The Best Time to Visit Cuba

When is the Best Time to Visit Cuba?

The best time to visit Cuba is either in April or November. The climate is excellent, with just the beginning or end of the wet time, and avoids the hurricane season completely. These months also give the peak tourist season a miss, so crowds are less, facilities remain open, and good deals on airfare and accommodations are available.

• Best Time for Pleasant Weather: December-May.
• Optimal Time for Sightseeing: Late November through mid-April.
• Best Time for Honeymoon: March-April, November.
• Best Time Period for Cost Savings: May-June, September-October.
• Best Time for Families: December through March.
• Best Time for Socializing: July-August.
• Peak Timeframe for Underwater Experiences: December-April.
• Best fishing timeframe: April-September.

• Best Time to Visit Cuba: Spring and fall bring beautiful weather, fewer tourists and lower prices, allowing travelers to delight in sunny beaches, snorkeling, world-class diving sites, colorful history, time-warped colonial towns, salsa dancing, and beautiful mountain landscapes throughout Cuba without huge crowds. Most visitors experience Cuba in the winter between December and March, during peak season when all services operate and beaches are busy, but prices are high. Avoiding the peak of the high season yet still enjoying great conditions is achievable in April or November, as the rainy season has finished or not yet started, average daily temperatures remain warm around 26°C, hurricane season ends, and hotel and flight deals surface more easily.
• Optimal Time to Reserve Accommodations in Cuba: You can find some great deals if booking well ahead of time, but generally for winter visits it is good to take advantage of early booking bonuses offered in summer and early fall. Often, good prices can be found when reservations are made months beforehand. Certain hotels and resorts, think about booking a year in advance for New Year`s Eve and Liberation Day or Carnival and National Rebellion Day in July. Places fill up quickly during peak season. A night in a room can cost anywhere from US$200-800 for luxury resorts. During the shoulder season, an overnight hotel rate ranges between US$150-450. While vacancies are more frequent during the low season, prices still hover between US$150-350 per night. Numerous hotels reduce services and amenities and conduct maintenance repairs during the low season.
• Best Season to Save Funds: Generally, the rainy season (May to October) is usually the most affordable time to travel to Cuba – excluding July and August. If you want the best rates on lodging, avoid school vacations. December to February and Easter are peak seasons for visitors while July-August is the peak holiday season for Cubans. Therefore, the least expensive time to visit Cuba is outside of these periods. Casas particulares are like local guest houses and represent the most affordable accommodations in Cuba. Residents rent spare rooms in their homes for extra income and there are over 14,000 across the island to select from. An important thing to note when sorting out your finances for a trip to Cuba is that the island has 2 official currencies: the Cuban Peso (CUP) and the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC). The CUP is most often used by locals, while tourists generally use the CUC. You are unable to exchange Cuban currency in advance and can only exchange your money in Cuba.
• Most Advantageous Time for Weather in Cuba: Cuba sees two clear seasons – dry and wet. The dry season from December through April provides the best conditions for pleasant weather with dry, bright days and azure skies. Consistently warm but not too hot temperatures along with low humidity make traveling through the dry season relaxing and hassle-free while avoiding downpours and swarms of biting insects. This season attracts the most visitors to Cuba.
• Best Time to Visit Cuba to Celebrate: Festivals and occasions are consistently happening in Cuba, but July is the most festive time of the year with Carnival held in many cities. Santiago hosts the largest one in the Caribbean. July also brings the National Day of Rebellion holiday which lasts 3 days and overlaps with the Santiago de Cuba Carnival. The beginning of July brings the Fiesta del Caribe as well as the Cuban film festival. July is the peak holiday season for Cubans, so if reveling with locals and experiencing Cuban culture and traditions is what you’re after, it is the best month to visit.
• Optimum Time for Scuba Driving: Cuba is a scuba diving paradise and the best time period for it is between December and mid-April. Due to its recorded history, Cuba is less developed than other islands in the Caribbean and the fishing industry is not as intense, so there are numerous pristine scuba diving sites to discover and you’ll encounter many more local species of fish in their natural surroundings. Diving in Cuba during the hurricane season (June to November), and specifically in September and October, implies a greater risk that the climate will interfere and affect visibility. From late April to late May, there is an increased probability of swimming into what Cubans call el caribé – invisible jellyfish with a severe sting – found predominantly off the southern coastline of the island. Most of the major beach resort areas, like Varadero, Cayo Coco, Santa Lucía, and Guardalavaca, have at minimum one dive center, with numerous others all over the island, like several in Havana.
• Best Time to Fish: Cuba has solidly established itself as one of the top fishing destinations in the Caribbean region and perhaps worldwide. There is no poor time to fish the waters of Cuba, yet the months of July through September offer the best chance of reeling in a large blue marlin, while April through June attract greater numbers of white marlin and sailfish. Bass are usually caught in larger quantities during the cooler winter months when temperatures average around 22°C.

