What is the best month to dive in Cuba?

For most divers, April, May and November offer the best balance of warm water, settled weather and moderate crowds. The south coast is diveable year-round.

How warm is the water in Cuba?

Typically about 24–26 °C (75–79 °F) in winter, rising to about 28–30 °C (82–86 °F) in late summer.

Is it safe to dive in Cuba during hurricane season?

Yes, on most days. Storms are forecast days in advance and centers close when one approaches. Travel insurance and flexible plans are essential from August to October.

Best Time to Dive Cuba: Water Temperature, Seasons and Hurricanes

The best time to dive Cuba depends on what you want most: calm seas and dry weather, the warmest water, or the lowest prices. The island has two main seasons, a dry season from about November to April and a wet season from about May to October, which overlaps with the Atlantic hurricane season. Diving goes on in every month, and the sheltered south coast stays diveable through most of the year.

Cuba water temperature by season

Months	Typical water	Suggested exposure suit
January to March	About 24–26 °C (75–79 °F)	5 mm full suit, or 3 mm with a hood vest
April to June	About 26–28 °C (79–82 °F)	3 mm full suit
July to October	About 28–30 °C (82–86 °F)	3 mm shorty or full suit
November and December	About 26–27 °C (79–81 °F)	3 to 5 mm full suit

These are typical ranges, and shallow bays warm up faster than open-water walls. If you feel the cold or plan three or four dives a day on a liveaboard, go one step thicker than you think you need.

Dry season: November to April

This is Cuba's high season. Days are sunny, humidity is lower and rain is rare, which makes it the most comfortable time to travel around the island. Visibility on the south coast walls is often at its best. The main drawback is the cold fronts, called nortes, that sweep down from North America every week or two in winter. They bring strong north winds that can make Varadero, Cayo Coco and other north-coast sites rough for a few days. The south coast, including María la Gorda, the Bay of Pigs and Jardines de la Reina, is much better protected.

Christmas, New Year and Easter are the busiest weeks, so book flights, rooms and liveaboards early.

Wet season: May to October

Summer brings the warmest water, fewer visitors and lower prices at many hotels. Rain usually falls as short afternoon storms rather than all-day downpours, and mornings, when most boat dives run, are often calm and clear. Runoff after heavy rain can reduce visibility near river mouths for a day or two.

Hurricane season

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with the highest risk from August to October. Most weeks pass without a storm, but when one does approach, flights are cancelled and dive centers close until the sea settles. Recent hurricanes have also damaged Cuba's power grid and roads. If you travel in this period, buy travel insurance that covers weather disruption, keep your plans flexible and follow forecasts from the US National Hurricane Center.

Marine life through the year

Sharks: Caribbean reef and silky sharks are seen year-round in Jardines de la Reina.
Bull sharks: the Santa Lucía encounter dive is seasonal. Ask the local center which months it runs before you plan around it.
Turtles: seen all year. Nesting on beaches such as Cayo Largo happens mainly in the summer months.
Whale sharks: occasional sightings, mostly in late summer and autumn on the western and southern coasts. Treat any sighting as a bonus.

So when should you go?

For a first trip, aim for March, April, May or November: water is warm, weather is settled, and you avoid both the winter fronts and the peak hurricane weeks. For the warmest water and the quietest dive boats, try June or July. For Jardines de la Reina, the marine park sets the schedule, so book as soon as your dates are firm.

Once you have a month in mind, choose your region on our Cuba dive sites guide and compare places to stay for diving in Cuba.

The Best Time to Dive Cuba