The climatic conditions in Cuba are in accordance to those existing in the subtropical zones, which tends to be moderate due to the proximity of the island to the Tropic of Cancer. Another thing in its favor is the long, narrow shape of the island which constantly receives trade winds and sea breezes.  Cuba has a short winter, a period filled with masses of cold air coming from the north. Temperatures range from 20º C to 35º C during the whole year, going down in rare occasions to 10º C. The eastern part of the country enjoys warmer temperatures than those registered in the western part, and the variations in temperature between day and night are less marked in the coastal areas than inland. Just off the coast, the average temperature of the water is higher than 25º C.

Due to its geographic location, Cuba is subject to the hurricane season, which runs from June 1st to November 30th. During that period, these tropical bodies affect the island, accompanied by winds up to 200km/h and very strong storms. The season precisely coincides with the rainy season in Cuba (from May to October) opposite the dry season that goes from November to April.

The term tropical cyclone is the generic name used to designate all the systems of low pressure that are formed in the oceans, in homogeneous environments, generally in the tropical areas. The tropical cyclones are accompanied by an ample area of clouds, rains, heavy showers and lightening. Its surface circulation of winds runs clockwise in the northern hemisphere, occurring all the way around in the southern hemisphere. The lifecycle of a hurricane can last more than two weeks above the waters of the ocean and the atmospheric system can cover very long distances. Each year, the average number of tropical storms formed is around 10 on the surface of the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico; many of which never leave the waters of the ocean.

Tropical cyclones are classified according to the speed of the maximum sustained winds (averaged by minute) as follows:

Tropical depression: maximum sustained winds inferior to 39 mph.

Tropical storm: maximum sustained winds between 39 mph to 72 mph.

Hurricane: maximum sustained winds superior to 72 mph.

About the Author:
This introduction to weather in Cuba was written by a Cuba travel expert from Cuba For Less, a specialist in fully customizable Cuba vacation packages.

Author: Matthew Barker