Cuba Travel Seasons

• High Season (December-March, July-August): Cuba experiences 2 busier seasons. The peak tourist time extends from mid-December to March, with prices particularly elevated towards the end of December for New Year’s and Liberation Day on January 1. December to February and Easter attract the most visitors with lodging, flights, and activities often reserved well in advance. July-August brings the second high season as it is the peak holiday period for Cubans, crowds are larger, and prices are high, as is the temperature. Summer can additionally be a tourist busy season because it coincides with the vacation season in Europe.
• Moderate Season (April, November): The months of April and November note the earliest and latest times of Cuba’s dry season. Both months see bright days, a normal daily temperature of around 26°C, less rainfall, and cooler evenings. Easter can cause an increase early in April yet the rest of the month offers lower costs and less visitors. By November, lodging are finishing renovations, services are completely functional, and the beaches and resorts are less crowded as peak wintertime holiday season hasn’t begun yet.
• Off-peak Season (May-June, September-October): As anticipated, the most budget-friendly time to visit Cuba is during the wet seasons of May-June and late hurricane season in September-October. The rainy season is when around 70% of the island`s rainfall occurs, meaning much heat and humidity. During these months, expect some closures and fewer available facilities. September and October possess the highest probability of cyclone activity. There are less visitors to Cuba throughout these times than any other period of the year. Cuba has an excellent safety record related to hurricanes but significant damage has occurred in recent years, so purchasing travel insurance and monitoring weather reports if planning a trip during either month is strongly advised.

