Best time to visit Cuba

Cuba weather is hot in summer and rarely cold in winter, and there is plenty of sunshine throughout the year.

Cuba by month

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

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Top Cuba destinations

Below are the temperatures expected today at popular countries, regions and places in Cuba. Select a destination to compare today's forecast with average weather conditions.

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When is the best time to visit Cuba?

The best time to visit Cuba (Havana) is March and April based on the following average weather conditions.

Maximum daytime temperature = 72 - 86°F [remove]
Daily hours of sunshine = 10 hours or more [remove]

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Max Day Temperature (°F)

  • 79°F maximum daytime temperature in January in Cuba (Havana)79
    Jan
  • 79°F maximum daytime temperature in February in Cuba (Havana)79
    Feb
  • 82°F maximum daytime temperature in March in Cuba (Havana)82
    Mar
  • 84°F maximum daytime temperature in April in Cuba (Havana)84
    Apr
  • 86°F maximum daytime temperature in May in Cuba (Havana)86
    May
  • 88°F maximum daytime temperature in June in Cuba (Havana)88
    Jun
  • 90°F maximum daytime temperature in July in Cuba (Havana)90
    Jul
  • 90°F maximum daytime temperature in August in Cuba (Havana)90
    Aug
  • 88°F maximum daytime temperature in September in Cuba (Havana)88
    Sep
  • 86°F maximum daytime temperature in October in Cuba (Havana)86
    Oct
  • 82°F maximum daytime temperature in November in Cuba (Havana)82
    Nov
  • 81°F maximum daytime temperature in December in Cuba (Havana)81
    Dec

Hours of Sunshine (daily)

Best time to visit

The weather guide for Cuba (Havana) shows long term weather averages processed from data supplied by CRU (University of East Anglia) & today's weather forecast provided by meteoblue. Find out more about our data sources.

Metric (°C)  |  Imperial (°F)

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Cuba weather overview

In summer in Cuba it rains but never for too long while in winter it is warm and sunny with only occasional periods of cooler, cloudy or wet conditions. Cuba is an ideal year-round holiday destination.

Cuba has grown in popularity as a holiday destination since the late 1990s with about 3 million visitors arriving in 2012.

From the UK there are direct flights from London Gatwick and Manchester with flights times of between 9 and 10 hours.

Havana, Cuba
Havana, Cuba © dzain - Fotolia.com

With its unique cultural heritage, fine colonial architecture and superb beaches Cuba has become a magnet for travellers of all ages out to explore as well as those who just want to sit on the beach. The local people are friendly and the island is by and large a safe place to travel.

There is plenty of countryside for bird-watching, hiking and cycling including mountains with some spectacular waterfalls.

Many people combine a week of exploring the island with another spent relaxing at one of the many beach resorts such as Varadero or Cayo Coco. Cubans love music and dance and really know how to throw a good party.

Cuba is by far the largest of the Caribbean islands, ten times the size of Jamaica, and lies just south of the Tropic of Cancer less than 100 miles from the Florida Keys. Cuba weather is tropical with distinct summer-wet and winter-dry seasons.

Arriving at Varadero Beach, Cuba
Arriving at Varadero Beach, Cuba © Lezumbalaberenjena - Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Much of the island is flat agricultural land with areas of low rolling hills, while in the far south there are two mountain ranges that dominate the south east region.

Nearly a quarter of Cuba's land-area is environmentally protected which includes eight National Parks.

There is a wet season during the summer from May to October when daytime temperatures rise into the low thirties Celsius and heat and humidity is very high.

However travellers should not be put off by the prospect of rain - there is plenty of sunshine as well. In fact it rarely rains for very long except when tropical storms move in from the Atlantic.

However travellers who are not accustomed to tropical conditions may find Cuba weather uncomfortably hot and humid in the summer months.

In which case our advice is the travel just before or after the wet season at the beginning of April or the end of October; the sea is still delightfully warm in October.

On the road to Santa Clara, Cuba
On the road to Santa Clara, Cuba © Lezumbalaberenjena - Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

November to April is slightly cooler with far less rainfall and again plenty of sunshine. During this winter season average maximum daytime temperatures fall by about 5°C or 6°C to the mid twenties Celsius.

On rare occasions, usually in January and February, cold fronts can slip southwards from the Unites States bringing relatively cold weather, with temperatures sometimes falling to single figures Celsius.

However the average minimum temperature during the winter still remains a reasonable 17-18°C.

Most places in Cuba have between 7 and 9 hours of sunshine a day throughout the year. It is cloudier during the wet season than the dry season but there are also more hours of daylight in these months.

While along the coast in the far south-east it is generally cloudier than elsewhere because of the nearby mountains.

On the coast from May to November most rainfall occurs towards the end of the day i.e. from 3pm in the afternoon to 10 or 11pm at night. That's the 3 hours before and 3 to 4 hours after sunset.

Inland and especially near mountains it can start raining earlier than 3pm - say from noon onwards but also stops a bit earlier.

