When you’re considering visiting Cuba you’ll usually have a little leeway at least as to when you can come, because, it’s true, there are better times of the year to visit Cuba. And that means, of course, that there are not so good times to visit Cuba. And so we’ll go through the different elements that go into the mix of figuring out the best time to visit Cuba. And what you need to consider when selecting a time to visit Cuba. There’s the weather, the cost of visiting Cuba, the availability of flights (which depend on the season), and outside factors. Ready?
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TLDR: the high season in Cuba is the months of January, February, and March.
There are several things to consider when planning your trip to Cuba, many of which you’ll already have worked out because they’re the same as in other countries. However. A trip to Cuba is truly unique. The geography, economic situation, and political climate mean that the considerations you need to take into account when planning your trip to Cuba are a little more complicated. However. It’s not difficult with a little planning.
Cuba has very distinct high and low seasons. They correlate with when the weather is best to visit Cuba. The dry season comes with sunny skies, warm temperatures and little if any rain. The wet season – and off or low season usually means rain and often oppressive storms.
Is the best time to visit Cuba now? Read my reasons for visiting Cuba. And reasons NOT to visit Cuba. It’s here.
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The Best Time to Visit Cuba – High and Low Seasons on the Calendar
- Low Season: July, August, September
- Shoulder Season: April, May June, October, November
- High Season: December, January, February, March
Even though the European (and North American) winter months of December through March aren’t that busy in Cuba and there tends not be be huge price hikes, you will see larger numbers of people traveling at this time. Technically Hurricane season in Cuba is from the 1st June until the 30th November, although the hurricanes tend to come in September and October.
When is the Best Time to Travel to Cuba? Weather
It’s hard to know where to start, but I’ll go with the weather first of all. It’s not always obvious from afar but Cuba has two distinctly different seasons. The wet season and the dry season. The dry season is definitely the better time to visit Cuba from a weather perspective – unless you prefer high humidity, wet and hot temperatures. However, you won’t be the only person traveling to Cuba during the dry season. The dry season is the most popular time to travel to Cuba. Most people will be more comfortable exploring Cuba during the dry season.
All about Cuba’s Dry Season
As this is the time when most visitors come to Cuba, here are some of the details to know about Cuba’s dry season.
When is the dry season in Cuba?
Cuba’s dry season is from November to April. And yes, it’s the busiest time to travel to Cuba. This is Cuba’s high season. And while it means it’s the most expensive time to travel to Cuba, it also means also that there are the most options available for flights to Cuba.
The most popular months to visit Cuba during the dry season are January, February, and March.
What’s the rainfall in Cuba’s dry season?
Cuba averages 25 to 50 millimeters (1 – 2 inches) of rain a month during the dry season, but weather patterns change and they can vary dramatically depending on where you are in Cuba. Always check the local forecast.
What’s the temperature in Cuba in the dry season?
You’ll get temperatures from the mid-20s Celsius to the low 30’s (mid-70s to mid 80’s Fahrenheit)
Marine life in Cuba’s dry season
It turns out that it’s not just us that like the dry season in Cuba. So does marine life, so you’ll tend to find that you might find jellyfish close to the shores in the dry season. Be aware and ask locally. You’ll also find some algae and seaweed washing up on shore.
Are there Hurricanes in Cuba’s dry season?
Hurricanes tend to be very rare during Cuba’s dry season. Cuba gets most of its hurricanes between April and October.
Will there be mosquitoes during Cuba’s dry season?
Cuba is a tropical island you should expect to see mosquitoes at all times. However, there are fewer of them during the dry season. My guide to mosquitoes in Cuba is here.
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All About Cuba’s Wet Season
It’s generally cheaper to travel to Cuba during the wet season, but there is also a lot less choice –of flights specifically, so you might find it harder to get here. However, the schedule for Viazul buses tends to be exactly the same all year round.
When is the wet season in Cuba?
Cuba’s wet months are June, September, and October. It’s hot, wet, and humid during these months. Cuba gets more than 70% of its rainfall between May and October. It’s not cold though. Well, not to most folks. The weather tends to get more humid and wetter later in the summer as we head toward hurricane season.
What’s the rainfall in Cuba’s wet season?
You can expect to see from 120 mm (4.7 inches) to 177 mm (7 inches) of rain a month during Cuba’s rainy season.
What are the average temperatures in Cuba’s Wet Season?
The months of the wet season in Cuba see temperatures during the day in the high 20s Celsius to mid-30s. However, it’s usually very humid and wet, so it feels worse.
Are there Hurricanes in Cuba’s wet season?
Officially Hurricane season in Cuba is from 1st June until November 30th, but the riskiest time to travel is in September and October. Especially if you’re traveling during hurricane season make sure you have a few key items with you.
- Good travel insurance (read our guide to travel insurance here – or skip to the chase and get a quote from one of our preferred suppliers, as not all companies will provide cover for Cuba.
Cuba Travel Insurance Options
Visitors Coverage provides insurance for Cuba for citizens of all countries (but NOT residents of New York State or Maryland in the USA. Get a quote here
Insubuy provides insurance for Cuba for citizens of all countries AND all States of the USA, INCLUDING New York & Maryland. You can get a quote here.
Civitatis provide insurance for Cuba for citizens of all countries. You can get a quote from Civtiatis here.
- A filter water bottle – don’t rely on supplies being potable. Our guide to the best filter water bottle for Cuba is here.
Will there be mosquitoes during Cuba’s wet season?
Oh yes. This is prime mosquito breeding season. While there are usually fewer mosquitoes at the beach once you head into the cities or the mountains then you’ll definitely encounter them. Come prepared. Even if you’ve booked air-conditioned rooms, plan for fuel shortages bring a mosquito net, and buy spray. You will be unlikely to buy any on the island unless you spend a LOT.
