Cuba when is the rainy season

These short cold outbreaks, from December to March, may bring some days characterized by cool weather, and a bit of cold at night, especially in the north-western part see Havana, Varadero. These cool air masses reach the southern side of the northwest see Cayo Largo , Isla de la Juventud less often, and even less in the south-east of the country, and particularly rarely on the south coast see Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo , which is more sheltered. In winter, you can visit cities and go on excursions: the sea is warm but the sun is not always guaranteed, and the air temperature is not always warm enough for swimming, at least for those who are sensitive to cold.

Nevertheless, in the south-east, as mentioned, the coast south of Sierra Maestra is sheltered from the north winds, so in winter has a warmer microclimate and is usually nice for a beach holiday.

During the rainy season , there's muggy heat everywhere, which is sometimes hard to bear, even though it is tempered by the breeze. The hottest months are July and August. The rains are often intense, but they occur mostly in the form of showers or thunderstorms in late afternoon.

In July, there's often a relative break in the rains, especially in the south, when rain showers become less frequent even though the heat is still intense.

The climate of Cuba is tropical, characterized by the constant blowing of the trade winds that come from the Atlantic Ocean. The Cuban climate is divided into two distinct seasons. Then there is the hot and rainy season that runs from May to October. During this season, rainfall is abundant and intense. Sometimes violent hurricanes can occur in this season, especially between August and October. For festivals , July and August are the best times to be in Havana and Santiago.

Both are settings for the vibrant annual carnival, and worth organising your itinerary around these lively, joyous events. Santiago is also host to the Fiesta del Caribe Santiago de Cuba, a week-long celebration of Caribbean music and dance, at the beginning of July. Prices rise in July and August and it gets noticeably busier, as this is when Cubans traditionally take their holidays. However, the more low-key resorts come to life during this time, whereas off season the cultural activities and liveliness generated by visitors tapers off.

September and October are the most threatening months of the annual hurricane season that runs from June to November, particularly in coastal areas. Compared to other Caribbean islands and some Central American countries, however, Cuba has so far held up relatively well even in the fiercest of hurricanes. Bear in mind though that rural areas are more vulnerable and hurricanes can cause some mountain trails and national parks to close.

You can dig out decent deals on everything from flights and accommodation, to tours. Cuba is brimming with festivals and cultural events , celebrating everything from music and dance, film and theatre, the Cuban revolution — and cigars! Basing your trip around one of these can help you decide when to go to Cuba.

Read more on festivals in Cuba. Planning to travel here? Go tailor-made! Best time to visit Cuba Tailor-made Travel. Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts.