Cuba
The best time to visit
When to go to Cuba
Go in the dry season, November to April, for warm, sunny days in Havana and on the beaches. The wet season, May to October, is hotter and more humid, and overlaps the Caribbean hurricane season, which peaks from August to October.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for Havana. Higher is better. Some links on this page are affiliate links, at no cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Feb.
Either side of peak, with thinner crowds and better rates.
Hurricane season.
In short
The year at a glance
Cuba is warm and tropical with a dry and a wet season, and we rate on Havana. The dry months from November to April are the prime window, with sunny, comfortable days for the old city, the classic cars and the white-sand beaches.
The wet season from May to October is hotter and more humid, with afternoon showers and the main hurricane risk, which is highest from August to October. Even then, mornings are often clear and prices are lower, but the storm season is worth planning around.
Month by month
Cuba month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Havana.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rating | What it is like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26°C / 79°F | 18°C / 64°F | 65 mm | Ideal 92 | Warm with a little rain. |
| February | 27°C / 81°F | 18°C / 64°F | 45 mm | Ideal 100 | Warm and dry. Havana hotels in February |
| March | 28°C / 82°F | 19°C / 66°F | 45 mm | Ideal 100 | Warm and dry. Havana hotels in March |
| April | 29°C / 84°F | 21°C / 70°F | 40 mm | Ideal 97 | Hot and dry. Havana hotels in April |
| May | 30°C / 86°F | 22°C / 72°F | 120 mm | Great 69 | Hot and wet. |
| June | 31°C / 88°F | 23°C / 73°F | 165 mm | Good 54 | Hot and wet. |
| July | 32°C / 90°F | 24°C / 75°F | 105 mm | Great 73 | Hot with a little rain. |
| August | 32°C / 90°F | 24°C / 75°F | 135 mm | Fair 39 | Hot and wet, storm season. |
| September | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 150 mm | Fair 34 | Hot and wet, storm season. |
| October | 29°C / 84°F | 23°C / 73°F | 170 mm | Fair 33 | Hot and wet, storm season. |
| November | 27°C / 81°F | 21°C / 70°F | 80 mm | Great 64 | Warm with a little rain, storm season. |
| December | 26°C / 79°F | 19°C / 66°F | 55 mm | Ideal 96 | Warm with a little rain. |
By region
Where you go changes when you go
Havana and the west
Best in the dry season for the old city and the tobacco country of Vinales. Hot and humid in summer.
Varadero and the beaches
The famous beaches are sunniest and calmest from November to April, the prime resort season.
Trinidad and the centre
Colonial towns and the Escambray hills, comfortable in the dry months and steamy in summer.
Go for
Best time to visit Cuba for
Havana and the cities
November to April for warm, dry, comfortable days exploring the old town and the classic-car streets.
Beaches
December to April for Varadero, Cayo Coco and the keys at their sunniest and calmest.
Diving and snorkelling
The dry season for the clearest water around the reefs and the Bay of Pigs.
Off-peak
May and June, before the worst of the storms, for cheaper travel and greener landscapes.
On the calendar
What is on, and when
Dry-season beaches, Nov to Apr
The coast and keys enjoy their sunniest, calmest weather.
Havana Carnival, summer
Music and parades fill the streets despite the summer heat.
Hurricane season
Aug to Nov.
Rainy season
Jun, Aug to Oct.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Cuba
Compare hotels and rentals around Havana, then book the month you want.
Ready to book?
Rates climb in peak season, so the best-weather months pay to book early. Shoulder and low months are the value windows.
Prefer to sort flights first? Compare flights
Questions
Good to know
What is the best time to visit Cuba?
When is hurricane season in Cuba?
Is summer a bad time to visit Cuba?
Where else, and when
Every country on one map, or jump straight to another guide.