Cuba in August: Rainy Season Travel Tips

It gets rather rainy, humid, and hot in Cuba in August. Heavy afternoon rain showers are fairly common during this month. Temperature-wise, the mercury hovers at around 32°C during the day and drops to around 22°C at night. The sea temperature is pleasant at 30°C during this month, ideal to strip and dip or for spending hours doing watersports. If there is a hurricane alert, some national parks and mountain trails might be closed. So it is always a good idea to check the weather status before planning your trip. Long-distance cycling in the country is also discouraged in August due to erratic weather conditions.

For a seasonal overview, check out our travel guide on the best time to visit Cuba.

For many travelers, August may not be the ideal time to visit Cuba. But if you look past the weather, there are plenty of things in the country to make your holiday memorable. Below are a few reasons why you might want to head to Cuba in August.

• Fun in the water: The waters of the Caribbean Sea are pleasantly warm during August for a leisurely swim, scuba diving, and snorkeling. This is also the perfect time to spot Cuba’s rich marine life and well-preserved coral reefs.
• Festivals: Match your steps with a dancing parade or marvel at the huge masks (called muñecones) donned by dancers during the Havana Carnival. Down south, you can enjoy another traditional Cuban festival at the Carnival of Holguín. Music lovers can also attend Festival Internacional de Rap to groove to the country's own take on rap and hip-hop music. This event features both local and international talents.
• Baseball season: Regardless of whether or not you are a fan of the game, we suggest that you grab a match ticket at a stadium and share first-hand the electrifying energy of the locals who never seem to get enough of their beloved sport. This is a great way to get to know the ever-friendly Cuban people.

Head towards beachside resort towns like Varadero and Guardalavaca to enjoy sunbathing on soft sandy beaches and swimming in the warm waters. Islands off the coast of Cuba are generally cooler than the mainland. They also offer a relatively quiet and crowd-free beach holiday experience.

Cayo Largo del Sur in the Canarreos Archipelago is famous for its fine white sand strips and turquoise water. To learn more about the history and culture of Cuba, take a stroll in Centro Habana in the capital city or explore the museum city of Trinidad. Alternatively, you could also visit Santiago de Cuba, the old capital of the country, home to well-preserved coffee plantations and a colonial past. Grab a city break in the scenic Cienfuegos, with its French heritage-laden cobbled alleyways and historic buildings. Nature lovers can hike Las Terrazas or enjoy the beautiful waterfalls in Soroa.

Pack light and airy clothes, adequate sun protection, and rainwear if you are visiting Cuba in August. Though the month falls in the hurricane season, high-grade tropical storms are rare.

Cuba’s weather in August can be tricky, to say the least. But with good planning and preparations, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy your holiday. You can laze on the powdery white beaches of Cayo Coco while sipping rum, or cruise through the city of Havana in a classic convertible car. Perhaps, add some fire to the balmy evenings with a seductive salsa performance, or tuck into scrumptious Cuban cuisine. Despite weather conditions, you could enjoy a near-perfect tropical break in Cuba in August.