Best Time to Visit Cuba — Month-by-Month Weather Guide
The best time to visit Cuba is November to April, during the dry season, when temperatures average 25–28°C with minimal rainfall. March and April typically offer the best balance of pleasant weather, reasonable prices, and manageable crowds — making them our most recommended months for UK travellers.
Cuba enjoys a tropical maritime climate with warm temperatures year-round, but the timing of your visit can significantly affect your experience. This month-by-month guide draws on our experience arranging Cuba holidays to help you choose the perfect time for your trip.
Cuba Weather Overview
Cuba sits in the Caribbean's Greater Antilles, straddling the Tropic of Cancer. The island enjoys two distinct seasons: the dry season (November to April) and the wet season (May to October). Average annual temperatures hover around 25°C, though summer months regularly reach 32°C or higher with high humidity.
The dry season brings northeast trade winds that keep conditions comfortable, with blue skies and temperatures between 22°C and 28°C. The wet season is characterised by short, intense afternoon showers rather than all-day rain — mornings are usually clear and sunny. However, humidity levels are noticeably higher from June to September, and the hurricane season runs from June to November.
Month-by-Month Guide
January
January is one of Cuba's most popular months. Temperatures average 22–26°C with very low rainfall. The Havana Jazz Festival (mid-January) draws international artists and creates a vibrant atmosphere in the capital. Expect higher hotel prices and busier tourist sites. Early booking is essential for January departures.
February
Cuba's driest month, with average rainfall of just 46mm. Temperatures are comfortable at 22–27°C. The Habanos Festival (Cuba's famous cigar festival) takes place in late February, attracting aficionados worldwide. The Havana Carnival brings colourful parades to the Malecón. Prices remain at their peak.
March
Our top recommendation. March offers warm, dry conditions (24–28°C) with noticeably fewer visitors than January and February. Prices begin to ease slightly, and all tourist sites and facilities are fully operational. The weather is ideal for touring — warm enough for beaches, comfortable enough for exploring Havana, Viñales, and Trinidad on foot.
April
An excellent transition month. Temperatures climb to 25–30°C with increasing humidity, but rainfall remains modest. April offers some of the best value of the dry season, with lower prices and thinner crowds. The last truly reliable month before the wet season arrives.
May
The wet season begins. Afternoon showers become regular, though mornings are usually clear and sunny. Temperatures reach 26–31°C. Tourist numbers drop significantly, meaning lower prices and a more authentic experience. An excellent month for budget-conscious travellers who don't mind occasional rain.
June
Hot and humid, with temperatures regularly exceeding 31°C. Hurricane season officially begins on 1 June, though storms in June are statistically rare. Accommodation prices are at their lowest. The countryside is lush and green, creating beautiful landscapes for photography.
July
Peak summer heat (30–33°C) with high humidity. The famous Carnaval de Santiago de Cuba (late July) is one of the Caribbean's most spectacular festivals — if you can handle the heat, it's an unforgettable cultural experience. European school holidays mean slightly higher prices than June.
August
Cuba's hottest month, with temperatures reaching 33–35°C and oppressive humidity. This is the peak of UK school holidays, so prices rise despite the challenging conditions. Swimming and beach time are the main activities — extensive touring is uncomfortable. Hurricane risk increases.
September
Cuba's wettest month and the peak of hurricane season. Average rainfall reaches 182mm. However, actual hurricanes remain statistically uncommon, and when they do occur, Cuba has one of the most effective civil defence systems in the Caribbean. The lowest prices of the year for the adventurous.
October
Still within hurricane season but rainfall begins to ease. Temperatures remain warm (26–30°C). Very few tourists, meaning genuinely authentic cultural interactions. October is ideal for travellers who prefer local experiences over polished tourism and are comfortable with some weather unpredictability.
November
The dry season returns, and with it, a noticeable improvement in conditions. Temperatures moderate to 24–28°C, humidity drops, and rainfall decreases sharply. Tourist infrastructure ramps up for the season ahead. November offers excellent value — dry season weather at shoulder season prices. One of our recommended months.
December
Holiday season brings a festive atmosphere and a sharp rise in prices. Christmas and New Year in Cuba are magical — live music, rum, and warm Caribbean evenings. Temperatures of 22–27°C are perfect. Book well in advance for December travel, particularly Havana and Trinidad where accommodation sells out quickly.
Best Time for Specific Activities
Beach Holidays
December to April is ideal for beach time, with the driest conditions and comfortable temperatures. Varadero and Cayo Largo enjoy the clearest waters during these months. Sea temperatures range from 25°C (winter) to 29°C (summer).
Touring & Sightseeing
November to March offers the most comfortable conditions for exploring Havana's streets, hiking in Viñales, and wandering Trinidad's colonial centre. Lower humidity makes walking and cycling tours far more pleasant.
Diving & Snorkelling
June to September offers the warmest water (28–30°C), best underwater visibility, and calmest seas on the southern coast. The Bay of Pigs and Jardines de la Reina are world-class dive sites at their best during summer months.
Birdwatching
March to May is migration season, when North American species pass through Cuba alongside endemic species like the Cuban Trogon and Bee Hummingbird. The Zapata Peninsula is Cuba's top birding destination.
Festivals & Culture
January (Havana Jazz Festival), February (Habanos Festival, Havana Carnival), July (Santiago Carnival), and December (festive season) are the cultural highlights.
Hurricane Season — Should You Worry?
Cuba's hurricane season runs from June to November, with the greatest risk in September and October. However, Cuba has one of the most effective hurricane preparedness systems in the world — the civil defence infrastructure is widely regarded as among the best in the Caribbean.
Statistically, the probability of a hurricane directly affecting your holiday is low. When storms do approach, Cuban authorities issue early warnings and have well-practised evacuation procedures. Most UK tour operators and travel insurance providers cover hurricane disruption as standard.
If you do choose to travel during hurricane season, the trade-off is significantly lower prices, fewer crowds, and lush green landscapes. The FCDO provides up-to-date guidance on travel to Cuba — we always recommend checking before departure.
Prices and Crowds by Season
Understanding seasonal pricing helps you get the best value from your Cuba holiday:
Peak season (December–March): Highest prices, busiest tourist sites. Book 4–6 months ahead. Expect to pay 20–30% more than shoulder season for the same accommodation.
Shoulder season (April–May, November): Best value-for-quality. Dry or mostly dry weather, lower prices, fewer crowds. Our recommended months for value-conscious travellers.
Low season (June–October): Cheapest prices, hottest conditions. Perfect for travellers on a budget who are flexible about weather. Some smaller casas particulares may close.
Flight prices from the UK also vary seasonally. Indirect flights to Cuba via Madrid, Amsterdam, or Toronto tend to be cheapest in May–June and October–November, with peak fares in December and during UK school holidays.
Our Recommendation
Based on our experience arranging holidays to Cuba for UK travellers, we recommend March or November as the ideal months. Both offer reliable dry weather, comfortable temperatures, and better value than the December–February peak.
March is slightly warmer and perfectly timed for travellers who want to escape the tail end of the British winter. November marks the start of the dry season with a wonderful freshness to the air and landscape.
That said, Cuba is a year-round destination. We've arranged holidays in every month of the year, and our clients consistently report having wonderful experiences regardless of when they travel. The key is matching your expectations to the season — and that's where our travel team can help.