Tropical storms and hurricanes mostly pass through this part of the Caribbean during the wet season from May to October.

August and September are the months when a storm is most likely to affect visitors to Cuba - usually resulting in 3 to 5 days of cloudy wet weather and some high winds and seas.

The probability of a storm coming within 600 kilometres, let alone making a direct hit, is not as high as many people imagine.

In Cuba over the past 50 years just 5-7% of August and September days been disrupted by tropical storms.

Cuba has a year-round warm to hot tropical climate and receives most of its rainfall in the summer months between May and October.

During winter it is cooler and drier with substantially less rainfall and lower heat and humidity.

There is plenty of sunshine throughout the year, even during the wet season. However the island can be affected by tropical storms and even hurricanes during this time.

What to pack for Cuba weather

Cuba is a warm tropical country so from April to November light clothes are all that is needed.

An umbrella is also useful at this time of year; it can rain very heavily but generally you can see the rain coming and take cover.

Waterproofs are only necessary if you are planning to hike up into the mountains, especially in the Alejandro Humboldt National Park.

In winter, from December to March, an extra layer is recommended because in the evenings it is cooler. Also it is advisable to take a fleece in case a cold front drops down from the north.

Generally everyday products such as toiletries are difficult to find in Cuba or very expensive, so make sure you take everything you may need.

UV is very high so it is especially important you take enough sunscreen with you and wear it everyday even when it is cloudy because the sun is strong.

Local varieties of sun cream can be bought but they are not as effective as the products you can buy back home.

More about Cuba

Explore our complete guide to Cuba with the latest travel advice for travellers and holidaymakers including official updates and local travel tips for Cuba.

Cuba travel guide - essential info

Below is a beginner's guide to Cuba with essential travel facts such as dominant language spoken, typical flight time from the UK and the local currency. You can also check whether visas are required and what plug adapter you need to pack.

Cuba - quick facts
Flight time 10 hours
Time difference UK -5 hours
Language(s) Spanish
Currency Cuban Peso
Electricity A + B + C + L plug (110V)
Driving side Right
Visa Yes

Why visit Cuba?

Considering a holiday to the Cuba? Here are some of the very good reasons it makes such a wonderful holiday destination be it for beaches or culture to ensure you get the most out of your 2025/2026 escape.

  • Beach babes - beaches
    Beaches
  • Culture vultures
    Culture
  • Nature lovers - nature & wildlife
    Nature
  • Night owls - nightlife
    Nightlife

Cuba tourist information

✝ = Typical flight time from the UK and visa requirements for UK travellers.

Travelling to Cuba?
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Cuba travel guidance

Check the latest travel guidance and advice on visiting Cuba from official government sources (in english) from around the world including entry requirements and travel restrictions.

Learn more about the current safety and security risks from terrorism, natural disasters and more. Read about the local laws and customs to consider when travelling around Cuba.

Note: UK FCDO - UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

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Cuba travel health

Find out more about staying safe when travelling to Cuba with the latest guidance on required vaccinations and recommended medication to take with you.

Check out the general travel tips for staying safe and healthy in Cuba, risks of preventable diseases and what to pack.

Note: CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Cuba travel features

Do you want to learn more about Cuba? Read our latest features covering travel tips and insider destination guides on where to go and what to do in Cuba.

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Cuba FAQs

Read our frequently asked questions about travelling to Cuba including the current entry restrictions, driving side, electrical plugs used and much more.

Which month has the most rain in Cuba?

In terms of rainfall, January is usually the wettest month in Havana, Cuba with 0.0 inches on average. There are normally no days in January with some rain.

When is it sunniest in Cuba?

The sunniest time of year in Havana, Cuba is normally January with bright sunshine on average for 0% of daylight hours; that's 0 hours of sunshine per day.

When is the sea warmest in Cuba?

The sea is usually at its warmest in Havana, Cuba in January when the water temperature reaches 32°F.

What is the flight time to Cuba from the UK?

The flight time to Cuba from the UK is typically 10 hours.

What is the time difference between Cuba and the UK?

The time difference between Cuba and the UK is UK time-5 hours.

What is the main language spoken in Cuba?

The main language spoken in Cuba is Spanish.

Learn a language for Cuba with Rosetta Stone*, Busuu* and Babbel*.

What is the currency in Cuba?

The currency in Cuba is the Cuban Peso (CUP).

Which plugs are used in Cuba?

Cuba uses electrical plug type A + B + C + L (110 Volts).

Which side of the road do they drive on in Cuba?

They drive on the right side of the road in Cuba.

Find out more about driving in Cuba with International Drivers Association*.

Do you need a visa for Cuba?

Yes, UK passport holders do need a visa to enter Cuba.

Check Cuba visa requirements for all passport holders with VisaHQ*.

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Cuba travel deals

Holidays to Cuba

Check out the latest deals, discount codes and special offers on holidays to Cuba in 2025/2026. Pay low deposits and save with last minute holiday availability and free kids places.

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