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Best Time To Visit Cuba
Holidays to Cuba feature more than their fair share of sweeping white sands, lush forests, idyllic hotspots and captivating culture. Cuba has a tropical climate that experiences two seasons: a dry season and a wet season. The hot and humid wet season generally runs between May and November. This doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s always raining during these months, there is still plenty of sunshine to enjoy a holiday in Cuba. The dry season runs from November to April. This is when the temperatures are warm and there is minimal rainfall, making this the best time to visit Cuba. Cuba is a large country and the weather varies by season and sometimes by region. It's worth checking the local forecast for your chosen destination.
Average weather in Cuba
- Temperature (°C)*
- Rainfall (Inches)*
Weather in Cuba
With a tropical climate, there are two seasons in Cuba – the wet season, and the dry season. The dry season runs from late November to April while the wet season is from late May to early November. The dry season sees warm temperatures and little rainfall, while the wet season experiences an increase in rainfall, high temperatures and humidity.
Seasonality in Cuba
If you visit Cuba during the high season, from mid-December to mid-April, you can expect dry conditions, with plenty of sunshine and less humidity than other times of the year. The wet season spans from May through to November, during this time there is a higher chance of rainfall, humidity and tropical storms.
Peak season in Cuba
The peak season coincides with the dry season in Cuba and is when Cuba sees the most visitors to the country. The peak season in Cuba is from mid-December to mid-March, and all of July and August (school summer holidays). During this time, prices for travel and hotels will be highest and there will be larger crowds at popular tourist attractions.
Low season in Cuba
The low season in Cuba lasts from May to November (excluding July and August) and coincides with the wet season. During these months, there are fewer people on the island and holiday prices tend to be lower.
Busting with Latin charm
Idyllic beaches
Party in paradise
Historic treasure trove
Year-round sunshine
Holidays in Cuba
Full of soft-sand beaches, friendly locals, historical cities and vibrant rhythms, Cuba is a tropical island paradise that beckons to both families and couples alike. Beyond the beautiful coastlines and tobacco plantations lies more adventure than you can imagine!
With fine white-sand beaches and calm crystal-clear waters, Cuba is a wonderful destination to escape the hustle and bustle and just relax in paradise. The best time to go to Cuba for the perfect beach holiday is between December and April when the temperatures are warm and there is less chance of rain.
During the later months of the year, the temperatures in Cuba will rise, but there will also be an increase in rainfall. The beaches can still be appreciated at this time of year, but you may need to seek cover under a parasol, or palm tree or retreat to a bar when the rain clouds come in. Rainfall often comes in short downpours and is followed by bright sunshine.
Cuba has one of the most healthy coral reefs in the Caribbean because of the limited development around the coasts. Experience the best of marine life visit during the dry season, between December and April. At this time of year, the weather is mostly sunny and the sea is calm, making visibility optimal.
It is still possible to dive during the wetter months of July to October, but you need to be mindful of the temperamental weather and know that there might be a tropical storm during your visit. The best advice is if the waters and winds are calm, get going!
Cuba isn't a big surfing destination, but if you are an experienced rider, you can hit some decent waves during the winter. The best time to surf in Cuba is from November to April when the Atlantic groundswell comes in from the northeast and produces decent barrels.
The best time to explore Cuba is during the dry season, which falls between November and April. During these months, the chance of rain is low, so you can confidently wander the historical streets of Havana or hike a mountain without the worry of rain. It is still possible to enjoy the outdoors during the wet season - just remember to take out a light raincoat and take regular breaks to recover from the humidity.
Month by month guide to visiting Cuba
Cuba in January
January falls into the dry season with average temperatures around 22°C and highs of around 27°C. This is a wonderful month to explore the island as the chance of rain is low. January is a peak month, especially around New Year, so expect it to feel busier in touristy areas and holiday prices to be more expensive. Don't miss the Festival de la Trova Longina music festival in Santa Clara at the start of the month and the famous Havana Jazz Festival in the middle of the month.
Cuba in February
February boasts the island's most comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall. Temperatures can reach 27°C, and most days are sunny with little clouds. February is one of the driest months of the year and a perfect time to soak up the sun on one of the many idyllic beaches. There are some wonderful events in Cuba in February including, the popular Havana International Book Fair and Festival del Habano - Cuba's best festival for cigars.