Cuba Weather by Month

Throughout the entire year, Cuba experiences copious sunshine, rain that is consistent yet fluctuating, and high levels of humidity defining its atmosphere. The island nation maintains a balmy tropical climate demonstrating two clear-cut seasons. From the latter part of November extending to the middle of April, the conditions are tropical with a rainless yet moderately cool phase, while late April till the beginning of November it is rainy and damp. Of notable importance is that the climate in Cuba can differ subject to one`s location on the island, yet not substantially. The northwestern region where Havana is situated experiences a gentle winter commonly a couple degrees cooler than the southeastern part of the land. From December through February, the northwest faces transient yet abrupt outbreaks of cool air capable of bringing some days with chill and strong winds accompanied by double the rainfall in comparison to Santiago de Cuba in the southeast. The southeast experiences a warmer winter than the north, occasionally seeing tropical-like temperatures spanning a few days and merely half as numerous days with precipitation as the northwest. However, the southern areas are more susceptible to tropical storms and more likely to be impacted by hurricanes in September and October, with cyclones hitting the eastern shores more regularly than the rest of the island. The encircling sea is sufficiently warm for swimming all year round throughout Cuba, with the waters tending to be a degree or two warmer on the southern coast from October to May.
• Conditions in Cuba during January: January is one of the cooler periods in Cuba throughout the year, making it a popular time for visits as the average daily temperature is a mild 25°C dropping to around 19°C at night. Temperatures can lower down to approximately 15°C after dark, therefore comfortable layers are essential to remain cozy. January is also among the drier months in Cuba, with Santiago in the southeast receiving roughly 3 days with rainfall on average while Havana in the northwest gets double that amount with approximately 6 rainy days. Around 7 hours of daily sunshine leaves ample opportunity for excursions and activities, but if intentions include time in the mountains or on a boat, be sure to pack a light sweater as it can feel quite cool. The sea remains warm for swimming year-round, averaging 25°C during the winter months. When visiting in January, pack a light jacket or shawl along with a few lightweight sweaters and long pants for cooler evenings as well as your swimsuit, tees, dresses, shorts, sunglasses, and sunscreen. (Average Maximum Temperature: 27°C. Average Precipitation: Southeast – 30mm, Northwest – 70mm.)
• Weather in Cuba During February: There is little change in the weather of February compared to January. Temperatures stay about the same with a mean high of 25°C and a average low of 19°C. The low can drop as low as 17°C at night, so it`s advised to bring some warm layers. February sees a slight decrease in rainfall, with the southeast receiving around 2 days of rain while the northwest sees double that with 4 rainy days. Sunshine maintains an average of 7 hours daily and sea temperature remains comfortable at 25°C. February is prime for snorkeling and diving as water visibility is best in the winter months. Pack as for January, remembering warm layers for cool evenings, and get extra swimsuits to capitalize on water activities. (Average Max Temperature: 28°C. Average Precipitation: Southeast – 17mm, Northwest – 45mm.)
• Weather in Cuba in March: The weather in March is among the best in Cuba with somewhat warmer temperatures and minimal rainfall. The average daily temperature is a pleasant 26oC and the average low sits around 18oC. Daytime hours with sunshine increase to 9, offering more time to spend on outdoor trips and activities. Both the southeast and the northwest average around 4 wet days in March. With the very warm weather, small amount of rain, and longer days, March is an ideal month to enjoy Cuba’s beaches or for the more daring, Cuba’s world-class scuba diving spots. Pack light clothes, a sun hat, and also a sweatshirt for the evening. If trekking in the mountains, bring a jacket and hiking boots. The UV index is high, so prepare as you would for February and ensure you bring and use plenty of sunscreen when you’re exposed to the sun. (Average Max Temperature: 28°C. Average Precipitation: Southeast – 40mm, Northwest – 45mm.)
• Weather Conditions in Cuba During April: The climate in April is very pleasant – warm temperatures and lots of sunshine – without the high humidity or storms that are common during the summer months. Around mid-month, Easter tourism starts to decrease, crowds become smaller, and the beaches are more relaxed with fewer tourists. The average daytime temperature is 26°C and the average low rises to 21°C. The sun is out for around 9 hours each day, providing more time to enjoy outdoor and aquatic activities, especially since the ocean stays very comfortable at 26°C. April marks the beginning of the rainy season, so expect a little more precipitation. The southeastern region of Santiago typically sees rain on around 6 days whereas the northwestern area of Havana normally has rain on approximately 4 days. Pack lightweight summer clothing, a sun hat, sunscreen, a few light layers for cooler evenings, and swimsuits. (Average Max Temperature: 28°C. Average Rainfall: Southeast – 70mm, Northwest – 60mm.)
• Conditions in Cuba during May: May marks the early stages of Cuba’s low season as well as the rainy period. Both the northwest and southeast areas see more rainfall. Santiago typically receives around 10 days with precipitation, while Havana has less rainfall averaging approximately 7 days that are wet. It is crucial to note that Cuba seldom sees an entire day of rain. Moisture often falls during part of the day, allowing sunshine throughout the other portion. Average daily hours of sunlight decreases to 8 but still allows plenty of opportunity to enjoy the beach or head out for a hiking excursion. Be certain to pack sunscreen and sun equipment to prevent UV damage. The average daily temperature in May rises to 27°C and the average minimum is 21°C. Light summer clothing and bathing wear are advisable and lightweight rain gear plus a waterproof bag will ensure preparation for a sudden tropical thunderstorm. (Average Maximum Temperature: 31°C. Average Precipitation: Southeast – 150mm, Northwest – 120mm.)
