While it might not be as hot as the peak summer months, it is still rather warm in Cuba in September, and there’s often a lot of rainfall too, as this is still the wet season. The beginning of September tends to still be quite busy, but by the end of the month you’ll see the numbers of visitors lowering and prices will also fall. There are often good accommodation deals to be had. Cuba in September is a good time to engage in more cultural activities and stay inside when you can. Here’s what to expect and what there is to do in Cuba in September.
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It’s worth bearing in mind that September in Cuba is hurricane season, so you should ensure that you plan appropriately with travel insurance (our guide on Cuba travel and medical insurance is here). You’re likely, certainly towards the end of the month, to find quiet, even deserted beaches and quieter places in towns and cities too. Here’s what to do in Cuba in September.
The Weather in September in Cuba
The weather in Cuba in September, is wet, still warm, and it’s also hurricane season. Temperatures drop quite a bit at night, so it’s a lot more comfortable than Cuba in August. You’re likely to see an average of 13 days of rain during September, but the rain usually comes in the afternoon, monthly averages for downpours are 70 millimeters (3 inches) of rain in September.
You’ll see 12 hours of daylight a day, with sunrise at 07:30 and sunset at 19:30.
The driest places in Cuba during September are Maria la Gorda and areas to the far west of Cuba, as well as Baracoa at the east end of the island. You can read our guide to Baracoa here but plan to be away by October, as the trade winds usually bring rain during October.
Don’t forget that wet weather brings mosquitoes. There’s no malaria here in Cuba, but there can be Dengue Fever, Zika, and Chikungunya. Hurricanes and rain storms also bring the potential for power outages too. So bring a mosquito net and bug spray too. My guide to mosquitoes in Cuba is here.
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In recent years Cuba has seen several hurricanes, with Hurricane Laura on the 23rd and 24th of September 2022, although it was Tropical Storm strength as it passed through Cuba. Also, Hurricane Ian, came through Western Cuba at the end of the month, passing over and devastating a lot of the west of Cuba on September 27th, 2022.
Official hurricane season in Cuba is from the 1st of June until the 30th of November.
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Temperatures in Cuba in September
You’ll usually find temperatures averaging 30 Celsius (86 Fahrenheit), in Cuba during September. At night it tends to drop to around 23 Celsius (73.4 Fahrenheit),
The sea temperature around Cuba during September is a very pleasant 29 Celsius (84.2 Fahrenheit)
Rainfall in Cuba in September
There is an average rainfall in September in Cuba of 70 millimeters (3 inches), and rain tends to fall first thing in the morning or the late afternoon.
Things to do in Cuba in September
With high levels of rainfall, you’ll want to consider planning indoor activities. Cooking lessons are popular, as are salsa lessons. It’s a great time to check out museums.
Santiago de Cuba has some excellent museums, as does Havana and you’ll find details of them in our itinerary that focuses on the Cuban Revolution here.
September sees several festivals and saints days, that you should take a look at if you’re visiting during the month.
September 7th is the Day of the Virgin of Regla: This Catholic festival has its biggest celebration in the Havana Regla neighborhood.
September 8th is the Day of our Lady of Charity of Copper – the Patron Saint of Cuba. There’s a traditional procession in La Habana Centro.
September 28th is the anniversary of the formation of the “Comite de la Defense de la Revolution” (the CDR), which dates back to 1960. You’ll find political speeches, parties, and at the neighborhood parties the traditional caldosa stew. If you’re staying in a casa particular, then be sure to ask if you can get involved.
Divers should head to Maria La Gorda in the Pinar del Rio province, where it’s whale shark watching season.
Top Tours and Activities to Book during September
Consider booking a cooking class or salsa dancing class during September.
As it’s also drier in the west of the country heading towards the Pinar del Rio province and the tobacco fields of Vinales is a good option too.
What is there to see in Cuba in September?
Here’s what you should look to do if you’re visiting Cuba in September.
You’ll generally encounter fewer foreign visitors in Cuba during September. If you’re okay with the slightly inclement weather, then come for the cultural festivals and emptier beaches.
So you’ll want to check out beaches like Playa Ancon (here’s how to get there), and our guide to Cuba’s top beaches is here.
This is a good time for budget travelers to visit Cuba.
Why visit Cuba in September?
You’re likely to get a deal if you’re planning on visiting Cuba during September. It is Hurricane season, so you’ll want to be prepared for this, but you’ll find that it’s a quiet time of year for international visitors.
Temperatures are falling after the major heat of summer. The sea is warm.
Is it busy in Cuba in September?
No. This is a quiet time of year to visit Cuba.
Final Words on Visiting Cuba in September
The high heat of summer has started to pass in September, and the crowds will have disappeared. You may get a little inclement weather, or perhaps a hurricane, so keep an eye on the weather, look for a deal and this might be the time to plan a last minute trip to Cuba,!
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