Climate and monthly weather forecast
Cuba

Cuba has a mainly tropical wet and dry type of climate (Köppen climate classification Aw) with hot, wet summers and warm, dry winters. A few areas in the northwest and southeast exhibit tropical monsoon (Köppen Am) and tropical rainforest (Köppen Af) climates. Cuba is an island nation that lies in the northern Caribbean region, entirely within the Tropic of Cancer. Cuba lies at the confluence of the Caribbean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, in the northern Caribbean region. Mexico is 130 miles to the west, the United States 93 miles to the northwest and north, and the Bahamas 13 miles to the north. Haiti, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands lie in the south of Cuba. The tropical latitudes and the engulfment by large water bodies chiefly influence the climate.

The main island of Cuba, along with four principal surrounding island groups, form an archipelago of islands in the Caribbean Sea. The main island is 780 miles long and 119 miles wide at its greatest breadth, with a vast coastline over 3570 miles. The surrounding sea consists of over 4000 islands and cays. Cuba is mostly flat with rolling plains that culminate into steep mountains in the southeastern corner. Mangroves and marshes occupy large portions of coastal areas, some as large as the Zapata Swamp, with 1750 square miles. The mountain ranges of Sierra del Rosario lie in the northwest, Escambray in the central region, and Sierra Crystal in the southeast part of the island. Pico Real del Turquino is the highest point at 1974 meters in the Sierra Maestra Mountains in the southeast.

The best time to visit Cuba is from December to March in the winter season. The temperatures drop to comfortable levels below 21.1°C (70°F) during the night, and the atmosphere is pleasant. The relatively dry season sees monthly rainfall less than 51mm (2.01"), with sunny days and mostly clear skies. Tourists enjoy the calm waters of the sea without the fear of hurricanes or storms that patrol the coast during the wet season. The period from December to February is especially favorable for excursions on the sea, with refreshing air and calm waters. The northwestern beaches are better in March and April, while winter is a great time to be in the southeastern part of the country.

The worst time to visit Cuba is during the hot summer season from June to August. The sun rays are at their highest intensity of the year and cause discomfort due to the shortage of broad-leaf trees. The humidity levels often reach 80%, which creates muggy conditions and induces much sweat. Even though high temperatures do not remain above 37.8°C (100°F) for extended periods, the cloud cover makes the conditions uncomfortable. The heavy rainfall can derail vacation plans. Check the weather forecast before undertaking long sea voyages or boat tours for more than a couple of hours.

Springtime in Cuba, from late March to early June, is a period of transition. During these months, temperatures begin to rise gradually, with daytime highs ranging between 26°C (78.8°F) to 31°C (87.8°F). As spring progresses, the humidity levels start to climb, creating warmer conditions. Despite being part of the dry season, occasional showers can occur, but they are usually brief and intense, and do not last for prolonged periods. This period still provides ample sunshine, making it a pleasant time to explore the country.

The summer in Cuba, from June to August, is marked by high temperatures and significant rainfall. Daytime temperatures are typically from 31°C (87.8°F) to 32°C (89.6°F), while nights remain warm at 22°C (71.6°F). These months are the wettest, with Havana receiving an average of 180mm (7.09") of rain in June, mostly in the form of heavy, short-lived showers. Despite the heat and humidity, the trade winds from the northeast provide some respite.

Autumn, from September to November, is a period of fluctuating weather conditions in Cuba. It is characterized by temperatures that range from 27°C (80.6°F) to 31°C (87.8°F) during the day and 20°C (68°F) to 23°C (73.4°F) at night. Rainfall begins to taper off, but September and October mark the peak of the hurricane season, which can bring severe weather conditions. By late November, rainfall significantly decreases, marking the transition into the dry season.

Cuban winters, from December to February, are mild and dry. Daytime temperatures usually fluctuate between 21°C (69.8°F) to 26°C (78.8°F), dropping to between 15°C (59°F) to 18°C (64.4°F) during the night. This season sees the least rainfall, with Havana averaging about 60mm (2.36") of rainfall in December. It's worth noting that occasional cold fronts from North America can cause temperatures to fall as low as 10°C (50°F) during the night, though such instances are rare.