• Cuba Weather in June: The month of June marks the start of hurricane season, but serious storms at such an early point in the year are unlikely. Both the southeast and northwest regions receive roughly 10 rainy days on average in June. Temperatures rise with a daily average of 28°C and nightly low of 23°C. Highs can reach 32°C, so finding lodging with air conditioning or at minimum a fan is essential for comfort. Daily sunshine still amounts to around 8 hours while the ocean warms to 29°C, allowing swimming to cool off in the heat. Prepare similarly to May with lightweight summer clothes, rain gear, and plentiful sun protection. (Average Max Temperature: 32°C. Average Precipitation: Southeast – 130mm, Northwest – 165mm.)
• Conditions typical of weather in Cuba during July: Much of the island experiences muggy heat throughout July, one of the hottest months. Average daily temperatures reach 31°C with lows averaging 23°C. Daytime highs seldom surpass 34°C but humidity intensifies the warmth. Rainfall is often heavy though occurs primarily as afternoon showers or thunderstorms, offering relief from the immense heat and moisture. The southeast region averages around 6 rainy days while the northwest sees slightly more at approximately 9 days. Daily sunlight increases to 9 hours on average while sea surface temperature holds steady at 29°C, permitting swimming to cool off. Pack lightweight tropical garments, a light rain jacket, and a waterproof bag for storms. (Average Max Temperature: 34°C. Average Precipitation: Southeast – 55mm, Northwest – 125mm.)
• Weather Conditions in Cuba During August: August is one of the hottest months of the year, so temperatures don`t fluctuate noticeably with a typical daily temperature of 32°C and lows of 23°C, but odds of rain do climb as the peak of hurricane season approaches. The southeast experiences around 9 days with precipitation while the northwest receives approximately 40mm more rain with roughly 10 wet days. The number of daily sunshine hours shrinks to 8 but UV levels remain high, so packing good sun protection and maintaining hydration with water during the day to prevent sunlight damage is important. The sea remains very warm at 30°C and perfect for beach days. Pack as for July and try to book lodgings with air conditioning to remain cool and comfortable. (Average Maximum Temperature: 34°C. Average Precipitation: Southeast – 95mm, Northwest – 135mm.)
• Weather Conditions in Cuba During September: The peak of hurricane season coincides with September, though amounts of rainfall don`t diverge extensively from August. Both the southeast and northwest regions average around 11 rainy days in September, with Santiago expected to see roughly 55mm more precipitation than the prior month. Recently hurricanes have inflicted significant damage in Cuba in September, with Hurricane Irma most notably in 2017. When traveling to Cuba during September, obtaining trip insurance and monitoring weather reports is firmly recommended. Daily temperatures typically stay warm, averaging 31°C while lows remain warm at 23°C. Coastal waters continue to be bath-like around 30°C but heavy expected rainfall in September means beach outings may lack the regularity of other periods. September brings roughly 8 hours of daily sunshine, meaning pleasant and sunny weather is possible although carrying an umbrella, lightweight rain jacket, and watertight bag is wise. Don`t forget light summer attire, thin additional warmer layers, swimsuits, waterproof footwear, bug repellent, and plenty of sun protection and aloe vera for burns as ultraviolet rays remain elevated. Without care, sunburn, dehydration, and heat stroke present serious risks. (Average Maximum Temperature: 33°C. Average Precipitation: Southeast – 150mm, Northwest – 150mm.)
• Cuba Weather in October: The wettest month across Cuba is October, though it is also one of the cheapest times to visit the island. Around 14 days see rain in the southeast while the northwest receives a touch less at around 11 rainy days. The rain can be a quick downpour lasting a few minutes or constant rainfall for a few hours. Hurricanes striking Cuba are most possible in October, with Hurricane Sandy causing much harm in October 2012. Traveling to Cuba in this month, purchasing trip insurance and tracking weather reports is highly advised. The average daytime temperature in October is 29°C with a common low of 22°C. Daily sunshine hours fall to 6, so while outdoor and beach activities remain feasible in October, they are not assured and very unlikely on back-to-back days. Going in October, prepare for anything. Pack as for September and plan indoor activities. Be sure to bring books, games, and other entertainment for extra rainy days. (Ordinary Max Temperature: 31°C. Common Precipitation: Southeast – 215mm, Northwest – 170mm.)
• Conditions in Cuba throughout November: November notes the beginning of one of Cuba’s transitional periods and also the end of hurricane season. Rainfall tends to decrease in the second half of the month. Southeast and northwest areas each experience about 7 rainy days on average in November, with the south receiving 20mm more rain on average. Daily hours of sunshine increases by one hour from October to 7 hours and the typical daily temperature decreases to a pleasant 26°C, making for beautiful conditions to enjoy the island, outdoor activities, and beach days. Pack light summer clothing, swimwear, sun and rain protection, as well as some light layers for evenings as nightly lows average 21°C. (Average Maximum Temperature: 28°C. Average Precipitation: Southeast – 100mm, Northwest – 80mm.)
• Cuba Weather in December: December brings some of the nicest temperatures and conditions throughout the year with a marked decrease in rain. The average daily temperature hovers around 26°C and the average low is a comfortable 22°C. With 6 hours of daily sunlight, around 3 days with rain in the southeast, and around 6 days with rain in the northwest, December is an ideal month for sightseeing, beach days, and underwater activities like scuba diving and snorkeling. Travelers should pack an assortment of summer clothing, swimsuits, and sun protection. Trade winds keep the northwest coast cooler, especially in the evening and at night, so bringing a few warm layers is also recommended. (Average Max Temperature: 28°C. Average Precipitation: Southeast – 30mm, Northwest – 60mm.)

