Cayos and Beaches are best visited from November to April during the dry season. Temperatures are perfect (25-29 °C by day, 19-22 °C at night), humidity reduced, sky clear, sea calm at 25-27 °C. It is also absolute high season: resort rates climb 30-50% above low season, and the best addresses sell out 3-6 months ahead for December-February.
December-February are the most expensive and busiest months (Christmas, New Year, European and Quebec school holidays). March-April offer an optimal combination: perfect weather, slightly lighter crowds, still-high but more accessible rates. May-June and September-October are shoulder season: rates down 20-30%, warmer temperatures (29-31 °C) and rising humidity, but overall very acceptable conditions.
The hurricane season (June-November, peak in September) is the main risk. Varadero, Cayo Coco and Cayo Largo have been evacuated and hit by major hurricanes several times (Irma 2017, Ian 2022). If travelling during this period, take out cancellation-cover travel insurance. The wet season (May-October) brings brief late-afternoon tropical storms that don't significantly disrupt beach days.
Read also
- Varadero, the emblematic resort — 20 km of white sand beach, 50+ all-inclusive resorts, accessible and complete.
- Cayo Coco, paradise coral island — More natural and exclusive than Varadero, exceptional coral reef.
- Cuba — Complete country guide: visa, currency, regions, best time to visit.
- Havana — The Cuban capital, essential to combine with the Cayos for a complete experience.