Cuba has a tropical savanna climate, meaning it stays warm year-round with two distinct seasons: a dry season from November through April and a wet season from May through October. Average temperatures never drop below 64°F (18°C) in any month, and the island receives about 55 inches (1,400 mm) of rainfall annually, with roughly two-thirds of that falling during the wet season.
Temperature Through the Year
Cuba’s temperatures are remarkably steady compared to most of North America. In Havana, the hottest month is August, with highs around 89°F (33°C) and lows near 75°F (24°C). The coolest month is January, when highs still reach 78°F (27°C) and lows sit around 64°F (18°C). That 11-degree difference between the hottest and coolest monthly highs is about as dramatic as it gets.
The national picture follows the same pattern. Average temperatures peak at about 82°F (28°C) in July and August, then dip to 72–75°F (22–24°C) in January. Winter temperatures fluctuate more in western and central Cuba, where the gap between the warmest and coldest recorded values in a given month can exceed 9°F (5°C). In the east, that swing narrows to about 5–7°F (3–4°C), making eastern Cuba slightly more consistent day to day.
Wet Season vs. Dry Season
The wet season runs from May through October and delivers the majority of Cuba’s annual rainfall. Showers tend to be heavy but short, often arriving in the afternoon. May and June bring an initial surge, followed by another peak in September and October. The dry season, November through April, is noticeably drier and slightly cooler, making it the most popular window for visitors.
That said, “dry” is relative. Even in the driest months, occasional rain is possible, and humidity stays high year-round. The national average of 55 inches per year can also vary dramatically by location: higher elevations in the mountains receive more than 118 inches (3,000 mm) annually, while the extreme southeast coast around Punta de Maisí averages only about 31 inches (796 mm).
Regional Differences Across the Island
Cuba stretches roughly 780 miles from tip to tip, and its climate is not uniform. Havana in the west averages about 49 inches (1,244 mm) of rain per year, while Punta de Maisí at the island’s eastern tip receives only about 31 inches (796 mm). Despite getting less rain, the far east is actually warmer on average: Punta de Maisí’s mean annual temperature is 80.8°F (27.1°C) compared to Havana’s 77.9°F (25.5°C).
Mountain areas, particularly the Sierra Maestra in the southeast, create their own microclimates. Elevations push rainfall totals well above the national average, and temperatures drop noticeably at higher altitudes. Coastal areas across the island benefit from sea breezes that moderate afternoon heat, especially along the northern coast.
Humidity and How the Heat Feels
Humidity is a defining feature of Cuba’s climate. Havana averages 76% relative humidity across the entire year, with October reaching 80% and April dipping to a still-sticky 72%. There is no truly “dry” feeling month.
This matters because humidity makes warm air feel significantly hotter. In August, when the thermometer reads 89°F and humidity hovers in the upper 70s, the perceived temperature can climb well above what the actual reading suggests. Even January, with comfortable highs around 78°F, comes with enough moisture in the air to feel warm rather than crisp. If you’re planning time outdoors, early morning hours are the most comfortable in any season.
Sunshine Hours
Cuba gets abundant sunshine, particularly from November through April when skies are clearest. July offers the most daylight exposure, averaging about 11 hours of sunshine per day. Even during the wet season, mornings are often bright and clear before afternoon clouds build. Overcast, all-day gray skies are uncommon outside of tropical weather events.
Hurricane Season
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June through November, and Cuba sits directly in one of the most active corridors. Over the past 30 years, 75% of Atlantic hurricanes formed between August and October, with September historically the most active single month. In a 168-year observation period, September and October together accounted for nearly 600 hurricanes in the North Atlantic, and those months also produced the most powerful storms.
Cuba has been hit by 15 tropical cyclones in a recent 25-year stretch (1991–2018), and the frequency has trended upward. Hurricane Irma in 2017, a Category 5 storm, caused major damage along northern Cuba’s coastline. Seven of the nine deadliest hurricanes in Cuba’s recorded history since 1791 were classified as intense. The practical takeaway: September and October carry the highest risk, while June and July see fewer and generally weaker storms.
Best Time to Visit Based on Climate
The dry season from November through April offers the most comfortable combination of lower humidity, minimal rain, and warm but not oppressive temperatures. January and February are the coolest months, with highs in the upper 70s and pleasant evenings. March and April warm up gradually but remain drier than the summer months.
The wet season is hotter and more humid, but it has its own appeal: fewer crowds, lower prices, and lush green landscapes. If you visit between May and October, expect afternoon downpours that typically clear within an hour or two. Avoid September and October if hurricanes concern you, as those months carry the greatest storm risk by a wide margin.