When Is the Best Time to Visit Cuba?

Seasons in Cuba

Cuba doesn’t have the traditional four seasons that temperate regions do. Instead, it has just two: a “dry” season and a “rainy” one.

The dry season lasts from November to April, and it is characterized by less frequent rain, although it’s far from completely dry. During December and January, average temperatures also dip slightly (but never reach “cold” levels under any definition), and the air gets a bit drier, which helps the air feel cooler overall.

The rainy season lasts from May to October. Expect short showers nearly every day and full-blown rainy days at least once a week during this season.

As local legend would have it, the first rains of May are particularly auspicious, as they can relieve chronic diseases and cleanse your spirit from impurities.

Hurricanes in Cuba

So what about hurricane season? Technically, hurricane season overlaps with the end of the rainy season, between June and November. During this time, the sky can go from bright to gray in a matter of minutes.

As for actual hurricanes – they rarely hit the island, and they are unlikely to affect your safety or your belongings. Cuban citizens like to joke that nothing works as well in Cuba as the Civil Defense office. You may need to spend a day safe indoors, but on the other hand, you will be able to experience one of the quintessential “island experiences.”

High versus low season

Let’s talk about tourism seasons, as they will affect the ease with which you book and the final cost of your trip.

There are two peak tourism seasons in Cuba. The first one goes from late December until March (or from Christmas to the Easter break). This is also the sunniest and coolest time of the year when the beaches are at their most enticing (and if you come from the Northern Hemisphere, that’s exactly what you’ll be needing).

The second “peak” covers most of July and August. During this time, Cuban schools will be on recess, so expect longer lines at many nature parks and museums, and you may need to share the beach with other humans.

The low season goes from early May to late June (prices drop as temperatures rise) and between September and October (tourism slows down at the start of hurricane season). During this time, expect lower prices, quieter beaches, and the opportunity to stroll around museums at your own pace.

Dealing With the Tropical Heat

If you live in a cooler or temperate country, you may be worried about handling Cuba’s tropical heat. The sharp temperature change can be a bit disconcerting, especially if you travel during your winter. Don’t worry! In my twenty-something years of living on this island, I’ve gathered a few pro tips that will help you handle the heat waves as the locals do:

• - Make sure you wear sunscreen of at least SPF 50. Even if you don’t “burn and peel” easily, a mild sunburn will leave you with a permanent cloud of heat around your body the next day.

• - Wear loose, thin clothes with long sleeves in cotton or linen. Try to keep the handcuffs and waistlines loose to allow air to flow around you.

• - Remember, “siesta” was invented for a reason! Just because we all seem to disappear right after lunch doesn’t mean we are truly sleeping. Between noon and 3 PM, it’s best to plan an indoor activity (preferably somewhere with A/C)

• - Check if your hotel room has A/C. If you’re staying at a rented apartment or home, look for one that has a sun porch or terrace and embrace the island schedule.