getting longer and hotter, with a relatively high level of humidity. Even though the chance of hurricanes is minimal, it increases day after day. Affecting Cuba off and on, they might just instantly affect the weather. The maximum you might face is the intensive tropical shower, which is rather refreshing than annoying. By all means, packing a waterproof poncho will always be a good idea. Shade hat, a sunscreen, and an insect repellent (because of mosquito breeding season) is another must to clear a space in a suitcase for. Choose light clothing to feel comfortable in the heat of the day.

Cuba weather in August

4.6/10 score
Marginal
27° average
average temperatures
9 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
August tends to be the wettest month of the year in Cuba. However, you will hardly experience the days of pauseless downpours: they are sharp, short, and well coincide with the afternoon siesta. The humidity is usually extreme throughout the month, with a higher chance of cyclones, tropical storms, and hurricanes. Swimming and diving are perfect in August as the days get hotter, and the ocean breezes are refreshing. The temperatures are close to their maximum in western regions and Havana and can get even higher in Oriente and Santiago de Cuba. While packing, make the swimwear and the raingear to be at the top of your list. Light clothes, sunscreen, and a hat are also more than desirable to bring.

Cuba weather in September

4.8/10 score
Marginal
27° average
average temperatures
10 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
September is one of the rainiest months of the year and considered to be the apex of hurricane season in Cuba. After two brutally scorching months, temperatures begin to recede a little, however, stay sufficiently high. The level of humidity is peaking, and there is also a high risk of storms. Central and Western Cuba are more liable to the unbearable heat as well as intense but short-lived afternoon downpours, but it can be even hotter in the eastern regions. Head off to Varadero for its pleasant sea temperatures and amazing beaches. Making your way to Cuba in August, one of the proper essentials you'll need to pack is a waterproof poncho. Another stuff is your favorite light clothes along with sunglasses, sunscreen, and a shade hat.

Cuba weather in October

5.6/10 score
Acceptable
26° average
average temperatures
8 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
Last month of the rainy season promises a high chance of short afternoon showers in Cuba. The humidity is still high, and there is also a high risk of messing with thunderstorms. However, there is a minimal chance for your trip to be affected. Guantánamo and Santiago de Cuba receive the heftiest rainfall of all. The temperatures are cooling after the heat of the summer but can count on some hot days. And even though October is deemed to be the wettest month of the year, it might turn into the perfect chill on the beach with eight hours of the sunlight a day. If you chose October to visit Cuba, there are some essentials you need to pack by all means. Those are raingear, sunscreen, and a swimsuit. Bringing light clothes and a hat with you is a matter of course.

Cuba weather in November

7/10 score
Very good
24° average
average temperatures
7 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
November is considered to be a popular time for visiting Cuba. Late fall marks the end of the rainy and the hurricane season, so the weather changes day to day. The high level of humidity is just a memory now. Heading to the dark and cold winter, the last month of the fall with surprise you with agreeable temperatures and days full of sunshine in Central and Western regions. It is from warm to hot, even at night. However, mind that the city of Baracoa takes a hit of the highest rainfall in November. If you are planning a trip to Cuba in November, make sure you pack appropriate skin protection. The sun is ruthless in the middle of the day, so try to hide your skin under a loose light outfit or simply stay indoors. Don't forget a shade hat and a pair of sunglasses. Warm clothes can be rather useless throughout November.

Cuba weather in December

7.4/10 score
Very good
23° average
average temperatures
7 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
Amazing weather is the main reason why people travel to an island in December. Although there is still a little probability of rain, the middle of the dry season in Cuba boasts with typically moderate temps, pleasant cool breeze, and little rain. It is slightly warmer in the eastern regions where relaxing on the beach and sightseeing is a pure delight. Baracoa still faces the highest rainfall of the year in the first month of winter. The humidity is preserved mostly at bay. Sunscreen is still essential when heading to Cuba in December. The sun is heartless, so you'd better cover your shoulders and head in the heyday of the sun. Shade hat and sunglasses are the musts. The same goes for light clothes and waterproof gear.