Weather in Cuba

Cuba is a popular tourist destination in the Caribbean, most famous for its political and cultural significance in the 20th Century. Comprised of the main island of Cuba and a few archipelagos, it is located in Central America: the US lies 150km to the north; Mexico 210km to the west; the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos islands to the east; Jamaica and the Cayman Islands to the south; and Haiti to the southeast. It has a typically tropical Caribbean climate with two main seasons, the rainy season (April to November) and the dry season (December to March). 

The rainy season is the hottest of the two, temperatures remain in the mid to high-20s (over 75°F) and there are heavy showers throughout the season. It doesn’t rain all day, however, and tropical storms can be beautiful to behold. Rainfall dips periodically in August, offering a mini-dry season amidst the downpour.  

Winter is dry season, a time when many Americans and Europeans escape the icy winters further north by touring the Caribbean. Temperatures typically fluctuate from the high teens to mid-20s (65°F-75°F), and, with little rainfall, it is no wonder most tourists come at this time of year. 

Particularly pleasing, the Cool trade winds provide the perfect answer to otherwise uncomfortable levels of heat and humidity. 

While the Caribbean climate is ideal for island getaways, Cuba has far more character than other Caribbean islands that are solely orientated to providing beach resorts and island cruises.

Once infamous during the cold war, synonymous with Che Guevara, Fidel Castro and Communism, it is now equally famous as the home of Cuban salsa and Havana cigars, beautiful beaches and a thriving arts scene, where the people are as hospitable as the balmy weather and climate. 

When is the best time to go to Cuba?

The peak tourist season is from December to March and is a typical Caribbean winter, so the weather is great, but the crowds are big and the prices are highest during this season. Because of the influx of tourists into Cuba in recent years, there is sometimes over-booking, so be prepared for a busy tourist season. For better prices and great weather, mid-March to mid-April is a good time to visit. 

The rainy season, from April to November, is wet and warm, but comes with the risk of tropical storms or hurricanes. However, there are discount rates, few crowds and August is a ‘mini’ peak season because of the brief reprieve from the rain.

What to pack for a holiday in Cuba

The best way to pack for Cuba is to bring low-key casual clothing and lightweight natural fibres, like cotton; don’t take along fancy clothes and expensive jewellery. The weather is hot year-round, so pack shorts, T-shirts, jeans, light long sleeved shirts, swimming costumes, sunglasses, hats and lots of sunscreen. Take light tops or jerseys for cooler evenings and sarongs for sun protection and as a covering for cool evenings out. 

Exploring Cuba requires comfortable, flat shoes or sandals because the streets can be very uneven in places; closed toed shoes should be breathable and amphibian. Whether for light or heavy showers, a light raincoat is best for staying dry and cool in the hot weather. 

Climate and weather in Cuba in January

Average temperature in Cuba in January: 18°C to 26°C (64°F to 79°F) 
Sea temperature in Cuba in January: 25°C (77°F)
Average rainfall in Cuba in January: 70mm (2.8in)

Climate and weather in Cuba in February

Average temperature in Cuba in February: 18°C to 26°C (64°F to 79°F)
Sea temperature in Cuba in February: 25°C (77°F)
Average rainfall in Cuba in February: 45mm (1.7in) 
Events in Cuba in February: After years of communist censorship, Cuban’s celebrate access to world literature at Havana’s International Book Fair; this festival continues into March. Come and smoke a famous Cuban cigar, here at the Habanos Festival in Havana. 

Climate and weather in Cuba in March 

Average temperature in Cuba in March: 19°C to 27°C (66°F to 81°F) 
Sea temperature in Cuba in March: 25°C (77°F)
Average rainfall in Cuba in March: 45mm (1.7in) 
Events in Cuba in March: The International Festival of "La Trova" Pepe Sánchez has been running for over 50 years, a place to experience authentic Cuban folk music. Cubans love their classic cars so much that March has numerous events and exhibitions celebrating classic car culture. 