Cuba Holidays, Events, and Festivals

Cuba in January

• January 1st – New Year`s Day & Día de la Liberación: January 1st signifies more than just the start of a new calendar year in Cuba. It commemorates both the anniversary of Fidel Castro`s rise to power through the Cuban Revolution in 1959 as well as the island`s autonomy and liberty. Festivities include street parties and complimentary live shows across the nation. Locals may roast pigs on open-air grills or pour water from their balconies and windows – customary New Year`s rituals. It is an official public holiday, with most of the general populace receiving the day off from school, employment at banks and the majority of businesses.
• Festival de la Trova Longina (early January) – This is a music occasion held in Santa Clara dedicated to trova, a style of music that is very popular in Cuba. The occasion is named after a well-known trova song composed by popular Cuban artist Manuel Corona. One of the events of the occasion is a walk from Santa Clara to the town of Caibarién to honor the composer’s birthplace.
• Annual Havana Jazz festival (late January) – One of the largest and most prominent jazz events in Latin America takes place in Havana towards the end of January. It commemorates 500 years of Afro-Cuban jazz influence. Performances are held at venues across the city such as the Casa de la Cultura Plaza and Teatro Nacional de Cuba.

Cuba in February

• International Havana Book Fair (early February) – Initially convened in 1930, The Havana International Book Fair takes place in early February at the Fortaleza San Carlos de la Cabaña in Habana del Este (as well as at several bookshops across the capital). It is a widely popular occasion attracting individuals from countries all over the world, particularly Spanish-speaking ones. Events incorporated discussions, poetry readings, children’s events, and concerts. Havana’s Casa de las Américas also presents its literary prize during the festival period.
• Cuban Cigar Carnival (late February) – The annual Cuban cigar event in Havana promotes the island`s cigar industry and offers a great experience for all cigar aficionados. Includes tours of factories and plantations, workshops, an expo, lectures on production methods, and tastings.

Cuba in March

• Fiestas Pineras, Isla de la Juventud’s Carnaval (March 1-12) – This annual cultural event held in the Isla de la Juventud (Isle of Youth), a special municipality of Cuba, commemorates the area being declared part of Cuba. It includes concerts by renowned national and local performers, congas, fireworks displays, art shows, and competitions. A Children’s Carnival is equally organized during this period with most local schools taking part. For the children, there is a parade with dancers and people wearing giant head apparatuses as well as a children’s rodeo.
• Santiago Álvarez Memorial International Documentary Festival (early March) – Held in the city of Santiago de Cuba, the second largest city in Cuba, this weeklong festival serves as a competition for documentaries and provides a platform for independent journalists, artists, and individuals to showcase contemporary realities and important global issues. The festival honours Santiago Alvarez, a Cuban filmmaker.
• International Electroacoustic Music Festival (mid-March) – Previously known as the Varadero Spring Festival, this 5-day music festival is now held at diverse venues in Old Havana. It is an international event that attracts prominent composers and personalities of electronica music from around the world.
• Baracoa Culture Week (late March to April 1st) – A week-long function to honor the diverse culture of the city of Baracoa in the province of Guantánamo. There are traditional dances and music, including a blend of African percussion and guitar known as ‘son’ music. The function concludes with a pilgrimage on April 1st.
• International Festival of Trova Music “Pepe Sánchez” (3rd week of March) – This festival happens in Santiago de Cuba to pay tribute to one of the most important Cuban troubadours, Jose (‘Pepe’) Sanchez who died in 1918. The festival involves a parade that ends at Santa Ifigenia Cemetery where distinguished troubadours like Pepe Sánchez are buried. Over 4 days, there are concerts in the town’s streets, squares, parks, and significant music venues, with generations of trova musicians arriving from all over the island to perform music.
• Havana World Music Festival (mid-March) – A newly popular 3-day music festival held in Havana each March, organized by a new Cuban rum label. The happening is a mix of traditional and newer musical styles.

