Cuba Travel Information

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When to Go to Cuba

To get the most out of your next adventure it makes sense to consider some of the very local factors that combine to make up what you feel is the best time to travel to a destination. Many of these factors are very personal - some people prefer to travel when the weather is not too hot, or sites too crowded - others prefer to travel when a traditional local event is taking place. Taking into account the dates of public holidays can also make sense as these may have an impact on opening times of attractions, shops and restaurants, or might affect public transport or other services. Conversely public holidays can be a time of great local festivities and celebrations providing a feast of local expressionism and culture.

Climate

The Cuban climate is hot and humid all year round with temperatures averaging 25°C during the summer and 20°C during the winter. The subtropical climate is cooled by the gentle north easterly trade winds. 

The year is split into a dry season from November to April and a rainy season from May to October, the wettest months being May and June. The rainy season also coincides with the hurricane season from June to November however most hurricanes strike between August and October.

Seasonality

Between the months of December and April is the best time to visit, after the hurricane season and before the hot and humid summer months. Temperatures are pleasant but between December and March the evenings can be cooler. During these months most Europeans and Canadians will travel to Cuba therefore prices will be higher at this time, whilst Cubans take their holidays in July and August, so local beaches are very crowded at this time. 

Other times when Cubans holiday are at Christmas, Easter and the period around 26 July, when Cubans celebrate the anniversary of the revolution, these periods are also very busy.

August to October should be avoided as this is the worst time for hurricanes.

National Holidays

Date	Description
25 Jul 08	Celebration of the National Rebellion (Rebellion Day, 26 July 1953) for 3 days from the 25th - 27th July.
10 Oct 08	Cuba Day (Celebration of Culture)
25 Dec 08	Since the Pope's visit in 1997, Christmas day has been observed as a national holiday.
01 Jan 09	Liberation Day (1959)
01 May 09	Labour Day

National Events

Event	Occurs	Description
Fiesta del Fuego	3 - 9 July 2008 (annual)	Santiago de Cuba is host to a week-long street party known as the Fiesta del Fuego. The fiesta offers traditional bands and music, processions of decorated vehicles and dancers and stalls selling local food.
Havana carnival	every August	Takes place in El Malécon. The carnival offers a mix of parades and processions, dancing, fireworks, beer, rum and more.
Havana Jazz Festival	February 2009	Organised by Chucho Valdés this event is internationally renowned attracting an excellent line-up, with performances at venues around the city.
The Trinidad Way of the Cross Procession	March 2009 (annual)	Takes place in central Trinidad. A traditional Catholic celebration involving a procession through the streets following a route marked by various crosses. This is a wonderful event if you happen to be in the area at Easter.