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.
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?
Hurricane season in Cuba usually starts in the middle of August and runs through to the end of 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)
- 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.
What it’s like in Cuba month by month
Here are our guides on what you can expect when visiting Cuba in different months.
- Things to do in Cuba in March
- Cuba in April
- Cuba in July – events, activities, and weather
- Cuba in August – events, activities, and weather
- Cuba in September – what to expect
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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