Ah, Cuba… A truly magical place. Just thinking about it makes you feel the vibe of Cuban dancing on the streets, the best cigars, and the world-famous revolutionaries. The only more important question than “How many cigars can you smoke in one day without getting dizzy or how many high-quality rums you can drink without being drunk” is when is the best time to visit this magnificent island. Well, you came to the right place to ask that question. And if you worry about your traveling visa, visit here to spare yourself from visa-related issues.
Weather
The weather is the most important factor of your trip because the activities that you can do there highly depend on how good the climate is during your stay. The weather varies between dry and hot and sometimes there could be some hurricanes.
Dry Season
The dry season is mostly between the middle of November and April. However, it differs from one month to another that’s why we will explain to you everything that you have to know about it before visiting Cuba. November is a month when the wet season is changing into a dry one and the temperature is rising while the prices are still lower than the peak of the season. The second half of November is what we highly recommend to you as it is one of the best times to visit due to the excellent climate and still low prices. Another reason why is that time is very good for you is that you will dodge the crowds that are going to swarm Cuba in December as it marks the beginning of the peak season. In December, tourists start to arrive in greater numbers so it’s advised to book at least 10 months before your arrival. December and January are generally recommended for hiking and sight-seeing, not only due to the dry weather but also due to the lower temperatures. Now, you should know that temperatures in Cuba don’t go much down even during those months. But it’s just perfect weather for those of you who are not big fans of high heat and looking for something more than beach cocktails and tanning. This is a great time to visit Trinidad, a UNESCO world heritage site that is so well preserved. The average temperature during February in Cuba is 26 degrees Celsius or 79 Fahrenheit, and at night, the temperature drops at 17 degrees Celsius or 63 Fahrenheit which is perfect for any occasion you might have on a vacation. This is also one of the best times to go to amazing Cuban beaches such as Varadero beach, Los Flamencos beach with white sand, Paraiso beach, and Ancon on the southern coast of Cuba. April is the month that marks the end of the peak season, but the lovely locals, the good weather, and all the beauties of this country are still the same, so you still have the chance to visit Cuba in April before the wet season begins.
Things you can do in the dry season are vast. Some are more unique than others but they are all enveloped in Cuban charm. It is a culturally rich country with a lot of history behind it. Just getting lost through the streets of Old Havana, seeing those beautiful baroque style architecture is an experience worth visiting.
Wet Season
As you can tell, the wet season starts approximately from May until the end of October. In May, the weather in Cuba starts to become more humid and rainy but the temperature is still high which is a good reason for tourists to stay and enjoy and the same goes for June. Other than hot weather that is appealing to many, rain doesn’t fall for too long and it comes handy because it removes the humidity. So those months are still recommended if you can’t make adjustments in your schedule and if you are into a high-temperature environment. July is one of the hottest months though rain is less than June and September. It is when the prices drop so if you are traveling on a budget, this is when you can come. It is in July when one of the biggest carnivals in the whole Caribbean happens – Santiago De Cuba Carnival. It is a carnival that happens in the Cuban city of Santiago and it is regarded as the biggest and the best events in the whole of Cuba so you can tell that it has everything you can imagine. Though the hurricane season starts from June and ends in November, it is August and September that are hit the most by hurricanes. It would still be advisable to stay during the beginning of August because that is when Havana Carnival begins and it is the place, together with Santiago Carnival where you can experience the culture of Cuban people in the most intense way. So it is carnivals that make Cuba more attractive even during the wet season. September and October are probably the best months to avoid due to hurricanes. The best thing to do is just to wait until the middle of November when the weather becomes increasingly better and Cuba gets its best appealing charm again.
Corona update
Cuba, despite going through economical issues is going pretty well and was able to tackle the Covid19 issue swiftly. They imposed lockdowns and kept their citizens safe. The question remains for how long are they going to be able to succeed in fighting because all the tests and equipment are pricy for any country so let’s hope that Cuba and its people will stay safe in this crisis and endure until the end.
Conclusion
Cuba has so much to offer throughout the whole year. If looking to experience lavish carnivals, the wet season is more suitable. If you are looking for beaches and hiking, dry season from November to May is plenty of time for you to visit and enjoy the experience in the mountains that still talk about Che Guevara and his revolutions. Casas particulares or private homestay is vera y recommended and amazing way to experience the culture of Cuba and get to know Cuban people better.