Cuba in April

• Biennale of Havana/The Havana Biennial (mid-April to mid-May) – The Havana Biennial is one of Cuba’s, and Latin America’s, most important and inspiring art festivals. This biannual exhibition running for around a month concentrates on Cuban, Latin American, Caribbean, African, and Middle Eastern artists. It takes place in dozens of galleries, museums, and cultural centers all over the city, such as Pabellón Cuba and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. There are exhibitions, documentary screenings, workshops, and masterclasses, with art from over 40 countries utilizing urban spaces not just galleries.
• Good Friday (variable dates) – This religious occasion in early spring wasn’t widely observed in Cuba though it was declared an official public holiday in 2012 following a visit from the pope. Schools, banks and some businesses closed for the day whilst there was little impact on tourists.
• The Trinidad Procession of the Cross (variable dates) – A religious tradition that traverses the historic colonial city of Trinidad on Cuba’s southern coast yearly on Good Friday. The Procession of the Cross commences from the Church of the Holy Trinity (Iglesia de la Santísima Trinidad) at 7 pm. Hundreds of people with candles participate, many chanting prayers. The priest and participants of the procession bear the cross and statue of the Virgin Mary. Local lore maintains that the procession was originally designed to deter pirates from pillaging.
• Community in Motion (April 15-19) – Known locally as “El Callejero”, this annual event features national and international dancers and dance companies carrying out performances in squares, parks, and museums of Old Havana. Dancers perform both traditional and modern dances and workshops, exhibits, and conferences run alongside the performances.
• International Cuban Dance Festival (mid-April) – One of Cuba’s most discussed festivals. This week-long event celebrates many styles of dance, most originating from Cuba or the Caribbean. This festival is organized by the Retazos Dance Company and uses sites around Habana Vieja to showcase contemporary choreography, along with accompanying master classes, lectures, workshops, and nighttime jazz jam sessions.

Cuba in May

• International Labour Day (May 1) – Known in Cuba simply by its calendar date, the first of May, it is an exceptionally important holiday in this socialist nation. A group of approximately twenty thousand Cubans congregate at the Plaza de la Revolución to listen to patriotic speeches and watch cultural and musical performances. Individuals gather in their work or study collectives and march to the square carrying banners and symbols supporting the revolution. Throughout the country, you can observe military processions and other demonstrations of Cuban patriotism and workers` solidarity. It is a public holiday and the general public will have the day free from work. Schools, banks, and most businesses will be closed.
• The Pilgrimages of May (May 3) – An annual spiritual journey and celebration of the performing arts in the eastern city of Holguín. It starts with a procession from the Cathedral of San Isidoro and up La Loma de la Cruz for a unique mass. Participants are generally artists, dancers, actors, and intellectuals rather than strictly religious people. The commemoration centers around art and Cuba`s blended cultural heritage. Records show the first occurrence of the weeklong festival was in 1790 and many customs from that initial celebration of diversity are still maintained. If visiting Cuba in May, it`s one of the best things to do in Holguín to experience the local culture.
• Feria Internacional Cubadisco Havana (mid-May) – A week-long festival celebrating the local recording industry where Cuban musicians who have released albums in the preceding year compete for the title of best album. The finale is held at Salón Rosado de la Tropical Benny Moré.
• International Poetry Festival (May) – This weeklong event held in Havana draws over two hundred poets from more than forty nations and celebrates artistic expression and poetry through various means like seminars, readings, and exhibitions. The World Meeting of “Poets in Defence of Humanity” is also observed during the festival.

