Cuba Weather & Climate Guide: Seasons, Humidity & Trends

Cuba possesses a semi-subtropical climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct moisture cycles. Influenced by its narrow, elongated shape and the surrounding Caribbean waters, the island avoids extreme temperature swings, instead oscillating between a sunny dry season and a lush, humid rainy season.

Typical Weather Patterns

Cuba’s weather is primarily governed by the Northeast Trade Winds, which provide a consistent, cooling breeze across the island. The climate is divided into two primary seasons:

• Dry Season (November to April): Characterized by clear sapphire skies, lower humidity, and moderate temperatures. This is often considered the peak time for stable weather.
• Rainy Season (May to October): Defined by higher temperatures and increased humidity. Rainfall typically occurs in the late afternoon or early evening as short, intense tropical downpours followed by rapidly returning sunshine.

Daily Climate Behavior

a day in Cuba usually begins with calm, clear conditions. As the sun rises, the land heats up faster than the sea, creating sea breezes (the virazón) that kick in by mid-day to provide relief along the coasts. In the summer, this heating leads to a build-up of cumulus clouds by 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM, often resulting in spectacular but brief thunderstorms before a pleasant, slightly cooler evening.

Seasonal Trends and Unique Features

• Winter (December–February): While mostly warm, this period is subject to Los Nortes—cold fronts descending from North America. These fronts can occasionally drop temperatures in the northwest (near Havana) to 10°C (50°F) or lower for a day or two.
• Spring (March–April): This is the driest part of the year. Skies are consistently clear, and the landscape can take on a golden, dusty hue before the May rains trigger a massive greening of the vegetation.
• Summer (June–August): The hottest and most humid months. Humidity levels often exceed 80%, making 33°C (91°F) feel significantly hotter.
• Autumn (September–October): This is the peak of the hurricane season. While major storms don't hit every year, this period sees the highest frequency of tropical depressions and heavy rain system movements.

Regional Microclimates

Despite its size, Cuba has notable climatic variations:

• The Southeast (Santiago de Cuba & Guantánamo): This region is significantly hotter and drier than the west. Shielded by the Sierra Maestra mountains, the area around Guantánamo Bay is semi-arid, receiving very little rainfall.
• The Highlands (Sierra Maestra & Escambray): Mountainous regions can be 5–10 degrees cooler than the coast. In the highest peaks, morning frost is not unheard of during winter months.
• North vs. South Coasts: The northern coast (Varadero, Havana) is more exposed to trade winds and Atlantic cold fronts, while the southern coast (Trinidad, Cienfuegos) tends to be more sheltered and consistently warmer.

Historical Context and Phenomena

Historically, Cuba is a focal point for Atlantic Hurricanes. Local resilience is high; the country has one of the world's most effective civil defense systems for storm preparation. Recently, extreme events have defied records, such as the historic February 2026 cold snap where temperatures reached the freezing point (0°C/32°F) in Matanzas province for the first time in documented history.

The Local Experience

Locals adapt to the heat with the siesta mentality during the peak afternoon sun (noon to 3:00 PM) when the heat index is highest. You will notice high ceilings and open persiana (slatted) windows in traditional architecture, designed to capture every possible breath of the cross-breeze. In the evenings, residents often congregate on the Malecón (seawalls) or in plazas to enjoy the sereno—the refreshing night air.

What the Weather "Feels Like"

In Cuba, the temperature on the thermometer is only half the story. The humidity is a constant companion; it makes the summer air feel heavy and "thick." Conversely, the winter sea breeze can make a 20°C (68°F) evening feel surprisingly brisk because of the damp air. The tropical sun is also exceptionally strong; even on a breezy day, the