The essentials
When to go to Cuba, in brief
December to April: the sweet spot
Warm, dry season. Clear skies, 25-29°C, low humidity from Havana to the east. It is also the busiest stretch.
March, the driest month
It gets the least rain of the year. Calm sea, strong sun and stable conditions on the beaches.
Varadero and the cays
The northern beaches are at their best from January to April: water around 25°C, moderate trade winds, few showers.
May to October: the wet season
Mostly late-afternoon showers, short but heavy. The trade-off is low prices, a greener island and fewer crowds.
September-October: avoid
Hurricane season peak: tropical storms, high humidity, risk of beach closures. Keep an eye on the bulletins.
The Santiago carnival
In late July, Santiago de Cuba moves to the beat of the conga. Hot and rainy, but it is the island's biggest party.
The verdict
The best periods
Dec - April
Dry and sunny everywhere. The prime window to combine Havana, Trinidad, Viñales and the beaches. Book 2 to 3 months ahead.
May - August
Hot and humid, short late-day showers. Soft prices and few crowds, outside the August hurricane peak.
Sept - Oct
Heart of hurricane season. Possible storms, heavy rain, choppy sea and a few site closures.
Month by month
The full calendar
Tap a month for the detailed guide: weather by region, where to go, festivals.
22-27°C
Dry, cool, high season
22-28°C
Dry, sunny
23-29°C
Driest of the year
24-30°C
Dry, heat rising
25-31°C
First rains
25-31°C
Humid, showers
26-32°C
Hot, carnival
26-32°C
Hot, storms
25-31°C
Hurricane peak
24-30°C
Rain, hurricanes
23-28°C
Dry returns
22-27°C
Dry, high season
Climate
Climate by region
| Region | Dry season | Wet season | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Havana & West | Dec-Apr: 22-29°C, dry | May-Oct: hot and humid | Ideal Dec-April |
| Varadero & northern cays | Jan-Apr: 24-29°C, calm sea | Sept-Oct: hurricane risk | Ideal Jan-April |
| Viñales (tobacco country) | Dec-Mar: mild, 18-28°C | June-Oct: afternoon rain | Ideal Dec-March |
| Santiago & the East | Dec-Apr: 24-31°C, hotter | May-Oct: wetter | Ideal Dec-April |
Calendar
The key events of the year
New Latin American Cinema Festival
Havana's big Latin film gathering, in the heart of the dry season. Screenings, talks and a festive mood across town.
🇨🇺 Havana
Habano Cigar Festival
A week devoted to the Cuban cigar: factory visits, tastings and gala nights. Dry season makes travel easy.
🇨🇺 Havana
Alicia Alonso International Ballet Festival
Companies from around the world at Havana's Gran Teatro. A dance highlight, at the close of the rainy season.
🇨🇺 Havana
Carnival of Santiago de Cuba
The island's biggest party: congas, comparsas, drums and parades around 26 July. Hot and festive.
🇨🇺 Santiago de Cuba
Our analysis
Cuba follows one simple rule: aim for the dry season, December to April. The whole island plays the same tune then, from colonial Havana to the beaches of Varadero. The rest of the year calls for a trade-off, especially in late summer.
The dry season, December to April
This is the prime window. Trade winds sweep the humidity away, skies stay clear and temperatures stay pleasant: 25 to 29°C by day, milder nights. March is the driest month of the year, ideal for the beach and for hiking in Viñales. January and February are the busiest, and prices climb around Christmas and New Year, when you should book two to three months ahead.
April extends the dry season with heat building toward the east. It is still an excellent time to combine Havana, Trinidad and a northern beach without facing the rain.
The late-summer trap
From May, humidity sets in. Until August, showers stay short and fall late in the afternoon: a fair compromise with low prices and few crowds. September and October, by contrast, concentrate the hurricane risk. Tropical storms can close a beach overnight. If you travel then, keep an eye on the bulletins and favor the interior.
One useful nuance: the east, around Santiago, stays hotter and a touch wetter than the west all year. For the July carnival, that is the price to pay for the island’s biggest party.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Cuba? +
From December to April: a dry, sunny season, 25-29°C, low humidity from Havana to Santiago. It is the prime window, and the busiest.
What is the worst time to visit Cuba? +
September and October are the hurricane season peak: possible tropical storms, heavy rain and a choppy sea. This is the riskiest time.
Can you visit Cuba during the rainy season? +
Yes. From May to August, showers are often short and fall late in the afternoon. Prices are low, the island greener and sites less crowded.
When to visit Varadero and the cays? +
From January to April: calm sea, water around 25°C, moderate trade winds and very few showers. It is the best beach window in the north.
When is the Santiago carnival in 2026? +
From 18 to 27 July, with the final parade around 26 July. Expect heat, up to 32°C, and some showers.
Do you need to book far ahead? +
For high season (December to March), yes: book flights and casas particulares two to three months ahead, especially around Christmas and New Year.
Marie Laurent · Southeast Asia specialist
Updated June 1, 2026