Best time to visit Cuba

Deciding on the best time to visit Cuba requires an understanding of not only the seasons, but also the tourism seasons, festivals and a consideration for responsible travel. Cuba is such a rewarding place to visit, with some of the most beautiful landscapes, a climate typical of a Caribbean island and an entirely unique history. Cuba offers white sand beaches and crystal clear blue waters and a community of passionate, hospitable people. We always say after a holiday to Cuba, it is the local people who make it special, and that is largely part of the reason we think anytime you visit Cuba is a great time to visit. However, you came to weigh the pros and cons of different times so let us help you with that. If you want to look at the weather in Cuba yourself, we’d recommend the met office. Also, as a communist country one of the few ventures the local people can take independent of their government are in travel and hospitality – and we work exclusively with local people to ensure your travels have a positive impact on the local people.

Cuba has a typical Caribbean climate, with warm temperatures year round, high-humidity and a distinct dry and green season. These features will play some part in your decision, but also it is important to consider peak and low season. During peak season of course prices will be higher and everything will be busier, while the opposite is true for low season, plus it is healthier for the local communities to travel in low season. So, with this in mind, let’s get into it.

Different times to visit Cuba

January-February

This would fall under peak season, so travelling at this time you can expect heavy crowds and higher prices. The temperatures at this time range from 21°C to about 26°C, which is relatively cool for Cuba. There are a couple festivals you should be aware of that take place around this time; The Havana Jazz Festival which is a vibrant international music event which celebrates Cuban Jazz. Also the Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria which is a religious festival celebrated in some regions of Cuba, if you didn’t want to be around this you could easily choose a route that avoids it.

If you choose to travel at this time, perhaps choose an off-the-beaten track area that avoids the overcrowding in Havana. Op for one of our off-the-beaten track destinations for a more sustainable option for peak travel.

March-April

Though still part of the peak season, you will see prices here start to drop after easter time. The weather will warm up too, though not uncomfortably with temperatures averaging between 23°C and 27°C. If you want to get off the beaten track, this is a great time to visit eco-tourism spots like Viñales as the weather is great and the plants are beginning to bloom. There aren’t any major festivals at this time which also helps with reducing the crowds and enjoying a more unique holiday.

May-June

The official start of the green season, as rainfall increases and the plants start coming to life. The temperatures at this time are also rising to between 26°C and 30°C. Coming out of peak season now, prices for hotels and flights will drop, which means you can spend more money on activities out there. In June there is also the Festival del Caribe which is a celebration of Caribbean culture and heritage, which is celebrated across the country. For sustainable tourism, this is a great time to visit as it spreads the economic benefits of tourism further across the year.