Expert on Cuba · 1 contributions
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Africa & Americas Desk — Mowando·Editor
Africa & Americas Desk — Mowando·EditorThe best periods
The best time to visit Cuba is November to April (dry season).
Nov, Déc, Jan, Fév, Mar, Avr
Saison sèche — la meilleure période
- ✅Températures idéales (23-29 °C selon la région), faible humidité, ciel bleu permanent
- ✅Aucun risque cyclonique, conditions parfaites pour la marche en ville et les randonnées
- ✅Mer turquoise calme et chaude à 25-27 °C, idéale pour la baignade et le snorkeling
- ✅Récoltes de tabac à Viñales (janvier-mars), atmosphère agricole vivante dans les fincas
- ❌Haute saison touristique : casas particulares à réserver 2-3 mois à l'avance pour décembre-février
- ❌Tarifs aériens et hébergements 30-50 % plus chers qu'en basse saison
- ❌Foule de croisiéristes débarquant en journée dans la Habana Vieja et Trinidad
- ❌Charters européens nombreux à Varadero et Cayo Coco, plages parfois saturées
Mai, Oct
Inter-saison — équilibre
- ✅Foule en nette baisse, ambiance plus authentique partout dans le pays
- ✅Tarifs casas, hôtels et activités 20-30 % en dessous de la haute saison
- ✅Verdure éclatante à Viñales après les premières pluies
- ✅Mer toujours très chaude (27-29 °C)
- ❌Humidité en hausse, premiers orages tropicaux en fin d'après-midi
- ❌Octobre encore à la lisière de la saison cyclonique — vérifier les bulletins INSMET
- ❌Mai parfois éprouvant à Santiago de Cuba (chaleur soutenue)
Jui, Aoû
Vacances scolaires cubaines — l'expérience festive
- ✅Vacances scolaires cubaines : atmosphère festive partout, plages animées
- ✅Carnaval de Santiago (3e semaine de juillet) : la plus grande fête de Cuba
- ✅Carnaval de La Havane en août, défilés de comparsas sur le Paseo del Prado
- ✅Mer la plus chaude de l'année (28-29 °C)
- ❌Humidité asphyxiante (90 %), chaleur extrême (32-35 °C), visites pénibles en plein air
- ❌Casas particulares saturées et chères pendant les carnavals
- ❌Foule cubaine intense, infrastructures et transports saturés
Juin, Sep
Saison cyclonique active
- ✅Très peu de touristes étrangers, rencontres faciles avec les Cubains
- ✅Tarifs au plancher pour les casas particulares et les vols
- ✅Verdure tropicale luxuriante partout
- ❌Risque cyclonique élevé — Cuba régulièrement frappée par des ouragans majeurs (Irma 2017, Ian 2022, Matthew 2016)
- ❌Pinar del Río (Viñales), Oriente (Santiago, Baracoa) et Cayos particulièrement vulnérables
- ❌Vols et trajets perturbés, possibles évacuations de resorts dans les Cayos
- ❌Humidité maximale, chaleur insoutenable même la nuit
Climate by destination
The climate varies sharply from one region to another. See the month-by-month detail — temperatures, sea, crowds and flight prices — on each destination's 'when to go' page.
When to visit Cayo Coco
Climate, sea, crowds and flights month by month.
Best for : November to April (dry season) →
When to visit La Havane
Climate, sea, crowds and flights month by month.
Best for : November to April (dry season) →
When to visit Santiago de Cuba
Climate, sea, crowds and flights month by month.
Best for : November to April (dry season) →
When to visit Trinidad
Climate, sea, crowds and flights month by month.
Best for : November to April (dry season) →
When to visit Varadero
Climate, sea, crowds and flights month by month.
Best for : November to April (dry season) →
When to visit Viñales
Climate, sea, crowds and flights month by month.
Best for : November to April (dry season) →
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a visa for Cuba?+
Yes, a __mandatory tourist visa__ — the __Tarjeta de Turista__ (tourist card) — is required for European travellers: €25 from a travel agent or the Cuban consulate (before departure). Valid for 30 days on arrival, renewable once for 30 more days (€25 extra, on site). The D'Viajeros form (online health and customs) must be filled within 72h before arrival. __Travel insurance covering Cuba__ is mandatory on entry and may be checked at the airport — make sure 'Cuba included' appears explicitly on your certificate.
When is the best time to visit Cuba?+
The __dry season (November to April)__ is the best time: perfect temperatures (23-29 °C depending on region), low humidity, permanent blue sky, no hurricane risk. It is also high tourist season — book casas particulares 2-3 months ahead for December-February. Avoid the __hurricane season__ (June-November, peak in September) with its regular major hurricanes. July is exceptional for the __Santiago Carnival__ (3rd week, the biggest party in Cuba) — but accept the extreme heat (34-35 °C, 90% humidity) in exchange.
