Climate
Cuba has a tropical climate and is mostly hot and sunny throughout the year, although it is susceptible to storms and hurricanes from August through to November. The humidity and high temperatures (up to 33oC) in July and August can be enervating. From December to April the weather is more benign, with temperatures as low as 20oC, and there can be some cool and drizzly days. Most rain falls in the summer and autumn.
Below are two graphs showing average 24-hour temperature and rainfall for Havana, Camaguey, Santiago de Cuba and London for comparison.
Average 24-hour Temperature (in oC)
Average Rainfall (in mm)
Festivals & Holidays
There are no national religious festivals. In Santiago, the artistic Festival del Caribe is followed a fortnight later by Carnival, which takes place from 18-27 July. Carnival is a week of musical celebrations, and coincides with the anniversary of the storming of the Moncada barracks on 26th July. Arts festivals and sporting events take place throughout the year. In Havana in December, the International Festival of New Latin American Cinema is followed biennially by the celebrated International Jazz Plaza Festival.
Currency
Cuba imposes a 10-15% charge on dollar exchange. To avoid paying this you should carry travellers' cheques in Sterling or Euros (with receipt of purchase), and small denominations of Sterling or Euros cash - both of these currencies are accepted in most banks and some of the larger hotels. You can convert these currencies into Cuban Convertible Pesos on arrival. Credit cards (not issued by US banks) are also accepted in some places however be aware there is a 11% surcharge for payments by cards, including cash advances. Please note that Maestro cards are not accepted in Cuba. You will not be able to convert Cuban currency back into Sterling at the end of your stay so make sure you do not have too much surplus currency left over.
Visas
British citizens can find up-to-date information on the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website. Citizens of other countries should consult their embassy before travel.
Vaccinations
We recommend that you always check with your own travel clinic or health professional before you travel, for advice specific to your requirements. The NHS Fit For Travel website contains for up-to-date health advice and lists the common vaccinations for travellers to Cuba.