What is the best period for a holiday in Cuba? When to go? What to bring? How to avoid the hurricanes? And again, when to book a trip to Cuba to save money on the cost of the flight? These are the first questions to ask before booking a trip to the most fascinating island in the Caribbean.
We have collected some practical suggestions to facilitate the organization of your trip.
When to go to Cuba: the climate of the island
Cuba has a tropical climate, therefore hot and sultry, with an annual temperature range of between 15 and 25 degrees.
The best months to visit Cuba are those between November and April, which in Cuba correspond to the dry season. In this period the rains are absent and the temperatures are stable at 25 degrees and a little higher. The months from May to October correspond instead to the rainy season (avoid September and October, where the risk of hurricanes is higher). However, the Cuban winter season is the least expensive, although more crowded with western tourists.
When to go to travel to save money
A trip to Cuba can be costly, given the distance in terms of flight hours. But there is a way to save money, booking the trip a little early, about four or five months before, to spend less on airline tickets than the average for the rest of the year.
The months in which flights to Cuba cost the least are those from May to September because it is the low season.
Havana's weather
Havana is located north of Cuba, with precipitation reaching 1200 mm per year. It rains a lot especially in the months from May to October, a humid and sultry period. Sunshine is generally good throughout the year, particularly during the Cuban spring.
Varadero: when to go
Varadero is the most famous seaside resort in Cuba, with modern hotel facilities and equipped beaches. It is also found along the north coast of Cuba and is also, like Havana, beaten by rains and thunderstorms especially from May to October, which would therefore be months to avoid for those interested in beach life. These are also the hottest and sultry months.
The months from December to May are the best for visiting Varadero, although it can be a little cool until February. Varadero is a very windy city: a wind from the United States, called Norte, which blows from November to March, can also be very cold. Between September and October there is the risk of hurricanes.
Sunshine is generally good throughout the year and the sea is warm enough for bathing even during the Cuban winter. The months from December to May are the best for visiting Varadero, although it can be a little cool until February.
Cuba in August
We have said that the best time to visit Cuba is the one corresponding to our winter, but European travelers often have long vacation periods in August. So how Cuba in August? Our summer is not completely discouraged: with a little adaptability in fact, you can pleasantly discover Cuba all year round.
The rains in August are frequent, but short and present towards evening. Temperatures are high, with peaks up to 35 degrees, ideal for relaxing on the beaches. Given the heat and the temperatures, it is definitely more challenging to undertake a tour of the island with visits and excursions.
When to avoid Cuba: the hurricanes
Cuba's hurricane season runs from June to November, but the most dangerous months are September and October. Hurricanes generally come from the east and affect especially the eastern part of the island.
In recent years, however, thanks to the use of technology it is possible to predict with greater certainty when these violent and devastating phenomena will occur.
What to pack for Cuba
What clothes to pack for your vacation in Cuba? The island is warm from November to April: therefore, for this period, it is advisable to bring light and comfortable clothes, but also sweatshirts, kway and umbrellas for rains. From May to October, the rainy season, a sultry heat is unleashed on Cuba, then bring light clothes and waterproof cape to defend yourself from thunderstorms.
