Does it snow in Cuba? Has It EVER Been Recorded Snow In Cuba?
Has snow ever been recorded in Cuba?
Cuba is a Caribbean island with a Caribbean subtropical climate, but there are also mountains in Cuba. So, does it snow in Cuba in the mountains?
I have regularly traveled to Cuba since 2019 and have even been based in Havana for a couple of years, and I can not even imagine snow ever falling on this Caribbean island.
But there are a few mountains here, and as you know, some countries can have summer temperatures by the sea, while high up in the mountains not far away, there is still snow!
So what about Cuba? Does it ever snow there?
Does It Snow In Cuba At all?
The short answer to that question is no; it does not snow in Cuba. But it did snow in Cuba once, on one marvelous occasion!
According to weather records, it snowed in Cuba on March 12, 1857, 166 years ago! Snow in Cuba was not recorded before that and has not been recorded since.
This once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon happened in the municipality of Cardenas, around 72 miles (115 km) from the capital, Havana.
Does It Get Cold In Cuba?
Well, all is relative.
As a Scandinavian, I am not able to agree that it ever gets cold in Cuba, but – it certainly happens that the temperatures in Cuba behave out of the ordinary.
The last particularly cold period in Cuba was in 2015 when the temperatures at the Havana weather station were reported to be as low as 13 degrees Celcius, which is 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
The coldest winter period is from January to March, and the average temperature is normally 20.6 °C (69 Fahrenheit).
This cool season, which overlaps with the November through March dry season, lasts for around four months, from November 15 to March 9.
According to statistics, the coldest month in Cuba is January, when there is an average low of 43°F and an average high of 57°F.
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The Weather In Cuba
But there is still A LOT of weather in Cuba; being in the hurricane belt, the summer storms can be fierce.
Having lived in Havana for over two years and traveled there for over four, I have experienced my fair share of Cuban weather.
When storms hit during the wet season, which normally lasts from June through October every year, the winds and rain can be quite dramatic.
Cuba has only two seasons: wet and dry. The wet season lasts from May through October, while the dry, cool season lasts from November through March.
The average daily highest temperature in the cool period is below 63°F. Quite remarkably, the weather changes significantly the moment we enter June each year.
Rain showers arrive regularly in the afternoon, more fiercely, sometimes several times a day, and they start and stop suddenly.
In between, the sun is shining from blue skies as if the rain-heavy clouds never existed!
FAQs Cuba Travel
Why are US citizens not allowed to travel to Cuba?
This is NOT correct. US citizens ARE ALLOWED to travel to Cuba.
Americans can choose a reason for Cuba travel among 12 pre-approved reasons for traveling to Cuba, determined by the US Government.
Can US citizens travel to Cuba as a tourist?
Technically, US citizens are NOT allowed to travel to Cuba as a tourist. Americans choose between 12 pre-approved reasons for Cuba travel, among which the most common one is “to help the Cuban people”.
American citizens still need to buy a tourist card, also called a tourist visa, to enter Cuba.
What are the 12 requirements to travel to Cuba?
You can read about the 12 pre-approved reasons to travel to Cuba for US citizens here.
The easiest and most common reason for Cuba travel is “to help the Cuban people”. There is no paperwork or application process connected to this; you just choose your reason and state that reason if anyone asks.
What happens if a US citizen travels to Cuba?
Nothing happens if a US citizen travels to Cuba, apart from hopefully, the US citizen will have a fabulous holiday and encounter with Cuban culture.
US citizens need to choose one of the pre-approved reasons to travel to Cuba and need to buy the PINK Cuban tourist card, also called a tourist visa.
Selected airlines sell this visa/tourist card, or you can buy one online.
What documents do I need to travel to Cuba?
You need the following documents to travel to Cuba:
- Passport valid for 6 months after the date of entry
- Cuban tourist card / tourist visa
- Proof of travel insurance, including health insurance
- Fill out the d’viajero.cu digital document before your journey
Do Americans need to be vaccinated to enter Cuba?
No, there is no requirement for specific vaccines prior to entering Cuba.
Your country’s health department probably has recommendations for what vaccines you should consider before entering Cuba.
How Do I get a tourist card for Cuba?
You can buy a tourist card online from Easy Tourist Card, or from the Cuban embassy in your country.
You might also be able to buy a Cuban tourist card from your airline or at the airport prior to departure. It is possible to buy a tourist card at Miami International Airport at the check-in counter with American Airlines and Delta Airlines.
How Do I Get A Tourist Visa For Cuba?
A tourist visa is the same as a tourist card for Cuba. You can buy it from the following places:
- Buy one online from Easy Tourist Card
- Buy one from your airline if they offer this
- Buy one at the airport of departure if they offer this
- Buy one from the Cuban Embassy in your country
Is Travel To Cuba Allowed Right Now?
Yes, Cuba travel is allowed right now.
In addition, American citizens must choose one of the 12 pre-approved reasons for traveling to Cuba (Americans can not travel as “tourists”) and follow some simple guidelines for traveling in Cuba.
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