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Cheapest Time to Travel to Cuba
It is usually cheapest to travel to Cuba during the wet season – from May to October. While the costs on the island tend to be static (fuel shortages and inflation aside), flights to Cuba tend to be cheaper at this time as it is the slower time of year for tourists. You are likely to find that casa particulars and hotels are cheaper then too.
Specifically looking at the months of May, June, and September are when it’s cheapest to get to Cuba.
Cuba’s schools take their summer break in July and August, so you will see more local tourists at this time. However, this is also the hottest time to visit Cuba.
The Best Time to Visit Cuba by Activity
If you’ve a favored activity in mind for your trip to Cuba, then there are certain months of the year that are better than others. Here’s some key activities and the best time of the year to travel to Cuba.
Best Time to Travel to Cuba for Diving
Divers and snorkelers should aim to come to Cuba during the dry season – the waters are calmer and you’ll get better visilibilty. My guide to the best places to snorkel in Cuba is here.
The best time for divers to visit Cuba is from December to April. There are some great places to dive in Cuba, from the Jardnes de la Reina to the historic Bay of Pigs. Those visiting Vinales can also head to Cayo Jutias or Cayo Levisa for options there.
Best Time to Travel to Cuba for Beach Vacations
You can visit Cuba’s beaches at any time of the year, but the high season, December through April is the best time to come for a beach vacation. There is less rain, lower humidity and the skies are clearer. Cubans tend to visit the beaches during the summer months (often eschewing them and the ocean over the winter months, saying the water is too cold!!).
What it’s like in Cuba month by month
Here are our guides on what you can expect when visiting Cuba in different months.
Cuba in January
Christmas and New Year are the peak of Cuba’s tourist season, but once the first week of January has gone by the number of new arrivals drops off. Resorts are likely still full, but the number of independent travelers tends to drop. It is dry season here in Cuba, so there are rarely rains or storms and temperatures are usually around 24 Celsius (mid-70’s fahrenheit).
Cuba in February
It’s very much still high season here in February and the weather is generally very good. There are a lot of sunny days, not much rain – its the driest month of the year. This is perfect beach weather.
Cuba in March
You’ll still see higher visitor numbers in Cuba in March, this is still very much high season here. And the weather is very similar to that of February, so great for sunny days and warm but not overhot days. My guide to Cuba in March is here.
Cuba in April
April is a month of two halves – the first half is still quite busy with peak travel but mid month it starts to quieten down, as do prices. The weather is still great, come towards the end of the month for lower visitor numbers. My guide to Cuba in April is here.
Cuba in May
The month starts with International Workers Day (more on May Day in Cuba here), and the temperatures start to rise. You’ll get more rainstorms, as this is the begining of the rainy season in Cuba. Prices are lower, however, and you’ll see fewer visitors.
Cuba in June
It’s starting to get rather hot now in Cuba. We are at the beginning of Cuba’s summer. Humidity is high too, and you’re well within the rainy season now. You’ll need to watch for mosquitoes (more here), and plan your days to move around rainstorms. You’ll likely get a bargain on flights and some accommodation too. This is officially the start of the hurricane season in Cuba, so make sure you have good travel insurance.
Cuba in July
Its hot. And wet. Cuba’s July is the hottest and rainest. Rain storms tend to pass through quickly, and this is likely one of the lowest months for visitor numbers so you’ll tend to find deals on both flights and accommodation. There’s more on Cuba in July in my guide here. It’s a good time (albeit hot and sweaty) to come to Santiago de Cuba, its Carnival time there and a great experience.
Cuba in August
August is another hot and wet month. Humidity is very high, although the rain storms pass through quickly, there can be some disruption because of it. My guide to Cuba in August is here.
Cuba in September
Phew, I hear you say, the temperatures are dropping a bit now. However, the rain is still coming on down, this is the rainiest month of the year. And yes, its the time of the year when hurricanes are most likely. My guide to Cuba in September is here.
Cuba in October
While it’s still hurricane season here in Cuba during October, temperatures are likely to drop a little and the rain does taper off towards the end of the month. Its a month for lower visitor numbers and the difference in temperature really is quite pleasant.
Cuba in November
The end of November marks the end of Cuba’s hurricane season. You’ll find less rain and a more temperature climate. There are fewer visitors during November than December, so if you can alter holiday plans, November is a good time to visit Cuba.
Cuba in December
December in Cuba sees little rain, a lower humidity and gloriously clear skies. It’s also the festive time of year, and its when many Cubans living abroad might return home to celebrate with family. So, it tends to be busy with visitor numbers. The last half of the month is busy.
When NOT to Visit Cuba
One key consideration about visiting Cuba is if your government (or the government where you live) advises against it. This may be for safety, weather, natural disaster, or political reasons. You may choose to ignore this, but you should also be aware that it usually makes your travel insurance void.
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So make sure you have good travel insurance when you book your flights or trip so that if you have to cancel for unforeseen reasons you can have some chance of getting your money back.
Also, sign up for alerts from your government about Cuba before you travel to Cuba. Here are the links to the main countries for that.
- UK FCDO Advice on Traveling to Cuba
- US State Department Cuban Travel Information
- Canadian Government Advice on Travel to Cuba
- Australian Government Advice on Travel to Cuba
- New Zealand Government Advice on Travel to Cuba
Final Words on the Best Time to Visit Cuba
If you’re lucky enough to choose the time that you get to visit Cuba, then there are a few considerations to take into account when picking a time to visit. The weather and flight availability are the primary considerations for choosing when to visit Cuba. If you’re looking also for specific activities, then that will influence when to visit Cuba.
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