Best Travel Time & Climate
Cuba has a tropical climate with two seasons: the dry season (November–April) and the rainy season (May–October). However, the differences are less dramatic than one might think.
Best Travel Time: November to April (Dry Season)
The absolute peak season and the best time for most travelers:
- Temperatures: 25–30°C during the day, 18–22°C at night — pleasantly warm, not oppressive
- Rain: Little to none. Perfect travel weather
- Sea: 24–27°C, crystal clear
- Disadvantage: Higher prices (especially December–March), more tourists, Casas Particulares often fully booked
Rainy Season: May to October
Not as bad as the name suggests — it usually rains only 1–2 hours in the afternoon as a tropical shower, then the sun shines again. Temperatures rise to 30–35°C with high humidity.
- Advantage: Significantly fewer tourists, lower prices (up to 30% discount), lush green landscape
- Disadvantage: Humid heat, mosquitoes, poorer visibility when diving
- Hurricane Season: August to October. Severe storms are rare but possible. Travel insurance with a hurricane clause is mandatory!
Sweet Spot: November and April
The transition months offer the best of both worlds: good weather, moderate prices, fewer tourists than in the high season.
Climate Table: Havana
| Month | Air °C | Water °C | Rainy Days | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21–27 | 25 | 5 | ★★★★★ |
| February | 21–28 | 25 | 4 | ★★★★★ |
| March | 22–29 | 25 | 4 | ★★★★★ |
| April | 23–30 | 26 | 5 | ★★★★ |
| May | 24–31 | 27 | 8 | ★★★ |
| June | 25–32 | 28 | 10 | ★★★ |
| July | 26–33 | 29 | 8 | ★★★ |
| August | 26–33 | 29 | 9 | ★★ |
| September | 25–32 | 29 | 11 | ★★ |
| October | 24–30 | 28 | 10 | ★★★ |
| November | 23–28 | 27 | 6 | ★★★★ |
| December | 21–27 | 26 | 5 | ★★★★★ |
💡 Tipp
November is the insider tip: The rainy season is over, the high season has not yet begun, and prices are 20–30% cheaper than in December. Perfect travel weather at a pleasant 27°C.
