Climate and monthly weather forecastMatanzas, Cuba

The climate of Matanzas

Matanzas, located in the central northern area of Cuba, characteristically experiences a Tropical wet and dry climate according to the Köppen climate classification. This essentially means that the climate retains a high-latitude-temperature feel throughout the entire year. Interestingly, the city records two distinctive phases every year, namely a wet period which commences in May and sweats it off in October followed by a dry period from November to April.

Throughout the year, overall temperatures in Matanzas oscillate between a cozy 18.6°C (65.5°F) and a toasty 32.1°C (89.8°F). Relative humidity ranges from 71% to 82%, indicating a very humid atmosphere. The city records rainfall, with quantities varying from as little as 19mm (0.75") to a substantial 119mm (4.69") per month on average. The rainfall is spread over approximately 10.8 to 23.5 days a month. The sea temperature also remains relatively warm all year round, fluctuating from 24.9°C (76.8°F) to 30.2°C (86.4°F).

While daylight ranges from 10.7 to 13.5 hours a day, actual sunshine received is, however, lower with an average of 6.2 to 10.9 hours a day. In contrast, cloud cover varies from 26% to 39% throughout the year. Wind speed typically ranges from 9.5km/h (5.9mph) to 13.1km/h (8.1mph), with gusts reaching up to 19.8km/h (12.3mph).

Matanzas exhibits summer highs in August reaching up to 32.1°C (89.8°F), while in winters, temperature generally doesn't fall beyond 20.1°C (68.2°F) in January. The driest month is March with rainfall recorded at 19mm (0.75") while wettest months tally from August to October with a hefty 106mm (4.17") to 119mm (4.69") of rainfall.

The best time to visit Matanzas

Calendar months from December to April prove to be the most favorable for a visit to Matanzas. During these months, the city experiences mild and enjoyable weather with minimum rainfall. It's the dry season with average temperature fluctuating between 18.6°C (65.5°F) and 27.2°C (81°F). Additionally, sea temperatures are warm enough for swimming ranging from 24.9°C (76.8°F) in December to 27°C (80.6°F) in April. The city also enjoys plenty of sunshine with 6.3 to 9.4 hours per day.

The worst time to visit Matanzas

Planning a visit to Matanzas during the rainy season from May to October can be challenging. During this period, the city experiences high rainfall, with precipitation levels reaching up to 119mm (4.69") in August and showers spread over as many as 23.5 days in June. The temperature also rises to its peak with recorded highs of 32.1°C (89.8°F) on average.

Spring weather in Matanzas

Springtime in Matanzas, from March to May, exhibits a transition from dry to wet season. Temperature gradually warms up from 27.8°C (82°F) in March to 30.4°C (86.7°F) in May. Nights are cooler with temperatures ranging from 19.8°C (67.6°F) to 23.1°C (73.6°F). Rainfall increases from 19mm (0.75") in March to a significant 105mm (4.13") in May. Sunshine hours decrease over time from 9.4 hours in March to as low as 10.5 hours in May.

Summer weather in Matanzas

The summer months from June to August showcase Matanzas's tropical weather with temperatures fluctuating between 24.2°C (75.6°F) and 32.1°C (89.8°F). This is the peak of the city's wet season, with rainfall staying high, averaging between 106mm (4.17") and 119mm (4.69"). With longer daylight hours ranging between 13.4 and 13.5 hours a day, sunshine hours surprisingly decrease to an average of 10.3 to 10.9 hours per day.

Autumn weather in Matanzas

Autumn in Matanzas, from September to November, continues to carry the heavy rainfall from the peak wet season, slowly easing down to 27mm (1.06") by November. Temperatures decrease over these months from 31.2°C (88.2°F) to 27.2°C (81°F) while night temperatures generally range between 24.1°C (75.4°F) and 21.2°C (70.2°F). The amount of daily sunshine also decreases throughout these months ranging from 8.8 hours to 6.2 hours.

Winter weather in Matanzas

The winter season in Matanzas is characteristically mild and less humid compared to the summer months. Spanning from December to February, temperature ranges between 18.6°C (65.5°F) and 26.9°C (80.4°F). Rainfall reduces significantly, with volumes recorded from 24mm (0.94") to 28mm (1.1"). Despite shorter daylight hours ranging from 10.9 to 11.4 hours a day, sunshine hours are consistent at 6.9 to 8.4 hours per day.

