Cuba in August sizzles with hot temperatures, making it the perfect destination for sun-seeking travelers. With the northern hemisphere's school summer holidays in full swing, August offers ample opportunities for long days lounging on the beach, indulging in refreshing ice cream, and sipping on ice-filled drinks. If you're considering a trip to Cuba in August, be sure to read about the prevailing weather conditions you can expect, along with our recommendations for the best things to do on the island during this time. From exploring Havana's vibrant street art scene to snorkeling in the turquoise waters of Cayo Coco, August in Cuba promises endless adventures under the sun. Additionally, don't miss out on special events that take place across the island in August, including music festivals, cultural celebrations, and more. So pack your sunscreen and prepare for an unforgettable summer getaway in Cuba in August.
The island nation’s average daily temperature for August is a stunning 27°C (81°F). The high year-round humidity levels of around 80%, alongside peaks of up to 32°C (90°F) in the middle hours of the day can make it feel hot for some, but are the perfect excuse for heading into the waves or taking things easy in a shaded café or bar. Come nightfall, temperatures fall back to around 22°C (72°F), meaning the centre of cities like Havana tend to be at their busiest in the evenings at this time of year. With an average of 10 hours of bright Caribbean sunshine each day, be sure to have your sunglasses to hand, alongside a hat. It’s advisable to wear loose natural clothing, and have a high SPF sun screen on you, so that you can top up throughout the day – especially when splashing about in the shallows. While we’re on the subject of the seas that surround the island, it’s worth noting that Cuba in August has the highest sea temperatures of any time of year, reaching 30°C (86°F). It means it’s perfectly possible to spend all the day in, on, or under the waves without getting chilled to the bone, whether you prefer a gentle swim, to slip on a snorkel and mask to admire the underwater world just offshore, or to opt for a deep-sea fishing trip. And what of rainfall? Although August lies right in the middle of Cuba’s rainy season, don’t associate that with the endless downpours of other parts of the world that have ‘similar’ rainy seasons. Those visiting Cuba in August should instead be ready for just 70 mm of rain across the entire month, with many entirely clear days, and rain recorded on 13 days of the month. And while the hurricane season technically peaks in August, you would be very unlucky to experience any such event while visiting the island. *Please note that the team here at Locally Sourced Cuba Tours can do a lot of things, but unfortunately we cannot predict the weather. We can only base our predictions about the weather in Cuba in August, on previous years and averages.
For many, Cuba in August is all about the beach. You’ll find locals flocking to the sands that ring the island as readily as any tourist, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be facing huge crowds should you head to the shore yourself, given the sheer number of beaches and swimming spots available right around the island. Even coming from Havana, there are a good number of options available when it comes to the beach life. The nearest beaches to the capital, a taxi or bus ride away, are those that together form the Playas del Este. Running for almost seven kilometres to the east of Havana, while these beaches are a popular spot for Habaneros, there’s still enough space that you won’t ever feel crowded. Also achievable as a day trip – though you could spend a good few days here – are the beaches of the Varadero peninsula. Particularly well-suited for those looking for an all-inclusive beach holiday or families travelling with children, head to this pencil-thin strip of land and there are 20 km of beach to choose between, in addition to a large number of places to stay and things for all the family to do. On Cuba’s other shore, to the south, is the Zapata peninsula. Covering an area of 4200 square km, it’s much larger than Varadero, and largely devoted to the island’s natural flora and fauna. However, as well as heading out onto the mangroves that are home to hundreds of bird species and the native Cuban crocodile, the peninsula is also close to Playa Giron. This beach has a beautiful setting, reefs just offshore that are perfect for a few hours snorkelling, and are also historically important to Cuba in modern times as the site of an unsuccessful US-backed attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro’s then new regime. There’s an interesting museum dedicated to the event just off the beach itself.
For much of Latin America, the high summer months mean its carnival time, and Cuba is no different. One of the largest carnivals to take place in Cuba in August is Havana Carnival, which lasts for 10 days in the middle of the month. Needless to say, perhaps, you can expect to witness an incredible display of sight and sound, with parades making their way along the Malecon seafront promenade full of toe-tapping rhythms and intricately-decorated dancers. Havana Carnival is also a great time to sample the capital’s food and drink, while fireworks ignite the sky come evening. Also in August you’ll find the conclusion of the Festival Internacional de Rap. Running from May right through to August, when the Batalla de los Maestros (or Battle of the Masters) grand finale brings the event to a rousing end, this globally-important celebration of the hip hop and rap musical genres welcomes rappers from home and abroad. In recent years, it has also started to host fringe events including dance, graffiti, and short film. Popular with Cuba’s youth, it’s even been suggested that the festival was first funded by the CIA, who still have no love loss for the communist country’s regime, since rap is often anti-establishment in nature.
Caught by the idea of visiting Cuba in August? Why aren’t you booking already – before everyone else learns the secrets we’ve unveiled? Cuba in August is a fantastic time for a beach holiday on the Caribbean’s largest island, and hosts some authentic and intriguing events, as well as boasting weather many of us would be very pleased to have back home!
