Best Time to Visit Cuba

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Although Cuba is a year-round tropical destination, the best time to visit the country is during the dry season, between November and April. During these six months, Cuba boasts the best weather conditions, perfect for sunbathing on its pristine beaches or heading out on a sightseeing tour of its wonderful Spanish architecture. You can also plan your trip to Cuba from December to March or July to August if you wish to indulge in the high-season attractions and activities.

So at the end of the day, the ideal time to visit Cuba depends on individual travel preferences. Listed below is all the information you need on the country’s seasons and ideal time for enjoying certain activities and highlights of the country.

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Quick Facts

High season/ Best season November to April (dry season), May to October (wet season)
Low season December to March and July to August
Good season May to June
All seasons November to April

Seasonal Overview

Cuba does not experience four distinct seasons like most regions. Instead, it has two seasons: the dry season (November to April)and the wet season (May to October). As both seasons see summer-like temperatures, the country does not have a winter per se.

 Dry season in Cuba — November to April

Caribbean beach with palm trees in Cuba.
Make the most out of sun, sand, and fun in Cuba during the dry season.

The dry season in Cuba starts in November, with temperatures coming to a more agreeable range and the chances of rainfall taking a huge dip. The following months show the same weather trend but have their unique draws. Tourist season starts in December and continues until March. Sightseeing tours of famous cities such as Havana, Trinidad, and Varadero are particularly famous during this period. December offers exceptional birdwatching conditions, while February is the best time for enjoying watersports along Cuba's stunning coastlines, including the Varadero Beach. In April, higher temperatures start creeping in, and you can enjoy all of the dry season activities in a less-crowded setting. Cuba also hosts several of its cultural festivals during the dry season. So if you want to enjoy tons of holiday activities, cultural events, and beautiful weather conditions, the dry season is hands down the best time of the year to visit Cuba.

Avg. Temperature: 20°C (68°F) – 27°C (81°F)  (in Havana)
Rainfall: 63 mm
Is the dry season a good time to visit Cuba?

Yes. The dry season is the best time to visit Cuba since the weather conditions are at their most optimal for all kinds of holiday activities, such as hiking, sightseeing and watersports.

Highlights:

  • Embark on a horseback riding tour or hike through the verdant tobacco valleys of Viñales, taking advantage of clear skies and less humid conditions.
  • Head to the South Coast beaches, such as Playa Ancon, in February for prime snorkeling and diving conditions.
  • Celebrate Christmas and New Year’s in a tropical style, with lots of sunshine and seafood. Head to the town of Remedios in Cuba for Las Parrandas de Remedios Christmas Festival, which takes place for an entire week around Christmas. Also, don’t miss out on the New Year’s Eve celebrations, which is also the anniversary of the Cuban Revolution and is celebrated with gusto.
  • Witness over 260 species of migratory birds in Cuban wetlands, such as the Zapata Swamp. Visitors can also head to the highest point at the Gran Parque Nacional Sierra Maestra and enjoy the sweeping views of mountains and forests.

Travel tips:

  • Book your accommodations in advance since the dry season is when prices for hotel rooms go up, soaring even higher during Christmas and New Year weeks.
  • Since the Wi-Fi service in Cuba is limited, bringing a guidebook or purchasing an international roaming data pack is advisable to navigate your way around if you are on a solo Cuba trip.
  • Because the weather is sunny throughout the dry season, you’ll only have to pack lightweight cotton clothes for your trip.
  • Most hiking trails in Cuba can be walked on with trainers, but some require light walking boots, so be sure to pack both just in case.

In-depth month-wise guides:
Cuba in November
Cuba in December
Cuba in January
Cuba in February
Cuba in March
Cuba in April

Wet Season in Cuba — May to October

A red retro car driven on the streets of Cuba during the wet season.
Drive through the lush green valleys of Cuba during the wet season.

The wet season in Cuba starts in May and continues through October, bringing hot and humid weather along with short but heavy rainfall. May sees the highest jump in average rainfall compared to the month preceding it, while October is the rainiest month. Though the hurricane season lasts throughout Cuba’s wet period, the actual risk is between August and October. Being predominantly the low season, there is a dip in the accommodation and travel prices during this period. Prices pick up in July and August, given it is the summer holiday period in most of America. As local schools are also shut from July to August, expect a lot of crowds on major beaches like Cayo Blanco and in places like Punta del Este.

Avg. Temperature: 23°C (73°F) – 30°C (86°F) (in Havana)
Rainfall: 135mm
Is the dry season a good time to visit Cuba? Depends. The wet season may not be the best time to visit Cuba, but it is a good period to go if you are looking for a budget holiday. Plan your trip during July and August when the weather conditions are fairly decent.

Highlights:

  • Swim in the pristine waters of the Caribbean Sea, which boasts the best average sea temperature of 30°C (86°F) in August.
  • Join locals to celebrate world-renowned festivals such as the Carnival in Santiago de Cuba.
  • Embark on a leisurely museum tour in Havana or a sightseeing tour in Trinidad, where you can learn about Cuba’s colonial architecture and history during the low tourist season.
  • Enjoy the best prices in accommodations and airfare throughout the season, especially during the starting months of the wet season (May and June), which sees the highest jumps in rainfall and temperature, drawing fewer tourist crowds.
  • Time your visit between May and July to witness baby sea turtle hatchlings entering the sea, especially along the Península de Guanahacabibes.

Travel tips:

  • Book your accommodations in advance since the dry season is when prices for hotel rooms go up, soaring even higher during Christmas and New Year weeks.
  • Since the Wi-Fi service in Cuba is limited, bringing a guidebook or purchasing an international roaming data pack is advisable to navigate your way around if you are on a solo Cuba trip.
  • Because the weather is sunny throughout the dry season, you’ll only have to pack lightweight cotton clothes for your trip.
  • Most hiking trails in Cuba can be walked on with trainers, but some require light walking boots, so be sure to pack both just in case.

In-depth month-wise guides:
Cuba in May
Cuba in June
Cuba in July
Cuba in August
Cuba in September
Cuba in October

Cuba is a tropical paradise that you can visit any time of the year. So, the best time to travel to this country depends on your travel preferences, be it weather, specific preferences of festivals and activities, or vacation schedule.

Want to research more on the country to plan your visit? Read our Cuba travel guide for all the information you need. Or fill out our Cuba customized trip form and let our local travel experts create an itinerary based on your interests.

Published by Marie Storm, updated on December 15, 2023

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