Weather in January

Kickstarting the year, Matanzas, Cuba experiences favorable weather attributed to relatively low humidity and rainfall. January witnesses the lowest average sea temperature with 24.9°C (76.8°F). The daylight duration extends to nearly 11 hours, providing ample time to explore the scenic locations. Weather in January »

Weather in February

Shifting into February, the city of Matanzas prepares for an incremental change in its weather pattern. Temperatures rise slightly from January, and humidity remains steady; however, rainfall slightly increases to 31mm (1.22"). Weather in February »

Weather in March

Weather conditions in March reveal an uplifting trend in Matanzas. Despite a slight increase in temperature, rainfall levels drop to 19mm (0.75"), the third-lowest in the year. This month is the calm before the summer storm, characterized by relative dryness and warmth that begins to beckon the forthcoming intense summer heat. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April marks a distinct change in Matanzas, with temperatures climbing higher and rainfall increasing significantly to 46mm (1.81"). The trend of increasing day length continues, providing more daylight for exploration and sightseeing. Weather in April »

Weather in May

As Matanzas, Cuba, transitions into May, the city experiences a significant escalation in rainfall to 105mm (4.13"). Weather conditions indicate the onset of the wet season characterized by a surge in humidity and rainfall. This month is a stark contrast to the relatively dry and mild climate experienced earlier in the year. Weather in May »

Weather in June

The peak of summer in Matanzas arrives in June. It is a month characterized by the highest sea temperature, soaring to 28.7°C (83.7°F), encouraging water-based activities. June sees a continuation of the wet season, marked by high humidity and regular rainfall. Weather in June »

Weather in July

In July, the city of Matanzas continues to experience peak summer conditions. The weather showcases a combination of the peak high temperature in the city along with continued rainfall, thus maintaining the ongoing wet season. Despite the rain spells, the city's vibrancy remains undeterred as the sea remains inviting and warm- a beacon for beach-goers and surfers alike. The beginning of July in Matanzas records an average high-temperature of a still hot 32°C (89.6°F), marking a negligible difference from June's 31.3°C (88.3°F). Weather in July »

Weather in August

August paints a similar picture on the climate canvas of Matanzas. With the highest rainfall of 119mm (4.69"), this month represents the pinnacle of the wet season. Concurrently, the city perseveres through high temperatures. As such, preparedness for intermittent rain showers becomes a necessity for residents and tourists. The warmest period in Matanzas, Cuba, is August, when temperatures fluctuate between an average high of 32.1°C (89.8°F) and a low of 24.5°C (76.1°F). In August, the average heat index is evaluated at a life-threatening hot 45°C (113°F). Weather in August »

Weather in September

Moving on to September, the city witnesses a slight relief from rain with a observable reduction to 95mm (3.74"). Nonetheless, the weather dynamics do not deviate dramatically from the prior summer months. The sea remains warm, and humidity slightly high, keeping the tropical climate sentiment very much alive in Matanzas, Cuba. Matanzas, Cuba, observes a minor difference in average high-temperatures between August's 32.1°C (89.8°F) and September's 31.2°C (88.2°F). Weather in September »

Weather in October

October brings about a notable change in the weather of Matanzas as the wet season gradually recedes. Its conclusion is marked by less rainfall and a slight decrease in temperatures compared to the preceding months. This month serves as the transition from the wet summer months to the relatively dry conditions of the approaching year-end. Matanzas, Cuba, sees the arrival of October with an average high-temperature of a warm 29.5°C (85.1°F), indicating a subtle variation from September. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November in Matanzas showcases a marked decrease in rainfall, dropping to 27mm (1.06"). The weather begins to shift towards cooler and drier conditions. This transition brings an end to the persistent summer humidity, paving the way for the last month of the year. Weather in November »

Weather in December

Wrapping up the year, December offers cool and comfortable weather in Matanzas. Temperatures plunge to a monthly low of 20.1°C (68.2°F), characterized by reduced rainfall and humidity. The relatively dry climatic conditions serve as a pleasant conclusion to a year marked by diverse weather patterns. Weather in December »