What currency to use in Cuba?+
Cuba unified its currency in 2021 around the __Cuban peso (CUP)__ after scrapping the CUC. Tourists now use CUP for most purchases, but some hotels, state shops (MLC) and big chains require payment in USD, EUR or via a special MLC card. Bring __euros in cash__ (better than dollars due to the 10% US tax), exchange only at official CADECA counters. European bank cards work at some ATMs (US-issued cards refused). Bring plenty of cash: Cuba remains largely cash-based.
How many days do you need for Cuba?+
Minimum __10 days__ for a balanced first trip: 3-4 nights in Havana (UNESCO Habana Vieja, Malecón, salsa), 2-3 nights in Viñales (UNESCO tobacco valley), 2-3 nights in Trinidad (UNESCO colonial city), possibly 2-3 nights in Varadero or Cayo Coco (beach). With __14-21 days__, add Cienfuegos, Santa Clara, Santiago de Cuba (recommended domestic flight) and Baracoa for a complete Cuban experience. With 7 days, limit yourself to Havana (3-4 nights) + Viñales (2 nights) + Varadero (2 nights) — a concentrated itinerary.
Casa particular or hotel in Cuba?+
The __casa particular__ is the quintessential Cuban experience: room in a private home (official licence required), generous home-cooked breakfast, conversations with hosts, authentic atmosphere. Expect €25-40/night for a double room with breakfast. State hotels (Inglaterra, Nacional, Saratoga, Iberostar Grand Trinidad) offer more comfort but cost €120-300/night with sometimes uneven service due to shortages. __All-inclusive resorts__ in the Cayos (Varadero, Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo) are the comfortable beach option but cut off from real Cuba. Ideally combine casa particular (cultural) + 4-5 nights resort (beach) for a complete trip.
How do you get around in Cuba?+
Several options depending on context. The __Viazul bus__ (€5-60/trip) is the main tourist transport — comfortable, air-conditioned, but booking mandatory online at viazul.com 1-2 weeks ahead. __Shared taxis__ (long-distance almendrones, €15-35 per person) are faster and more flexible. A __private car with driver__ (€80-200 per trip) is the most comfortable. Car __hire__ (€50-70/day, often 3-day minimum) offers maximum freedom for a cultural loop, but beware of mid-quality roads and occasional fuel rationing. __Domestic flights__ (Cubana, Aerogaviota, €80-180 return) are essential to reach Santiago, Cayo Coco and Cayo Largo — but Cubana is notorious for delays.
What to eat in Cuba?+
Cuban cuisine is simple and generous Creole cooking: __ropa vieja__ (shredded beef in tomato sauce), __arroz congrí__ or __moros y cristianos__ (rice and black beans, national dish), __lechón asado__ (roast suckling pig), __langosta enchilada__ (Creole-style lobster, Trinidad and Cayos speciality), __tostones__ (fried plantain), __yuca con mojo__ (manioc with garlic). Dessert side: __cucurucho__ (coconut and sugar cone, Baracoa specialty), flan, Coppelia ice cream. Drinks: __mojito__ (rum-mint-lime-sugar-soda, invented at La Bodeguita del Medio in Havana), __cuba libre__ (rum-coke), __daiquiri__ (rum-lemon-sugar), __cristal__ and __bucanero__ (local beers). Prefer __paladares__ (private restaurants) over state restaurants — much higher quality.
Do internet and phones work in Cuba?+
Yes, but complicated. State company __ETECSA__ sells prepaid cards (€1 per hour) for use in public Wi-Fi zones (parks, main squares) or via equipped hotels. A growing number of casas particulares offer in-room Wi-Fi via Nauta Hogar subscription. Buy a __Cuba eSIM__ before departure (Airalo, Holafly) for immediate mobile data, or a Cubacel SIM at the airport. European roaming does not work in Cuba (non-EU country), so an eSIM or local SIM is essential. Accept that everything will be slower than in Europe — it's part of the journey.
Is Cuba safe to travel in?+
Yes, Cuba is one of the safest destinations in Latin America in terms of __violent crime__ — very low homicide rate (4/100,000, comparable to France), almost no armed robberies. The main risks for tourists: __pickpockets__ in Habana Vieja and Trinidad in high season, classic __tourist scams__ (fake guides, fake cigars, dodgy taxis, inflated restaurant prices), __hurricane season__ (June-November). Solo women travellers may receive persistent verbal hassle (catcalling) but rarely physical. Standard precautions suffice: copy documents separately, split cash, wear bag across body. Medical care is decent in major cities but travel insurance is essential.
Our verdict
Cuba is one of the most singular destinations in the world — a nation that crossed the 20th century without yielding to global homogenisation, frozen in an authenticity that no longer exists anywhere else. The density of its colonial heritage (9 UNESCO sites), the vibrancy of its music scene (cradle of son cubano and salsa), the exceptional hospitality of its people and high safety make it a unique destination. The flip side is just as coherent: chronic shortages, ageing infrastructure, limited internet, complex monetary ecosystem. Accept these constraints — they are part of the Cuban experience. Always combine Havana (culture), Viñales (nature), Trinidad or Santiago (colonial heritage) and possibly the Cayos (beach) for a complete 10-14 day trip.