Cuba sits between 19.8 and 23.2 degrees north latitude, placing it fully within the tropical zone. The country experiences two primary seasons rather than four: a dry season from November through April and a wet season from May through October. Average annual temperature across the island measures 25 degrees Celsius, with monthly averages ranging from 22 degrees in January to 28 degrees in August. The northern coast, facing the Gulf of Mexico and Straits of Florida, receives different weather patterns than the southern Caribbean coast. Elevation creates microclimates: Pico Turquino at 1,974 meters experiences temperatures 8 to 10 degrees cooler than coastal areas. The Sierra Maestra and Escambray Mountains generate orographic precipitation, meaning their windward slopes receive substantially more rain than leeward areas. Eastern Cuba, including Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo, typically registers higher temperatures and less rainfall than western provinces. Havana receives approximately 1,200 millimeters of rain annually, while the Guanahacabibes Peninsula in far western Pinar del Río can receive over 2,000 millimeters.
The dry season from November through April accounts for roughly 25 percent of annual rainfall. January and February are the driest months across most of Cuba, with some regions receiving less than 50 millimeters per month. Humidity during these months averages 75 to 78 percent, compared to 80 to 85 percent during the wet season. Daytime temperatures from December through March range from 26 to 28 degrees Celsius, dropping to 18 to 21 degrees at night in most coastal areas. Inland locations like Camagüey and Sancti Spíritus can see nighttime temperatures fall to 15 degrees. Cold fronts from North America, called nortes locally, push through Cuba between November and March, bringing brief periods of cooler temperatures, increased winds, and sometimes light rain. These fronts affect northern coastal areas like Havana, Matanzas, and Varadero more intensely than southern regions. A norte can drop temperatures by 5 to 8 degrees for two to four days. Wind speed increases during these events, with gusts reaching 40 to 60 kilometers per hour along exposed coastlines.
The wet season spans May through October, with September and October typically recording the highest monthly rainfall totals. These two months can each deliver 150 to 180 millimeters in Havana and over 200 millimeters in mountainous areas like Topes de Collantes. Rain during the wet season usually arrives as intense afternoon thunderstorms rather than all-day precipitation. A typical pattern involves clear mornings, cloud buildup by midday, heavy rain between 2 PM and 5 PM, then clearing by evening. This pattern is most reliable in June, July, and August. Temperatures during the wet season peak in July and August, with afternoon highs reaching 31 to 33 degrees Celsius in inland cities. Coastal areas benefit from sea breezes that moderate afternoon heat. Humidity combines with heat to create a heat index that can exceed 40 degrees. Nighttime provides limited relief, with temperatures rarely dropping below 24 degrees from June through September.
Cuba lies within the Atlantic hurricane belt. The official hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with peak activity occurring from mid-August through mid-October. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration tracks an average of 12 named storms in the Atlantic basin each season, with 6 reaching hurricane strength. Cuba's position makes it vulnerable to storms forming in the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and central Atlantic. Historical data shows that hurricanes have struck Cuba in every month from June through November, though September accounts for the highest frequency. Category 3 or stronger hurricanes have hit Cuba approximately 19 times since 1960. Hurricane Irma in September 2017 tracked along Cuba's northern coast with sustained winds of 260 kilometers per hour, affecting Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo, and coastal areas of Villa Clara and Matanzas provinces. Hurricane Ian in September 2022 made landfall in Pinar del Río province as a Category 3 storm with winds of 205 kilometers per hour.
Tourism patterns in Cuba show clear seasonal variation tied to weather and international school calendars. Peak season runs from mid-December through mid-March, when North American and European visitors arrive in highest numbers. Hotels in Varadero, Cayo Coco, and Havana reach 85 to 95 percent occupancy during this period. Flight frequency increases, particularly from Toronto, Montreal, Mexico City, and European capitals. Prices for accommodations rise by 30 to 50 percent compared to low season. The Christmas and New Year period from December 20 through January 7 represents the most expensive and crowded time. February and March maintain high visitor numbers but slightly lower prices than the December-January peak. Spring break in March brings concentrated arrivals of North American university students, particularly to beach destinations.
April marks a transition month when European visitors begin to decline but some North Americans continue arriving through Easter. May through mid-November constitutes low season, with the lowest visitor numbers and accommodation prices occurring in May, June, September, and October. Hotels in beach resort areas may operate at 40 to 60 percent capacity during these months. Some smaller properties close entirely for maintenance. Low season brings advantages beyond reduced costs: fewer crowds at popular sites in Old Havana, easier restaurant reservations, and more availability for activities like guided tours of the Valle de Viñales or visits to Alejandro de Humboldt National Park. July and August see a minor uptick in visitors, particularly Cuban-Americans returning for family visits and some European tourists, but numbers remain well below peak season levels.
Water temperature in the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean surrounding Cuba varies less than air temperature. The sea reaches its coolest point from January through March at 24 to 26 degrees Celsius, warming to 28 to 30 degrees from July through September. These temperatures support swimming and water activities year-round. Visibility for diving and snorkeling typically improves during the dry season when reduced rainfall means less runoff entering coastal waters. The Jardines de la Reina, a marine protected area off the southern coast, offers diving conditions with visibility ranging from 20 to 40 meters during dry season months. Wet season visibility can drop to 10 to 20 meters in areas near river mouths or after heavy rains. Wind patterns affect water conditions for activities like sailing and kitesurfing. The northeast trade winds blow most consistently from November through April, creating favorable conditions for sailing along the northern cays of the Sabana-Camagüey Archipelago.
Cultural events and festivals distribute throughout the year, providing reasons to visit during specific months regardless of weather. The Havana International Jazz Festival occurs in January, typically during the second or third week. The International Festival of New Latin American Cinema takes place in Havana each December, usually beginning in the first week. Santiago de Cuba hosts its Carnival in July, historically the largest carnival celebration in Cuba. The tradition dates to the 17th century and fills the streets of Santiago with parades, music, and dancing for approximately one week in mid-to-late July. Fire Festival, also in Santiago de Cuba, runs for one week in early July and celebrates Caribbean culture with music, dance, and theatrical performances. Trinidad celebrates Semana de la Cultura Trinitaria in the second week of January, highlighting the city's colonial heritage with concerts and processions centered around Plaza Mayor.
Agricultural cycles create seasonal variations in food availability and market offerings. Mango season runs from May through August, with peak availability in June and July. Markets throughout Cuba display dozens of mango varieties during these months. Avocado season extends from October through March. Citrus fruits, including oranges and grapefruit, peak from December through April. Sugarcane harvest traditionally occurs from November through May, though the industry has contracted significantly since the 1990s. Visitors during harvest months can still see cutting operations in some rural areas and purchase fresh guarapo from roadside stands. Lobster fishing season officially runs from July through February, though availability in restaurants depends more on local supply chains than official seasons. The government imposes a closed season from March through June to allow population recovery.