Cuba is the biggest island in the sea Caribbean. In general, its climate is warm and very humid through the whole year. Although defined stations don't exist, there are some variations in the weather according to the months of the year. The most marked stations are the summer (April - October) and the Cuban winter (November to April).
Temperatures oscillate between 12 and 32 degrades (54 to 90 Fahrenheit). Being January the coldest month (21ºC / 70ºF the mean temperature) and August the hottest (29ºC / 84ºF the mean temperature). It is advisable to bring casual light clothes, preferably cotton. During the day shorts, sandals or comfortable open shoes to walk; T-shirts or fresh blouses are the ideal attire to go for a walk in the city. It is important to protect yourself from the sun, so a sun block, dark glasses and a hat would be the ideal complements.
During the months of May to October have the rainy season, they are not continued like monsoons, but unpredictable and the intense enough to soak anyone in minutes. An umbrella is advisable. In many of our lodgings this item is provided.
Although it is a fact that the Cubans dress in a casual way, there are occasions in that a more formal wear is necessary. Cubans like to dress up to go to dance, to have dinner in the night, to go to the theater or the cinema. So pack a dress or some formal pants for the occasion. Girls, remember your high hill shoes and some glamorous garment for the Havanan nights!
We are still missing the most important garment, the swimsuit. In Cuba you can go to the beach the whole year. The temperature of the water is pleasant and the climate is ideal even in winter. As you see, any time of the year is good to visit Cuba.
In summary, pack light summer clothes, preferably of cotton, for day and night. Pack a bunch of T-shirts, skirts, slight dresses, short pants, fresh and comfortable footwear. Also a light sweater for the months of November to March, and for air-conditioned places. Umbrella for the rainy season. More formal clothes to attend night events as dinners, theaters and discos or night clubs. Sun Block, dark glasses and caps or hats to use during the day and to protect yourself from the sun.
Important: In some places is prohibited the entrance in short pants and T-shirts without sleeves. Formal clothing is compulsory in Tropicana for instance.
Hurricane season.
Due to its geographical situation, Cuba is affected from hurricanes within June and November, being the riskiest at the beginning and the end of the season.
To experience a hurricane is an overwhelming experience. Most of the hotels and casas particulares have solid structures that have been modernized and rehabilitated to stand up the phenomenon. Don't worry too much, there are very active years and others in those no hurricane affects the island. But in any case it is good to be prepared and in Cuba we know what to do and how to protect ourselves and what measures to take to protect our visitors.
Hurricane forecast is well documented several days in advance and measures are taken gradually. The most affected areas in Havana are the ones near to the Malecon (the sea wall) due to sea level rise.
The hurricane is a phenomenon in movement so you experience it in few hours. As the weather deteriorates the electric service is affected and in some cases the water supply and gas is cut for protection and to avoid accidents. Few hours after its pass, the services start recovering. It´s recommended not to be in the streets during the pass of the hurricane mainly due to tree fall and other object blowing.
To stay tuned about the meteorological situation in Cuba during your stay, you can visit the Meteorology Institute website at http://www.met.inf.cu.
