Cuba Weather, climate and geography

Cuba has a tropical climate with two main seasons: the dry season starts in late November and lasts until mid-April, and the rainy season is from May to October.

The dry season (late November to mid-April) is the best time to visit Cuba, and you can expect daytime temperatures to be around 26°C (79°F) to 30°C (86°F). It must be noted that rainfall does occur during the dry season – the sky will open up and rain hard for a few days a month.

The rainy season (May to October) is wet and muggy. From August to October, tropical storms and cyclones are likely to affect the eastern part of Cuba. Hurricanes can happen during this period too.

Shaped like a crocodile, Cuba is long and slender in size. The climate varies slightly from one side to the other. Generally, the northwestern part of Cuba (where Havana is located) is a few degrees cooler than the southeastern part from December to March, when the cool air from North America arrives.

The best time to visit Havana:
The best time to visit Havana is from December to March when the rainfall is at its lowest – February and March are the driest months with just 45mm (1.8 inches) of rain each month. But when it rains, expect a heavy downpour. Temperature-wise, you can expect average highs to be between 26°C (79°F) to 28°C (82°F) during this period. If you are visiting Havana from June to October, rain gear is a must.

The best time to visit Santiago de Cuba:
The second-largest city, Santiago de Cuba sits on the southern coast and enjoys slightly warmer weather than Havana. The best time to visit Santiago de Cuba is still from December to March, during the dry season, and you can expect an average high of 28°C (82°F). Rainfalls are frequent from May to October (except July).