Climate and weather in Cuba in April

Average temperature in Cuba in April: 21°C to 29°C (70°F to 84°F) 
Sea temperature in Cuba in April: 26°C (79°F)
Average rainfall in Cuba in April: 60mm (2.4in) 
Events in Cuba in April: Lucky visitors will catch the premier arts festival in Cuba, representing a wide variety of artists and styles, which only comes once every three years. As in all Roman Catholic countries, Easter is a colourful and lively time of year. 

Climate and weather in Cuba in May

Average temperature in Cuba in May: 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F) 
Sea temperature in Cuba in May: 27°C (81°F)
Average rainfall in Cuba in May: 120mm (4.7in) 
Events in Cuba in May: While spring is in full swing, join the massive May Day fiesta and dance at CubaDisco, a lively festival celebrating the vibrant Cuban music industry, with performances from Cuba’s best. 

Climate and weather in Cuba in June

Average temperature in Cuba in June: 23°C to 31°C (73°F to 88°F) 
Sea temperature in Cuba in June: 28°C (82°F)
Average rainfall in Cuba in June: 165mm (6.5in) 
Events in Cuba in June: Famous for many things, Cuba was once home to the acclaimed American author, Ernest Hemingway, and the annual Hemingway Fishing Tournament is a sporting event named after this famous old man of the sea.

Climate and weather in Cuba in July

Average temperature in Cuba in July: 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F) 
Sea temperature in Cuba in July: 28°C (82°F)
Average rainfall in Cuba in July: 135mm (5.3in) 
Events in Cuba in July: Santiago de Cuba comes alive with energising performances, street activities, workshops and exhibitions dedicated to traditional Cuban culture, at the Fiesta del Fuego. 

Climate and weather in Cuba in August

Average temperature in Cuba in August: 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F) 
Sea temperature in Cuba in August: 29°C (84°F)
Average rainfall in Cuba in August: 125mm (4.9in) 
Events in Cuba in August: Havana’s Carnival is not as famous as the one in Santiago, but with open-air concerts, street parties and parades, it is a memorable summer extravaganza nonetheless; the Carnival in Matanzas is smaller, but has a more uniquely Afro-Caribbean influence.  The Cuban Hip Hop festival is another example of American cultural influence in the country, served with its own local twist. 

Climate and weather in Cuba in September

Average temperature in Cuba in September: 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 88°F) 
Sea temperature in Cuba in September: 29°C (84°F)
Average rainfall in Cuba in September: 150mm (5.9in) 
Note: The Lady of Charity is Cuba’s patron saint and this month has a number of events in honour of this revered religious and cultural figure.

Climate and weather in Cuba in October

Average temperature in Cuba in October: 23°C to 29°C (73°F to 84°F) 
Sea temperature in Cuba in October: 28°C (82°F)
Average rainfall in Cuba in October: 170mm (6.7in)
Note: Many other Central and Latin American countries celebrate Columbus Day, but with its progressive spirit, Cuba prefers to celebrate their Afro-Cuban heritage instead. The Matamoros Son International Festival burns with patriotic passion and celebrates ‘son’ music every second year, with street performances, concerts, lectures, workshops and album launches. 

Climate and weather in Cuba in November

Average temperature in Cuba in November:  21°C to 27°C (70°F to 81°F) 
Sea temperature in Cuba in November: 27°C (81°F)
Average rainfall in Cuba in November: 80mm (3.4in) 
Events in Cuba in November: Cuban’s appreciate the arts of many different cultures and the Havana International Ballet Festival celebrates the traditionally Western art form, in Cuba’s most famous city.  

Climate and weather in Cuba in December

Average temperatures in Cuba in December: 19°C to 26°C (66°F to 79°F) 
Sea temperature in Cuba in December: 26°C (79°F)
Average rainfall in Cuba in December: 60mm (2.4in) 
Events in Cuba in December: Aside from massive Christmas and New Years’ celebration, visit the grand Havana Jazz Festival, or enjoy parades and street events at the Las Parrandas festival, in Remedios, on Christmas Eve.