Cuba: Which Month Is Actually Worth It

Cuba is not a destination that works the same way all year. The weather changes dramatically, prices swing, and in some periods the crowds are heavy enough to spoil the experience. If you want to get the most out of the trip, choosing the month is the first thing to think about.

The best month: March, or early April

If you have to pick one month, pick March, or early April. The dry season settles in from November, but March puts you in the sweet spot: humidity is bearable, temperatures sit at 26–29°C in Havana and a little lower inland, and rain is rare. Easter brings crowds, so if that April falls over the holidays, take care. March generally avoids the problem and remains the most balanced choice for most travellers.

What happens the rest of the year

Cuba effectively has two seasons:

• Dry season (November–April): Favourable conditions, lower humidity, almost no hurricanes. This is also peak tourist season.
• Wet season (May–October): Rain almost daily, mostly in the afternoons, high humidity, and from August to October a serious risk of hurricanes that can rearrange your entire itinerary.

January and February are good months too, though nights are cooler in Trinidad and the hills around Viñales.

Prices: when it costs more, and how much

Cuba is not a cheap destination for Europeans, particularly since the changes to the currency system. Connecting flights from Europe (usually via Madrid, Paris or Frankfurt) run from €500 to €900 depending on season and how early you book. In December and around early January prices rise sharply over Christmas. Rooms in casas particulares (private homes, the most common option) generally cost €25–60 a night depending on the city and standard. Havana and Trinidad are dearer; Santiago and Camagüey cheaper.

Crowds: when to stay away

The busiest periods are Christmas and New Year (20 December–5 January) and February, which draws large numbers of Canadians and Europeans. Trinidad and Old Havana become uncomfortably packed at these times. Go in March and the crowds have started to thin; you can find a casa without booking far ahead. Avoid the Havana Jazz Festival period (usually January) unless the festival is why you are going — hotels and casas in Havana fill up and prices climb.

What to watch out for, whatever the season

A few things hold true all year and are worth knowing before you go:

• Cards do not work. Visa, Mastercard and most European Maestro cards are accepted almost nowhere. Bring cash in euros or Canadian dollars to exchange.
• The internet is slow and expensive. Do not count on a reliable connection for work.
• Getting around takes time. Havana to Trinidad is about 340 km, and travelling independently (Viazul bus or car) takes 4–5 hours.

A quick guide to the regions

With 10–14 days, a realistic combination is: Havana (3–4 days), Viñales (2 days, about 180 km west), Trinidad (2–3 days, south-central) and optionally Santiago de Cuba if you fancy the longer trip east. Santiago is about 870 km from Havana — worth an internal flight if you include it, especially in July for Carnaval, though the weather then is punishing.

In short: when to book

The short answer: March is the most sensible choice. Good weather, fewer people than February, and prices that have started to come down from the holiday peak. Book flights at least two to three months ahead and casas particulares four to six weeks ahead. Do not leave anything to the last minute, especially if Trinidad is on your list — the good places there fill up fast.