WHEN TO TRAVEL TO Cuba

Location

Climate

Tourist seasons in Cuba

The Cuban climate is generally warm all year round, with an average temperature of 25°C. However, there are several distinct periods to travel to Cuba, depending on the weather and the number of visitors:

• Low season (May - October) : During this period, accommodation prices are lower and there are fewer tourists. It's also the rainy season, which means you'll have to deal with more frequent rainfall and sometimes even cyclones. Nevertheless, it's an ideal time of year for those who want to enjoy a more authentic experience and discover the daily life of Cubans without the massive influx of tourists.
• Mid-season (November - April) : During these months, the weather is generally pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30°C. Rainfall is less frequent and accommodation prices are moderate. This period is ideal for those seeking a good compromise between climatic comfort and tourist prices.
• High season (December - March) : This is the busiest period for tourists, especially during the Christmas and New Year vacations. Prices rise considerably, and it can be difficult to find accommodation without booking in advance. The weather is generally dry and warm, with temperatures around 30°C.

Major cultural events in Cuba

If you are interested in Cuban cultureHere is a list of the main events and festivals not to be missed during your stay:

Havana International Jazz Festival (January)

This event brings together local and international musicians to celebrate jazz in all its forms. Concerts and workshops are organized at various venues in the Cuban capital.

Feria del Libro (February)

The Feria del Libro is Havana's book fair. During this event, writers, publishers and readers meet to share their passion for literature. Exhibitions, conferences and workshops are also organized.

Festival Internacional del Nuevo Cine Latinoamericano (March)

This Latin American film festival aims to promote and reward cinematographic works from the region. Screenings take place in several Havana cinemas.

Santiago de Cuba Carnival (July)

Santiago de Cuba's Carnival is one of the country's most important cultural events. For a week, the city is festive, with parades of dancers, decorated floats and brass bands roaming the streets. The atmosphere is joyful and colorful.

Fiesta del Fuego (July)

La Fiesta del Fuego is an Afro-Caribbean festival celebrating the traditions and customs of people of African descent in Cuba. Music, dance and art performances are organized, as well as workshops to discover the African roots of Cuban culture.

Festival de La Trova (November)

The Festival de La Trova pays tribute to Cuban trova, a traditional musical genre characterized by lyrical songs accompanied by guitars. Concerts and exhibitions are organized in the city of Santiago de Cuba.

Public holidays in Cuba

Here is a list of national holidays in Cuba :

• January 1st : Liberation Day, commemorating the victory of the Cuban Revolution in 1959.
• May 1st : Labour Day, celebrated nationwide with parades and demonstrations.
• July 26 : National Rebellion Day, marking the attack on the Moncada barracks in 1953, which led to the Cuban Revolution.
• October 10 : Independence Day, commemorating the start of the War of Independence against Spain in 1868.
• December 25 : Christmas, celebrated in the family with traditional meals and gifts.

As a booming tourist destination, Cuba has attracted a growing number of foreign visitors in recent years. Statistics on immigration to this Caribbean country reveal a diversity of visas requested by nationals of different countries.

Most popular visas in Cuba

According to the data collected, there are several types of visa for entering and staying in Cuba. Among them, some are particularly sought-after by foreign nationals:

• Tourist Visa The tourist visa is undoubtedly the most common type of visa for the majority of foreign visitors to Cuba. It allows tourists to stay in the country for up to 30 days.
• Family visa Family visas: nationals with family living in Cuba can obtain a family visa allowing them to visit relatives and stay in Cuba for up to 60 days.
• Student Visa Student visas: foreign students wishing to study in Cuba must apply for a student visa. This type of visa is valid for the duration of studies, and can be renewed annually.
• Work visa Work visas: foreign nationals wishing to work in Cuba must obtain a work visa. This type of visa is generally issued for a period of up to one year, but can be renewed if necessary.

Trends and figures for international tourism in Cuba

The sector of tourism represents one of the main sources of revenue for the Cuban economy. Over the years, the number of international visitors has increased significantly:

Total number of foreign visitors

In 2019, Cuba recorded over 4 million foreign visitors, an increase on previous years. The majority of these were tourists coming to discover the country's culture, beaches and natural landscapes.

Visitor nationalities

International visitors to Cuba come mainly from the following countries:

• Canada Canadians account for the lion's share of foreign visitors to Cuba, attracted by the country's geographical proximity and the attractive rates on vacation packages.
• UNITED STATES : US nationals have begun to travel more to Cuba since the easing of travel restrictions between the two countries in 2015. However, these numbers have fallen slightly since the US administration tightened regulations in 2019.
• Europe European countries, such as Spain, France, Italy and Germany, are also well represented among foreign visitors to Cuba. The island's cultural and historical wealth attracts many European tourists every year.

Impact of tourism on the Cuban economy

Cuba's tourism sector generates significant revenue for the national economy. In 2019, tourism revenues were estimated at around US$2.7 billion. These revenues come mainly from accommodation, catering, transport and tourism-related activities.

Challenges and prospects for immigration and tourism in Cuba

Although the figures show a steady growth in international tourism and immigration to Cuba, there are several challenges the country must face to maintain this trend:

• Tourist infrastructure With the number of international visitors on the rise, Cuba needs to invest more in developing and modernizing its tourism infrastructure to meet demand and offer quality service.
• Diversifying the tourism offer To continue attracting foreign visitors, Cuba needs to diversify its tourism offering and propose new experiences to tourists, such as ecological, cultural and sports tourism.
• International relations Cuba's relations with other countries, notably the United States, have a direct impact on migration and tourism flows. It is therefore essential for the Cuban government to maintain positive diplomatic relations with these nations.