Baracoa Weather, When to Go and Climate Information

(Baracoa, Guantánamo, Cuba)

The climate in Baracoa is unique due to the topography of this region of Cuba. For example, the city itself is surrounded by the northern peaks of the Sagua Baracoa mountain range, and the weather sees prevailing winds during most of the year arrive from a northerly direction, resulting in heavier rainfall in the mountains and on the coastal plain than in the areas farther away. As a result, no less than eight rivers, including the 120-km / 75-mile long River Toa, flow through the region from the mountains, all of which give a cooling effect.

The Sagua Baracoa mountain range itself is home to several local micro climates, giving even higher levels of rain and slightly lower overall temperatures, and making the slopes ideal for the cultivation of coffee beans. In the valleys and the city, ambient temperatures range between 25°C / 77°F and 30°C / 86°F, with a high humidity level of around 85 percent raising the heat index considerably and offering very little variation.

Seasonal Climate Variations / When to Go

As with many tropical climate regions, Baracoa occasionally finds itself in the path of hurricanes during their season, from late August to November, with the 7-metre / 23-foot high waves of Hurricane Ike in 2008 destroying many properties and affecting communications. However, no lives were lost and the damaged structures were quickly repaired or rebuilt. To the townspeople, this extreme weather was a rare occurrence, but visitors might be best advised to avoid this time of year as strong winds, due to migratory anti-cyclones, do occur.

As regards precipitation, as with the temperature there is very little seasonal variation, emphasised by Baracoa's nickname, 'City of Rains', an apt description since it rains fairly evenly throughout the year. A strong umbrella, waterproof footwear and a rain mac should take care of the practicalities and allow visitors to enjoy a restful break from the world outside, although it is worth noting that there is still plenty of sunshine to go around. As many activities do involve lazing on a beach, or more strenuous outdoor pursuits in the mountains and forests, as long as it is accepted that rain will fall at some stage, most times of the year are good for a visit.

Baracoa Weather and Climate Chart (Averages)

	Maximum	Minimum
January	25°C / 77°F	20°C / 68°F
February	29°C / 84°F	21°C / 70°F
March	30°C / 86°F	22°C / 72°F
April	31°C / 88°F	22°C / 72°F
May	31°C / 88°F	23°C / 73°F
June	32°C / 90°F	23°C / 73°F
July	32°C / 90°F	23°C / 73°F
August	32°C / 90°F	24°C / 75°F
September	32°C / 90°F	23°C / 73°F
October	31°C / 88°F	23°C / 73°F
November	30°C / 86°F	23°C / 73°F
December	28°C / 82°F	21°C / 70°F