Visiting Cuba in the rainy season
If you visit in the summer, and more broadly between May and October, considered the wet season, expect it to rain on at least a couple of days over a fortnight. Don’t let this put you off, though. Although it comes down hard and fast, rain rarely stays for very long in Cuba, and the clouds soon break to allow sunshine through to dry everything out. There’s also perhaps a good trade off: rain means fewer visitors – so you can be more spontaneous when it comes to booking tours, accommodation and so on. And if you prefer a quieter time during your trip, it’s a win-win situation.
Eastern Cuba tends to be hotter and more humid during this part of the year, while the temperature in the area around Trinidad and Sancti Spíritus also creeps above the national average.
Visiting Cuba in May – August
The rainy season is just beginning in May, but doesn’t really get underway until the end of July or early August. Even then, you’ll most likely still get plenty of clear days. And if you want to get in some beach action you’ll most likely avoid the rain if you get there earlier in the day. May and June temperatures make for comfortable travel.
July through September sees temperatures soar to around 32˚C in Havana and Pinar del Río. Eastern areas, such as Santiago de Cuba, experience sweltering heat of around 33˚C.
If you don’t mind a little rain and potential sogginess you can seize the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in June and July – before temperatures soar in August. Visitor numbers are fewer and it’s easier to find good casa particulares. Horseriding in the Viñales valley is a great way to explore the area at this time – horses make light work of the mud!
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.
Visiting Cuba in September – November
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.
Wet weather, humidity and hurricanes aside, if you’re keeping an eye on the cost and perhaps want to experience Cuba during the quieter months, September and October are good times to visit. You can dig out decent deals on everything from flights and accommodation, to tours.