Cuba is blessed with a sunny tropical climate and so enjoys year-round warm weather. No matter when you visit Cuba, you will be able to enjoy its azure beaches, bustling city life and beautiful mountains. The weather on the archipelago along with the bounty of festivals and events taking place, ranging from vibrant carnivals to book fairs, attract visitors all year round.
We have put together a guide below of Cuba’s two weather seasons and some more details of the festivals that you should not miss.
Usually, the period from November to April is the driest. If you are hoping to escape from a rainy, wintery Britain and come back from your holiday with sun-kissed skin, then Cuba is the perfect destination.
Cuba’s tropical climate ensures the weather stays warm throughout the year. The average temperature in February is a remarkable 26°C with only 4 days of rainfall during the whole month. The temperatures rarely dip below 13°C during the night, so you’ll still be able to enjoy a classic Cuba Libre in one of Cuba’s outdoor cocktail bars.
May to October is dubbed locally as “wet” months, however this does not mean that you’ll experience rain during your holiday, even if you happen upon the odd shower whilst vacationing, it’s likely to be short and refreshing.
The so-called “wet” season can get quite hot as well. The average July temperatures in Havana are around 28°C and can reach 32°C during the day while staying a pleasant 22°C in the evenings. September and October are the low season for tourism in Cuba, so you can experience the island without annoying crowds.
Most people would agree that November through to April are the best months to visit Cuba. The days are long and sunny, with average temperatures of 27-29°C. There is very little rain during these months, which may be the reason why they tend to be Cuba’s busiest. Another advantage of this period is the many major events and festivals like the Carnival of Isla de la Juventud.
Every December, Havana hosts the International Festival of New Latin American Cinema, which aims to promote filmmakers from Latin American and Caribbean countries.
Liberation Day is a national holiday celebrated on the 1st of January. In cities like Havana and Santiago de Cuba, tourists can take advantage of the many free concerts and spectacles.
Havana’s International Book Fair takes place in February and strives to raise the popularity of books and Cuban writers in particular. The festivities include literary readings, concerts, and stalls where you can purchase books from different publishers.
The Pinero Carnival lasts about 4 days in March on La Isla de la Juventud and features giant parades, street parties, sporting events, and generous quantities of Cuban rum.
Another big Havana event is the International Cuban Dance Festival that happens in April. During the week-long celebrations, you can attend workshops and showcases or show off your dance moves in the many clubs and parties.
Cubans mark The International Worker’s Day on the 1st of May with big parades, speeches, and musical events. You will see marching crowds dressed in red, waving flags, and remembering the Cuban Revolution.
The Fiestas San Juaneras, also known as Trinidad Carnival, happen in the last days of June on the gorgeous southern coast of the island. You can expect flashy costumes, horse-riding contests, and street parades.
The Festival of Fire (Festival del Caribe) celebrates Caribbean music and dance with the help of outdoor concerts, processions, and other events. You can attend the week-long celebrations from the 3rd to the 9th of July in Santiago de Cuba.
Cuba’s wet season boasts one of the brightest parties on the island – the Havana Carnival. It starts on August 16th with music, dance spectacles, and fireworks.
If you are a lover of the classics, you can go to the International Ballet Festival in Havana. The October event features dance companies from Cuba and abroad and is said to be one of the oldest festivals dedicated to ballet in the world.
If you prefer a more contemporary style of music, you can go to Santa Clara in November and attend Ciudad Metal – a large get-together for rock and metal aficionados.
You can go to Cuba in any month and you are still bound to find parties and entertainment!
