The Best Time to Plan a Trip to Cuba

The first consideration is to avoid the potential dangers of hurricane season, which runs from August to October. There have been several destructive hurricanes in recent years, and even if no storms make landfall there is a higher chance of rain spoiling your fun.

In fact there is a high chance of rain beginning in June, so beach lovers are advised to avoid these months.

From December to May, Cuba is dry and sunny. Unsurprisingly this also means that there are more visitors, so you’ll have to book in advance for tours and accommodation. You should also expect prices to be higher than in low season.

For big events such as the Jazz Festival in Havana each December, you’ll likely have to secure accommodation a year in advance.

For those on a budget, the best time to visit is May to July. The heaviest rains haven’t begun yet, and the rapidly rising temperatures mean that it can be too hot for some people. If you can put up with the heat, and a few rainy days, this is a great way to see the country without the heaving crowds of high season.

If you plan on visiting Santiago de Cuba and the southeast of the island, it’s important to know that temperatures are generally higher here than in Havana and the west of the country. Humidity is also an issue. That said the iconic Carnival celebrations take place in July in Santiago, so there are reasons to be tempted into a visit.