January in Cuba marks the mid-point of the dry season, providing an escape from the wet and humid conditions typically experienced during other parts of the year. It is one of the coldest months, with average temperatures remaining between 18.9°C (66°F) to 21.1°C (70°F), offering a pleasant respite from the tropical heat. The capital city, Havana, experiences similar temperatures, with average lows dipping to 18°C (64.4°F) at night and daytime highs reaching about 26°C (78.8°F). Weather in January »

The month of February in Cuba continues the dry and cooler season. However, a slight increase in temperatures begins to signal the gradual transition towards spring. Average temperatures range from 19.4°C (66.9°F) to 22.8°C (73°F), a small yet perceptible increase from January. In Havana, the temperature during February stays around the country's average, with lows of 19°C (66.2°F) during nights and highs of 26°C (78.8°F) during the daytime. Weather in February »

As March arrives in Cuba, there is a noticeable shift towards warmer conditions, signifying the transition from winter to spring. Average temperatures range from 20.6°C (69.1°F) to 24.4°C (75.9°F), with warmer conditions prevalent in the day and cooler, comfortable nights. Havana, being the capital city, witnesses a similar trend, with average lows of about 20°C (68°F) at night and daytime highs approaching 27°C (80.6°F). Weather in March »

April signals the definitive end of the dry season in Cuba, heralding the imminent arrival of the wet season. Average temperatures in April range from 21.7°C (71.1°F) to 26.1°C (79°F), indicating a further increase in warmth as the country leans into summer. In the capital city of Havana, temperatures reflect the country's average, with lows around 21°C (69.8°F) during the night and highs of about 28°C (82.4°F) during the daytime. Weather in April »

May in Cuba marks the definitive start of the wet season and the transition towards summer. The average temperatures range from 22.8°C (73°F) to 27.8°C (82°F), with the heat becoming more pronounced as the month progresses. In Havana, temperatures align with the national average, reaching lows of approximately 22°C (71.6°F) at night and highs of about 30°C (86°F) during the day. Weather in May »

June sees Cuba fully entrenched in the wet season, with a significant increase in rainfall and humidity. Average temperatures in June oscillate from 23.9°C (75°F) to 29.4°C (84.9°F), showcasing the country's tropical weather conditions. In the capital, Havana, temperatures echo the national average with lows of about 23°C (73.4°F) at night and highs reaching 31°C (87.8°F) during the day. Weather in June »

July in Cuba is characterized by tropical weather conditions, with the country being in the midst of the wet season. Average temperatures this month range from 24.4°C (75.9°F) to 31.1°C (88°F), indicative of the sweltering summer heat. In Havana, the temperatures align closely with the national average, with nighttime lows around 24°C (75.2°F) and daytime highs peaking at about 32°C (89.6°F). Weather in July »

August in Cuba is traditionally the height of the wet season, marked by high temperatures and heavy rainfall. Average temperatures during this month range from 24.4°C (75.9°F) to 31.7°C (89.1°F), making it one of the warmest months of the year. In the capital, Havana, temperatures typically fall in line with the national average, with lows of approximately 24°C (75.2°F) at night and highs reaching up to 32°C (89.6°F) during the day. Weather in August »

September ushers in the tail-end of the wet season in Cuba, which is characterized by warm temperatures and abundant rainfall. Average temperatures during this month vary from 24.4°C (75.9°F) to 31.1°C (88°F), maintaining the tropical climate typical of this Caribbean island nation. In Havana, the capital, temperatures mirror the national average, with lows around 24°C (75.2°F) during the night and highs peaking at approximately 31°C (87.8°F) during the day. Weather in September »

October in Cuba brings a noticeable shift in weather as the wet season concludes, making way for drier and slightly cooler conditions. During this month, average temperatures range from 23.9°C (75°F) to 30.6°C (87.1°F), exhibiting a slight drop from the peak summer months. The capital, Havana, aligns with the country's average temperatures. Weather in October »

As the year progresses into November, Cuba enters the dry season, leading to a significant shift in the climate across the island. Average temperatures during this month range from 21.1°C (70°F) to 27.8°C (82°F), signifying a marked decrease from the hot summer months. Havana, Cuba's capital, follows the same trend with similar temperatures. Weather in November »

December in Cuba signals the full onset of the dry season, bringing about a considerable change in the nation's weather. Average temperatures during this month range from 18.9°C (66°F) to 26.7°C (80.1°F), reflecting a continuation of the cooling trend observed since the end of the hot summer months. The capital city, Havana, follows the national trend with temperatures dropping to approximately 19°C (66.2°F) during the night, and daytime highs reaching around 27°C (80.6°F). Weather in December »