Cuba in June

• Annual international Ernest Hemingway Needlefish Tournament (mid-June) – Originating in 1950 as initiated by author Ernest Hemingway, the yearly fishing meet takes place off the coast of Havana. It is among the oldest big-game fishing tournaments globally. Enthusiasts from many nations participate, angling for substantial needlefish species for example wahoo, marlin, and tuna.
• Festival Internacional “Boleros de Oro” (mid-June) – Bolero, a musical genre born in Cuba, brings singers from across Latin America to Havana for this week-long festival. Considered the oldest of its kind in Latin America, the primary festival takes place in Havana but has spread nationally due to Bolero`s popularity.
• San Juan Fiestas (June 24-27) – Also known as the Trinidad Carnival, this festival runs for 4 days annually between June 24-27 in the colonial city of Trinidad on Cuba’s south coast. Events include street processions, elaborate costumes, floats, games, and competitions. There are also displays of horsemanship from the local “guajiros” (farmers) and a local carnival queen is chosen and ceremoniously crowned.
• Camagüey Carnival (June 24-29) – One of Cuba`s longest-running festivals, this traditional celebration dates back to the 1700s. It features over 30 outdoor performance areas set up across the city and big stars like Adalberto Álvarez and his Orchestra. Events include parades, elaborate costumes, floats, games and competitions, with the entire carnival culminating in the burning of a St. Peter statue effigy.
• Havana International Corhabana Choral Festival (June 23-27) – This bicennial event draws choirs from Cuba and worldwide to perform throughout Havana at significant venues such as the Basilica de la Habana along with neighborhood and school locations. Workshops are provided on choral music interpretation and leading Cuban administrators.

Cuba in July

• International Festival of Poor Cinema Gibara (early July) – The largest Cuban film festival takes place in the small coastal town of Gibara. This week-long event showcases Cuba’s best low-budget movies through outdoor public screenings and at the local cinema. There’s also a competition for fiction and documentary films as well as exhibitions, recitals, seminars, and concerts.
• The Fiesta del Caribe (early July) – Santiago de Cuba hosts a week-long tribute to Caribbean music and dance culture in July. The festival includes free outdoor concerts, indoor shows, processions of decorated vehicles, parades of costumed dancers, and dance performances in Parque Céspedes and throughout the city. The event also features food stalls, beer stands, and goat-powered cart rides for children.
• Carnaval de Santiago de Cuba (July 21st – 27th): The Santiago de Cuba carnival is widely regarded as Cuba’s finest, largest and most traditional Carnival. It takes place over the final two weeks of July, comprising costumed processions and congas, salsa bands and late-night festivities. The carnival pauses on July 26th to honor the Cuban national holiday commemorating the Rebellion.
• National Uprising Memorial Day (July 26) – July 26 is the most pivotal date on Cuba’s revolutionary calendar and is celebrated with a 3-day observance. The streets are covered in banners, posters, and official graffiti in honor. July 26th commemorates the launching of the movement that ultimately became the Cuban Revolution. At the Moncada barracks in Santiago, the names of the revolution’s martyrs are recited, guns are fired, and speeches are delivered by Cuba’s leaders. July 25-27 are all national holidays granting the general public 3 days off, limiting public transit, and closing schools, banks, and most companies.

Cuba in August

• The Carnaval de La Habana in mid-August features music, dancing, conga lines, colorful costumes, fireworks, beer, and rum enjoyed by thousands attending. Parades proceed along the Malécon showcasing traditional and contemporary tunes. During parades, look out for the huge Muñecones masks worn by dancers accompanied by faroleros – dancers rotating multi-colored accessories resembling streetlights.
• Urban Potaje Festival (mid-August) – Surpassing the former Festival de Rap, this 5-day event in Colón, Matanzas spotlights the values of hip hop culture within the Cuban music scene. It is attended by 160 national and international artists and includes real-time musical performances at venues around the city. The festival welcomes international performers alongside local Cuban artists and has also begun to incorporate other related forms of expression such as breakdancing, graffiti, short films, as well as discussions and workshops regarding hip hop and rap music. The festival ends with the National Master Battle Title.

Cuba in September

• Feast Day of the Virgin of Cobre (September 8) – The Virgin of Cobre is Cuba`s patron saint, though Cuba is less Catholic than other Latin American nations. Still, the Virgin of Cobre holds a special place in many Cubans` hearts. Her shrine sits at the base of the Sierra Maestra mountains. Cubans show devotion by dressing in yellow and leaving gifts at her shrine, traditionally including sunflowers, treats like honey and pumpkins, lit candles, and when possible playing a tambor drum or violin in her honor during visits.
• CDR Anniversary (September 28) – All individuals residing in Cuba are assigned to local socialist groups called Comites de la Defensa de la Revolution at the neighborhood level. These collectives meet regularly to share updates and changes in policy. The CDR Anniversary marks the most festive yearly assembly of these committees and is commemorated as a street festival featuring a large pot of stew cooked over an open fire and activities for children. Visitors traveling to Cuba during this period who lodging in nearby guesthouses have a great chance to interact and become familiar with area locals.

