Magnificent Cuba attracts tourists from all over the world thanks to its unique culture, warm weather, Caribbean exoticism, as well as beautiful beaches with a gentle entrance to the water. Once on Liberty Island, you can fully experience the amazing atmosphere of this place. Many travelers are ready for a long flight when they find out that Cuba can be enjoyed almost all year round.
Types of tourist seasons in Cuba
The island's calendar year is traditionally divided into two periods, each of which has its own individual climatic characteristics. From November to April, the weather is very hot and dry, and from May to October there is a lot of precipitation and heavy rains are possible.
Weather forecast for cities and resorts in Cuba
Beach season
As for the temperature of the water in the ocean, it is optimal for swimming in Cuba all year round. Throughout late autumn and throughout winter, the water temperature is invariably + 24-26 degrees. This fact is explained by the presence of warm underwater currents in the deep layers of the ocean, which warm the water all year round.
However, it is best to go to Cuba in winter, as this is the most comfortable time for a beach holiday. The main flow of tourists arrives at local resorts in December, January and February, and the cost of vouchers increases significantly.
As for the summer, the weather on the island is so hot that it is very difficult to hide from the scorching sun even in the water. In order to protect tourists from sunburn, hotel management installs sun loungers on the beaches and creates special areas where you can spend time in the shade.
Popular Cuban resorts
Low season
Starting in May, the number of holidaymakers has been decreasing and the steady dry weather has been replaced by rains. Air humidity increases over several months and reaches 85%. In such conditions, not everyone can afford to rest, so people with serious health problems should better refrain from traveling to Cuba between May and November.
For all its drawbacks, a trip to the island during the rainy season has several advantages. Among them:
- reduction in ticket prices by 30-40%;
- lack of crowds on the beaches;
- the opportunity to try your hand at windsurfing.
Those wishing to go on a trip during the low season should remember that the "last minute" voucher involves the departure sometimes several hours after purchase. Perhaps this is the only negative that should be resigned to those who want to save money on vacation.
Diving and windsurfing season
The underwater world of the Caribbean fascinates even experienced divers. Multi-colored fish, coral clusters, sunken ships, bizarre shells - you will see everything with your own eyes, plunging under the water. At the same time, you can go diving all year round without fear of deep-sea currents.
Of greatest interest to divers are the Jardines de la Reina archipelagos, the Varadero resort and the Guardalavake dive area. In these locations you will find several diving centers specialized in the training of professional divers.
The resorts of Cayo Guillermo and Santiago de Cuba invite tourists to windsurfing during the rainy season. For beginners, a program has been developed that includes classes with a qualified instructor who will explain to you the main features of sailing in stages.
Fishing season
Fishing in Cuba is not only fun for tourists, but also the main source of income for the local population. Therefore, fishing is treated as a ritual that requires careful preparation. Avid fish can be sure that they will get the most out of this process. You can fish in Cuba all year round, but there are times when one or another type of fish bites worse than others.
Swordfish is best caught in February and March, and the amazing sailfish is caught exclusively in October or November. Arriving in Cuba for the purpose of fishing, this type of holiday will be organized for you in any season, taking into account individual preferences. Of course, this pleasure is not cheap, but it is worth the money spent, as you will get the maximum of positive emotions. Tourist fishing is one of the priority areas on the island.
Holiday season
The Cuban calendar is full of events and celebrations, which are always celebrated with fun and on a grand scale. The people of Cuba honor each of the celebrations, linking it to important historical, cultural and international events.
Once on the island at any time of the year, you can take part in the festivities:
- Liberation Day of Cuba (January 1-2);
- International Workers Day (1 May);
- Day of National Uprising (July 26);
- Grito de Yara (October 10);
- Film Festival (early December);
- Festival of Caribbean Culture (late June - early July);
- Ballet Festival (mid-October).
It is worth noting that each of the holidays has its own colorful traditions, having studied which you can feel the true atmosphere of Cuba. Moreover, the combination of educational tourism with beach tourism is an excellent chance to fully enjoy your vacation.
Cuba climate
Meteorologists classify the island's climate as a tropical trade wind. This means that the sun shines all year round throughout Cuba and the level of humidity is quite high. Changes in the weather occur under the influence of the Gulf Stream, as well as due to the influence of air masses coming from the ocean. The average annual temperature ranges from +22 to +25 degrees.
Spring in Cuba
The first spring month is characterized by windy weather, especially for the ocean coast. The thermometer in March rises no higher than + 17-16 degrees. The temperature regime of the water is gradually increasing, reaching +24 degrees in May. The air becomes more humid and many tourists start leaving the island. On the other hand, spring is the time for sightseeing tourism, when visitors visit Cuban attractions.
Closer to May, it is rather rainy in Cuba. If you decide to travel this month, be prepared for tropical downpours accompanied by gusty winds. In this case, the rains stop as quickly as they begin. The temperature in May reaches +28 degrees.
Summer in Cuba
The weather on the island is very hot throughout the summer. Even water procedures do not save from the scorching rays of the sun, since the ocean warms up to +29 degrees. Significant relief is provided by the rains, which come mainly during the day.
Many hotels are emptying, and red flags appear on the beaches, warning of the danger of jellyfish. Resting in the summer, you should be extremely careful and stock up on sunscreen. Otherwise, there is a possibility of serious skin burns.
During the three summer months, the air temperature rarely drops below +34 degrees. In Trinidad, Cayo Coco and Santiago de Cuba, there is a sweltering heat for a long time, which subsides only in the evening. After 6 pm, locals and tourists alike go outside to shop or dine in restaurants.
Autumn in Cuba
This is not to say that the autumn climate is very different from the summer. This applies, first of all, to September, when the temperature indicators remain at the same level as in August. The air humidity exceeds 78% and this creates not very comfortable conditions for rest.
In October, inclement weather begins to subside, but small tornadoes or hurricanes can still occur on the coast. Therefore, going out to the open ocean in October can bring trouble. Tourists are advised to limit themselves to swimming and sunbathing.
In early November, rainy weather subsides and the official beach season opens. The air in the last autumn month warms up to + 27-29 degrees. The water temperature is set at +24 degrees.
Winter in Cuba
The flow of tourists increases dramatically during the winter months. This fact is explained by the fact that stable warm weather remains on the territory of the island and many visitors tend to celebrate the New Year in summer conditions. This situation is immediately reflected in the tourist pricing policy and the rise in prices for vouchers is a normal phenomenon in the winter.
Each winter month there are only two rainy days, which can be devoted to sightseeing culturally significant sites. The relatively mild climate contributes to the fact that the excursion activity on the island increases. In addition, the beaches are very quickly filled with vacationers from all over the world. Choosing a winter trip to Cuba, do not forget to purchase vouchers in advance, having learned all the information from the tour operator.
