Cuba in May: Travel Tips and Weather Advice
Thinking about touring Cuba in May? From cultural festivals to amazing hikes to low crowd levels, May is a great time to explore this vibrant and beautiful island nation. With temperatures on the rise and the afternoon rain showers starting to hit the island, the weather in Cuba in the month of May is not exactly ideal for sitting and enjoying a beach vacation, but it is great for enjoying a refreshing hike in Topes de Collantes or enjoying the impressive cultural sights around Old Havana.
- Elizabeth
- From USA
Cuba Weather in May
The weather in Cuba in May definitely veers towards warm and sunny, with average temperatures between 21°C and 31°C. That being said, May also marks the start of the monsoon season in Cuba. You can expect around 70 mm of rainfall across the month, mostly confined to afternoon showers.
If you are thinking about heading to Trinidad to enjoy some hiking and horseback riding, temperatures are a little cooler, averaging between 22°C and 29°C. The only downside is that the area sees a fair amount of rainfall, averaging 192 mm throughout the month.
Want to go scuba diving in Cayo Coco? You will be pleased to hear that the water temperature is a balmy 27°C in the month of May. Once you are out of the water, you will dry off in no time with average temperatures ranging from 21°C to 31°C.
For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Cuba.
Weather in Cuba in May - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 26 | 27 | 28 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 30 | 28 | 27 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 21 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 20 | 19 | 18 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 79 | 81 | 83 | 86 | 88 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 88 | 86 | 83 | 81 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 61 | 63 | 65 | 67 | 70 | 72 | 72 | 72 | 72 | 68 | 67 | 65 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 20 | 10 | 40 | 30 | 70 | 80 | 50 | 70 | 70 | 80 | 40 | 30 |
| Apr | May | Jun | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 30 | 31 | 32 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 19 | 21 | 22 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 86 | 88 | 90 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 67 | 70 | 72 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 30 | 70 | 80 |
Why Visit Cuba in May
There are a lot of great reasons to take a Cuba holiday in May, from enjoying historical parades and parties to affordable rates. Let us find out some more reasons to take a trip to Cuba in May:
- Better rates: With May marking the start of the low season, many of the popular resorts and hotels around the island offer much more affordable rates. Flight and tour prices are also comparatively lower around this time.
- Fewer crowds: Off-peak tourist season means low tourist crowds in Cuba, which is a great thing if you wish to explore the sites and attractions at your own relaxed pace. From Havana to Varadero, you can travel around popular destinations in Cuba without feeling rushed.
- Pride parade: If you are looking to celebrate love, Havana’s huge pride parade, or Dia Internacional Contra Homofobia y Transfobia, takes place every May. It is a huge celebration with parties, music, and dancing — all celebrating the right to love whoever you want to.
- The International Day of Workers: Cubans take Labor Day very seriously. Every year on May 1, the country celebrates the rights and achievements of workers with a grand parade. Whatever your political ideology, it is a day of joy and appreciation all across Cuba.
Where to go and what to do
If you are looking for the best places to go in Cuba in May, we have got you covered. Some of the best activities during this time involve getting outside and enjoying the warm temperatures in between the daily rain showers.
Looking to see the natural beauty of Cuba? Tour Trinidad and go hiking in the Gran Parque Natural Topes de Collantes. This stunning national park lies in the heart of the majestic Escambray Mountains and offers some of the most challenging hikes on the island. Head to the visitor center first to check out the best trails on any given day.
For a more leisurely exploration of Cuba, why not go on a horseback ride tour in Vinales? If you want to avoid the rain showers, focus your trip in and around Havana. Here you will find plenty of indoor attractions, such as the Cuban Art Factory and the National Capital of Cuba, that you can visit during rainy days. And on clear days, you can always explore the vibrant Cuban capital and its surrounding neighborhoods.
What to bring
Pack light waterproof jackets and shoes to stay dry and comfortable during rainy days. Other than that, bring breathable clothes that you can take off depending on the weather condition.
If you are thinking about visiting Cuba in May, there are plenty of amazing things to see and do. From exploring the culture and history of Cuba in Havana to participating in national holiday celebrations to enjoying nature walks among mountains and forests, Cuba makes for a fascinating holiday destination in May.
We know that planning a trip can be tricky on your own. Instead, why not reach out to our local travel experts for a customized trip to Cuba?
