Weather in Santiago de Cuba

To ensure your journey is as comfortable as possible, familiarise yourself with the current weather situation in the city of Santiago de Cuba. Below you will find up-to-date data, detailed forecasts, and useful charts to help you plan your day.

Santiago de Cuba welcomes travellers with a hot tropical climate, typical of the Caribbean. Eternal summer reigns here: the air temperature remains high and comfortable throughout the year, rarely dropping below 20°C even on the coolest nights. Thanks to this, the city is an excellent destination for a holiday in almost any season, offering stable warmth and abundant sunshine.

Two periods can be clearly distinguished in the weather calendar: the dry season and the rainy season. From December to March, there is very little rainfall, and the number of rainy days is minimal (from 3 to 6 days a month), creating ideal conditions for beach holidays and long walks. Starting in May, humidity rises, and the period from September to October is considered the rainiest, when precipitation can occur on more than 20 days a month. Nevertheless, tropical rains are often short-lived and are quickly replaced by clear weather.

Temperature fluctuations in the city are insignificant, making the weather predictable. The hottest time of the year is summer, especially July and August, when daytime figures often exceed 32°C. Winter months bring only a nominal "cooling" to a comfortable 28-29°C during the day, making the climate of Cuba in this region mild and exceptionally pleasant for those looking to escape the cold for warmer lands.

The climate in Santiago de Cuba can safely be called eternal summer, as there are no significant cold spells here. The annual temperature graph is quite smooth, but still has its peaks and troughs. The hottest period is traditionally the summer months, especially August, when the average temperature reaches 28.3°C, and daytime highs regularly exceed the 32°C mark. At this time of year, the weather can feel particularly sultry.

The winter season, which nominally lasts from December to February, brings a long-awaited mildness but remains very warm compared to temperate latitudes. January is considered the "coolest" month with an average temperature of about 24.3°C. During the day, the air warms up to a comfortable 28-29°C, making this period ideal for those who do not tolerate intense heat well. There are no frosts or sharp cold snaps here: even minimum night-time temperatures in winter rarely drop below 20°C.

It is worth noting the daily temperature fluctuations, which bring relief after the midday sun. The difference between the daily maximum and nightly minimum is usually about 8–10 degrees. For example, in hot April, after a daytime 30.5°C, a pleasant evening sets in with a temperature of about 21-22°C. Such changes allow for comfortable rest at night, enjoying the fresh tropical air.

The climate in Santiago de Cuba is characterised by a fairly clear division into a dry season and a rainy season, which is typical for tropical latitudes. The driest period, favourable for beach holidays and excursions, lasts from December to March. At this time, the probability of precipitation is minimal: for example, in February, an average of only about 3 rainy days is recorded, and their volume is extremely insignificant.

The rainy season usually begins in May and continues until October. During this period, humidity increases, and precipitation falls much more frequently. The "wettest" months statistically are September and October, when the number of inclement days can reach 22–23 per month. Summer months, such as June, July, and August, are also distinguished by a high frequency of rain (about 18–20 days), however, these are often short-lived tropical downpours that are quickly replaced by the sun.

By November, the intensity of precipitation begins to noticeably decrease (to 12 rainy days), marking the transition to the drier winter season. Since the region is located in a hot climatic zone, precipitation here falls exclusively in the form of rain. Even at the height of the wet season, rains often bring pleasant freshness, so they rarely become a serious hindrance to relaxation if you are prepared for them.

Santiago de Cuba welcomes travellers with a warm tropical climate all year round, so the basis of your wardrobe should be light items made of natural fabrics. Give preference to cotton, linen, and viscose in light shades, which will help you tolerate the heat more easily, because even in the coolest months the daytime temperature holds around 28°C, and in summer exceeds 32°C. Be sure to take swimwear, shorts, T-shirts, and loose-fitting clothing to feel comfortable under the Caribbean sun.

If your trip is planned for the period from May to October, it is worth preparing for the rainy season: the number of days with precipitation at this time increases significantly (up to 20–23 days a month). A compact umbrella or a light raincoat will become indispensable companions, although tropical downpours are often short-lived. For winter evenings (from December to March), when the night temperature can drop to 20°C, it is recommended to bring a light cardigan, windbreaker, or stole, which will also come in handy in transport or rooms with powerful air conditioners.

Do not forget about reliable protection from the active sun: sunscreen with a high SPF factor, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat are mandatory at any time of the year. For long walks along the colourful streets of the city, choose the most comfortable, already broken-in shoes — flat sandals or breathable sneakers are ideal. Given the high humidity, the principle of layering in clothing will help you quickly adapt to weather changes throughout the day.