CUBA THROUGH THE YEAR

Because of its tropical climate, Cuba does not really have a high or low season, although officially, peak season is from December to the end of March and in July and August, when hotel rates are higher and flights are packed. Except for the peak of summer, when temper atures can be searingly hot, and September and October, when hurricanes are likeliest, any month is suitable for a visit. It is warm at the beach even in winter, because the frentes fríos (cold fronts), generally last only a couple of days and even then the temperature hardly ever drops below 10°C (50°F). The cooler, drier months from November to March are the best for sightseeing. Thanks to the climate, and the Cubans' love of music and cultural events, there are open-air concerts, festivals, and religious and folk festivities all year round. However, the most interesting and eventful months are July, during Carnival, and December, when the festivities in Remedios and Havana's two famous cinema and ballet festivals take place

Forget Seasons, Cuba's Always a Party!

Let's be honest, who needs seasons when you can have sunshine year-round? Cuba, with its tropical charm, throws a giant "always open" sign to travelers. While the official peak season (December-March & July-August) means higher prices and packed flights, don't let that deter you.

Sure, summers can get scorching hot (think "melting ice cream" hot), and hurricane season (September-October) can bring some drama. But hey, who needs a predictable vacation anyway?

Even during the "off-season," the beaches remain warm and inviting. Those pesky "frentes fríos" (cold fronts) might bring a slight chill, but let's be real, temperatures rarely dip below a cozy 50°F.

The best time for sightseeing? November to March offers cooler, drier weather, perfect for exploring. But honestly, Cuba's vibrant spirit shines year-round. From open-air concerts and lively festivals to deeply rooted religious and folk celebrations, there's always something happening.

But if you're looking for the ultimate Cuban party:

 * July: Carnival time! Expect a kaleidoscope of colors, music, and dancing in the streets.

 * December: The holiday season brings a festive atmosphere, with celebrations in Remedios and exciting film and ballet festivals in Havana.

So, when's the best time to visit Cuba? Whenever your heart desires!

HUMBERTO. Guide & History Teacher in Havana. WhatsApp+53 52646921 

Make a difference when in Havana, tour with a Teacher.

INSTAGRAM: humberto_habana

GOOD TIME TO TRAVEL TO CUBA?

 First of all, visiting Cuba is always worthy

Like any question, it can have several answers. It depends on the type of trip you plan to do.

After two years of the pandemic and before with Trump's (maintained) measures to accentuate the US blockade, conditions have changed a lot. Cuba faces an even more acute crisis in basic supplies, said grocery stores and supplies for example to Paladares or private restaurants. 

There is a sector of the population that openly speculates on food and stockpiles it, acquired in special stores supposedly opened to relieve at least one part of the population that received money from abroad, and then this sector openly re-sells it to the one hundred percent or more of what it cost, making it almost impossible even for landlords to get almost essential items for their work. That is the main reason why prices in private rentals are in dollars or euros, although they are kept at the level prior to the pandemic.

You can imagine that there must be little assortment, and when there is then it is expensive, in restaurants and palates.

So, Already private businesses, such as paladares (private restaurants) and vacation accommodations in houses and apartments, are improving their conditions and allowing for higher-quality services and perhaps in the near future things will have improved in that and other respects, such as the  night life. You know, Ukraine war, oil and stuff.

However, in the hotels in the main cities and resorts, which usually have an all-inclusive program, the situation is different. Most of them are managed by foreign companies and we assume that they import a large part of the supplies, or have agreements with Cuban producers that guarantee them fruits, vegetables and other items upon receiving payments in hard currency.

In this way, basic services within the hotel would be guaranteed, you could enjoy the city during the day (even with the aforementioned limitations, extra-hotel services are being activated) and also enjoy other possibilities such as rides in classic cars , cars, hiring with private guides with the different historical, artistic and social tours. And the ever-present music.

Well, that's my advice, for the moment all-inclusive hotels are the best choice. Private houses and apartments are always an option for independence, but still it is better to wait if young children or old people are coming.

but it doesn't matter where you go, a local guide is a great option. Almost 80% of the visitors go back to their country without understanding Cuban reality, an unbiased explanation,  is a great experience and a great opportunity to better understand the Cuban reality and its contributions at all levels.. 

Humberto. Guide and Teacher in Havana

WhatsApp +5352646921 for information and reservations.

more photos on instagram : humberto_habana

CUBAN FOOD

https://cubatravelhelp.blogspot.com/2024/02/cuban-food.html

CUBA BEST SEASON FOR VISITING

https://cubatravelhelp.blogspot.com/2024/02/cuba-best-season-for-visiting.html

CUBA APARTAMENTOS, HABITACIONES, CASAS COLONIALES, CASAS EN LA PLAYA.

https://www.mycubarent.com 

It’s official: Carnival Cruise Line new trips to Cuba

It’s official: Carnival announced new trips to Cuba

(  and remember: walking with a local will make the difference)

The cruise line Carnival has announced that will soon be sailing to the Cuban capital of Havana after receiving approval from the federal government.

Carnival says the visits comply with U.S. Department of Treasury regulations permitting operators to transport approved travelers to Cuba to engage in activities as defined by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Foreign Assets Control.

“The U.S. Government has established policy guidelines that govern the travel requirements for U.S. citizens to visit Cuba. There are essentially 12 different approved ways to visit Cuba including “People to People” interactions and a variety of other options,” says Terry Thornton with the cruise line.

“We expect that most of our guests visiting Cuba as part one of our new cruise options will utilize the “People to People” opportunity,” Thornton added.

We also had to work closely with the Cuban government to gain their approval for our cruises as well as confirmation for the berth to dock the ship in Havana. Our final approval was granted and we are very excited to be able to offer these new cruise options to our guests”, he said.

Only one thing is never commented about: a first-hand experience, real one when you visit Cuba. This can be made true with a local guide, with a Cuban who loves his country and knows in detail the city. When the visitor goes off the ship and is on the street he/she will meet some characters offering their services., but they really don’t know much about Havana. Our advice is that before coming make a search on internet and be in contact with some Cuban professionals and invite him/her to guide you across Havana, to show you the city from the Cubans’ perspective and not only the official point of view.

On the other side you will have a unique experience, a completely different one from the rest of the hundreds of passengers, and you will be of help to a Cuban teacher, or architect, or artist who have to face the difficult conditions in the nowadays of Cuba. And  believe me when I say it is worthy, even when you have already paid a sort of tour with an official guide. Walking with a local will make the difference.

http://cubamigos.webcindario.com

cuban teacher and guide: cubamigos@yahoo.es