The Best Time of Year to Travel to Cuba

Cuba is known for its Caribbean warm climate and charming allure. But a lot of travelers find themselves wondering when is the best time to travel to Cuba? When is the most affordable? Here is an insider break down of when to travel. Let’s keep in mind that the average temperature year round in Cuba is about 24°C which is about 75°F. Our post explores The Best Time of Year to Travel to Cuba.

What’s the hottest part of Cuba?

Eastern Cuba tends to be known as the more hot and humid section of the country. Here cities such as Trinidad and Sancti Spíritus temperatures get to above the country average.

What is the peak of tourism to Cuba?

The height of the tourist season in Cuba is roughly from mid-December to mid-March but especially all of July and August. Why is this important to you? Prices are the highest and the crowds are the largest in these months. Budget traveler’s should note this as a prime time not to go to Cuba because you will get move value for your money in the off months. Will it still be fun? Absolutely! Larger cities such as Havana and Santiago will always be buzzing year round.
December to April is the best time to visit Cuba to avoid the rain and occasional hurricane threats. These months contain good heat, festivals, and good deals.

Do I need a passport or visa to visit Cuba?

Travelers to Cuba will need a tourist visa, or tourist card. The tourist card allows the traveler to stay in Cuba for 30 days and is valid for one single entry. However, for American travelers to Cuba, you will have to meet certain requirements for your visa. You can only get a certain type of visa and even then, it’s only provided by the Embassy in Washington D.C. Visa Note: Nationals of (1) the USA are subject to the Cuban assets control regulations enforced by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC; www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Programs/pages/cuba.aspx). Although sanctions have been eased, travel for touristic purposes is still prohibited. That said, it’s possible to visit Cuba as an American if you’re visiting for one of 12 specified reasons, including visiting close relatives, professional research, or participation in public performances or sports activities.
You will also need to provide proof of confirmed return flight and a booked accommodation upon arrival. Please remember that right now, U.S. Credit and debit cards do not work in Cuba. You should bring enough cash to cover all expenses or plan accordingly. Cuba is also very tourist friendly and a great place for solo travel.

When is the best time to visit Cuba?

Dry Season: November- April

Wet Season: May- October

– Some people may be turned away by the term “wet season”, but let it be known that although the rain comes down hard and fast it rarely stays for very long in Cuba.
Hurricane Season: June- November

January- February: $$
The countries average heat is sinking due to their frigid winter months in January and February where the temperature can get a low as 15°C (yes that is about 60°F). More specifically, December- February are sunny but have cooler temperatures which allows for perfect weather for sight seeing. Just because it may be ‘cooler’ to the opinion of locals, doesn’t mean it isn’t still beach weather for traveler’s seeing as the weather is probably the lowest of 60°F at this time.

March- April: $$$$
March and April are known to be the time when the weather begins to warm up. Due to Easter being in March, this is one of the busiest times for tourism in Cuba. Therefore we suggest if you choose to travel then, book well in advance because tours and hotels will fill up quickly!

June- August: $$$$$
Although July and August will be busy, it is still worth trying to get in on the fun. These months are filled with the best festivals in Havana and Santiago. Aside from falling in the most expensive months to travel are also unattractive times to travel because they are generally the hottest time of the year in Cuba. July is a very populated month to travel to Cuba because it is when the Cuban festival Carnival comes to Santiago.

October- December: $
The months September to October are typically known for having the most threatening weather. However, in comparison to the other Caribbean Islands and parts of Central America, Cuba has held up well to some of the nastiest storms. If you take the risk and travel at this time, know that the rural areas are more vulnerable than the city centers due to location and landscape.