Your dear boss has just announced the summer vacation dates for all employees of your company. You will finally be able to plan your famous trip to Cuba. It was about time because your supply of Havana cigars that Uncle Léon brought you has expired. Ah…damn, your name doesn’t appear among the happy Julytist and Aoutian vacationers! You have the choice between late September, October and November…That's the problem, your uncle told you that it was not at all the right time to book a plane ticket to Cuba.
According to this dear cigar connoisseur, your rest is falling in the middle of the rainy season in Cuba. But does he know as much about the weather as he does about cigars? You are not sure.
The rainy season in Cuba; when is it? Are you going there or are you not going there? We tell you everything. 🙂
When is the rainy season in Cuba?
In Cuba, as everywhere in the Caribbean, there are two seasons:
- There dry season which corresponds to winter : it takes place approximately from the end of November to the end of April. It is on average 25°C.
- There wet season which corresponds to summer : also called, rainy season, it extends from June to October-November. It sometimes lasts until January in the east of the country. The air is more suffocating, the rains are violent but short and the temperatures are around 28°C. In August for example in Havana; count on 27°C when you wake up, 33°C during the day and 28°C when it's time for a mojito or the Cuba libre cocktail.
Go to Cuba mid-September to October
No jellyfish… but cyclones
At this period, the sea is free of nasty jellyfish. In addition, the prices are more affordable, especially if you make a last minute reservation. The water is very warm and some cities like Varadero still offer a wide catalog of leisure activities. And there is no shortage of festivities. There is a small souvenir market, numerous hotels and restaurants where there is plenty of activity. However, between September and October it is also cyclone season and during this period we absolutely cannot predict their passage. But be aware that the very famous Varadero beach very rarely experiences cyclones. There are also nice “casas particular” on this peninsula, with locals and by the sea. Choose a permanent house so that the nasty villain wolf cyclone does not prevail. But don't worry, the sun returns quickly after the cyclonic depression. And according to the testimony of some who are accustomed to Cuba during this season, it happens that the cyclones do not even show the tip of their noses!
Stay in Cuba in November
Choose the end of Novemberbecause temperatures there could be slightly cooler, the atmosphere less humid and the cyclone risk less strong. Statistically, it is the month of October which is most exposed to cyclones, but be aware that the risk period extends from June to November. Do not put this hypothesis aside, but do not “psycho” either, cyclones are perceived in Cuba as natural phenomena with controllable risks. Measures were quickly taken to bring tourists to safety and as soon as the cyclone passed, the infrastructure was put back on its feet. As for showers, they cannot be ruled out, but they give the opportunity to sit quietly in a bar or restaurant and taste Cuban specialties while waiting for the sun which rarely takes long to return! You can also take advantage of the drops to visit emblematic monuments. In Santiago de Cuba, you will enjoy the Castle of San Pedro de la Rocain Havana, enter the cathedral which will surprise you or if you are not a saint, go to the Partagas cigar factory, the oldest of the factories for a visit of around 45 minutes. The month of November in Cuba offers green landscapes which change from the burned areas that can be seen there certain other months of the year. Last option, to occupy the time during the showers, reserved for honeymoons, stay curled up in your room.
What to pack when going to Cuba in the rainy season?
- Bring light clothing and a swimsuit for hot days
- A rain suit if you are surprised by a downpour.
- Shoes that don't fear water and dry quickly. Opt for rubber boots for your children.
- Mosquito repellent
- Finally: don't forget that Cubans are not very rich. If you are staying with locals, remember to bring bars of soap and shampoo which will not be provided. Your guests will also appreciate it if you offer them unused soaps. This will not burden your budget and will bring peace to their hearts. You may even “accidentally” forget some clothes.
And know that it rains, winds or storms, Cuban music will accompany your daily life all day long and the locals will show kindness in all respects.
So, will you go to Cuba in the rainy season or not?