Cuba in October

• Festival Internacional de Ballet de la Habana (late October/early November) – Held every even-numbered year, Cuba’s premier international ballet event is a week-long festival featuring world-renowned ballet companies performing in venues across Havana such as the Gran Teatro and Teatro Mella. Cuba’s National Ballet also takes the main stages. Alongside ballet performances, the festival includes art exhibitions, films, and conferences. It has expanded to other Cuban cities as well.
• Annual Son Santiago Festival (October 8-13) – Each year, Santiago de Cuba hosts well-known Cuban and worldwide musicians for performances, dance competitions, workshops, and seminars. This festival honors Santiago’s 19th century artist Miguel Matamoros – a prominent figure of the son genre of music. While the focus is on son, many other conventional styles of Cuban music including salsa are played in locations as well as in squares, parks, and streets. The festival also includes dance shows, documentary screenings, and stalls selling books and albums.
• Havana International Theatre Festival (mid-October) – This 10-day drama festival highlights classic and modern Cuban works as well as productions by theater companies from Latin America, Europe and the US. Performances take place as free street theater in the city’s open spaces as well as in Havana’s 16 theaters. The vast majority of the productions are in Spanish.

Cuba in November

• Festival de la Habana de Música Contemporánea (mid-November) – Originally known as the Esteban Salas Early Music Festival, this annual classical music festival celebrates the life and works of the 18th-century Cuban composer Esteban Salas. It began in 2003 with performances taking place at venues across the city, including some of Havana’s most impressive churches, chapels, theaters, and cultural centers.
• Festival de Sintra – This roughly 3-week-long festival typically initiates in late September. It highlights modern and ballet dancing, classical recitals, world music, concerts for children and multimedia events.

Great budget-friendly choice. Large pool, self-service laundry, roomy family suites, convenient location near Star Ferry and MTR station. Two notes: The hotel will only allow 4 people in a family suite so a family of 5 would need 2 rooms; family suites sometimes cannot be booked online – in this case email the hotel at [email protected])

Cuba in December

• The International Festival of New Latin American Cinema (December 3-13) – One of Cuba’s premier events is this 10-day film festival showcasing the newest Cuban, Latin American, and Western films as well as classics screened in various cinemas across Havana. The occasion also provides networking for leading independent directors and others interested in film. Held annually since 1979.
• Parrandas de Remedios Remedios, Villa Clara (December 16-26) – The small historic town of Remedios, a 4-hour drive southeast from Havana, is famed for its Christmas festival named “Las Parrandas de Remedios”. The festivities are considered the oldest in Cuba and described as the wildest by some. Events include street parades with rumba drum ensembles, a float show, and a dramatic fireworks competition.
• Charangas de Bejucal (December 24-January 1) – On the outskirts of Havana, 50 minutes from the city center, is the small town of Bejucal where the oldest traditional Havana festival is hosted. Festivities include performances from a percussion band and rival congo groups who compete to play the loudest drums and construct the most impressive float.
• Christmas Day (December 25) – From 1969 until 1998, Christmas was not an official public holiday in Cuba as Castro had declared the nation atheist in the 1960s abolishing all religious festivals. He reinstated Christmas during a 1998 papal visit from Pope John Paul II, even so it remains without much public celebration. Cubans more decorate for visitors than enjoyment. Naturally, churches hold small observances, but these are quite muted. It is a public holiday giving the general population the day off from schools, banks and most businesses.
• December 31st – The last day of the year is the most lively celebration in Cuba and Cuban families gather thoroughly to mark the end of the year. There are street gatherings and free performances all over the country. You will notice locals roasting pigs in outdoor grills, folks dancing reggaeton in the streets, and others throwing water off their balconies and out of their windows – all New Year`s traditions in Cuba. The top restaurants in Cuba get overbooked and squares in Old Havana, jazz clubs, and cultural centers throw unique gatherings that require reservations ahead of time. One such party is a massive outdoor dinner and show organized at the Cathedral Square in Old Havana. The square is filled with tables for a huge dinner for 300 participants and the evening includes a cabaret performance, live music, and an open bar. An important point is that transportation can be an issue on New Year`s Eve. There are restricted taxis working and the few that are operating run bidding wars for fares, so planning activities that don`t require transportation or hiring a driver in advance is strongly advised.