Cuba in March
With highs of 29°C and an average temperature of around 26°C, March is a warm month in Cuba. It is also one of the driest, with an average of only 4mm of rain throughout the month. Making the most of the dry weather, the festival season continues in March with Santiago Álvarez Memorial International Documentary Festival, International Electroacoustic Music Festival (Varadero Spring Festival) and Havana World Music Festival.
Cuba in April
The warm and sunny weather continues in April. There are several events this month including Old Havana: City in Movement dance festival, Havana Biennial art festival and Easter celebrations.
Cuba in May
May is the beginning of the wet season but is the driest month of the wet season. Humidity levels start to rise, and temperatures can reach 30°C. It's a good month to visit Cuba if you want to travel outside of peak season. The May Day celebrations take centre stage this month - 1st May is a special day in Cuba, honouring all workers and national pride. People dress in red and march through the streets waving flags and banners in support of the Cuban Revolution. The biggest gathering is in Havana at Plaza de la Revolucion.
Cuba in June
June is one of the wettest months of the year, however, tropical storms are highly unlikely during this month. The average temperature is 27°C which can rise to 31°C. An exciting fishing tournament, held in Havana, takes place in June. The International Ernest Hemingway Needlefish Tournament attracts fishing folk from many other countries. There's also Trinidad Carnival (Fiestas San Juaneras) and Camaguey Carnival (San Juan Camagüeyano) at the end of the month.
Cuba in July
The weather in July is hot and humid - the average temperature is 28° C and can reach highs of 33°C. Even though this is the wet season, the likelihood of a tropical storm affecting your holiday is unlikely.
July is the start of carnival season! Santiago de Cuba hosts the week-long Festival del Caribe (Festival of Fire), celebrating the music and dance of the Caribbean, at the start of the month. Then at the end of the month, it's Santiago de Cuba's Carnival - Cuba's largest Carnival. The Carnival lasts a week but pauses midway to honour the National Day on July 26th.
Cuba in August
The weather in August is hot and humid - the average temperature is 28° C and can reach highs of 33°C. Carnival season continues with Havana's Carnival and Matanza's Carnival. Expect a spectacular display of dancing, live music, colourful costumes and rum cocktails.
Cuba in September
The hot and humid weather continues throughout September and there is an increase in rainfall. You’ll likely experience a mixture of sunshine and clouds with some rain. There aren't many events in September - the most notable is Fiesta de la Virgen del Cobre celebrating Cuba's national saint, the Virgin of Cobre.
Cuba in October
October is another hot, humid and wet month. The average temperature is 26° C and can reach highs of 30° C. Celebrating one of the most famous names in Cuban music, Miguel Matamoros, Matamoros Son Festival takes place in October in the musician's birthplace, Santiago de Cuba. Expect concerts, lectures and dance competitions in traditional Cuban styles. At the end of the month, and sometimes falling into November, is the Havana International Ballet Festival.
Cuba in November
Mid-November marks the beginning of the dry season and coincidingly, peak season. The average temperature is 24° C and can reach highs of 29°C. During this time, you’ll experience warm days with very little rainfall and plenty of sunshine. As the weather improves more events take place, including Marabana Marathon and Habana Clasica Music Festival.
Cuba in December
The weather in December is warm with balmy evenings. The average temperature is 24°C and can reach highs of 29°C. During this time, you’ll experience warm days with very little rainfall. The month kicks off with the 10-day Havana Film Festival, one of the leading film festivals in Latin America. Then celebrations turn to Christmas! The small town of Remedios hosts Las Parrandas de Remedios, a famous Christmas celebration filled with street parades, costumes, music and fireworks. The big event is on 24th December but preparations and excitement starts well before.
Best time to visit Cuba frequently asked questions
Cuba has warm weather all year round but if you want to experience sunny days with little rainfall then the best time to visit Cuba is from late November to April.
The dry season in Cuba runs from mid-November to April.
The wet season in Cuba runs from May to October.
The months of May, June, September and October are the quietest months to visit Cuba.
The peak season in Ciba spans from mid-December to April. The months of July and August also tend to be popular because of the school summer holidays.
Low season in Cuba coincides with the wet season but excludes the months of July and August, as these tend to be busy due to the school summer holidays. Visit Cuba in May, June or October for the least crowds and the best deals on holidays.
