Last updated: January 18, 2025
Granma, Cuba, exhibits a tropical savanna climate classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Aw. This region experiences a diverse temperature range, with a minimum of 10°C (51°F) in January, rising to an average of 27°C (80°F). The summer months can be particularly hot, with maximum temperatures reaching 38°C (101°F) in August. Such climatic characteristics not only influence local ecosystems but also impact agricultural practices and daily life in this vibrant region.
In Granma, Cuba, temperature patterns illustrate a clear seasonal progression influenced by its tropical climate. The year begins with cooler temperatures in January, where minimums can drop to 10°C (51°F), gradually warming throughout the spring months, reaching averages of 26°C (80°F) by April. As summer approaches, temperatures peak, with maximums soaring to 38°C (101°F) in July and August, while average temperatures hover around 28°C (83°F). The onset of autumn brings a slight cooling, with October and November seeing averages decline to the mid-20s°C (mid-70s°F), before the cycle resets in December as temperatures slowly begin to decrease once again. This pattern characterizes Granma as a region with distinctly warm summers and milder winters, conducive to diverse agricultural activities and rich biodiversity.
Manzanillo experiences a minimum temperature of 12°C (54°F) in January, rising to a maximum of 36°C (97°F) in September, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Manzanillo. In contrast, Bayamo has a slightly cooler minimum of 10°C (51°F) in January, with its highest temperature reaching 36°C (97°F) in July, according to the monthly temperatures in Bayamo.
Granma, Cuba, experiences a varied precipitation pattern throughout the year, characterized by a distinct dry season during the early months and a wetter period from late spring into autumn. January and February are among the driest months, receiving only 25 mm (1.0 in) and 18 mm (0.7 in) of rainfall, respectively, with a minimal number of rainy days. As spring progresses, rainfall begins to increase, reaching 55 mm (2.2 in) in April, signifying the onset of the wet season. This trend culminates in May, when precipitation peaks at 175 mm (6.9 in), falling over 19 days, marking a significant transition into the tropical summer season.
The summer months of June to September witness sustained rainfall, with June and July recording approximately 88 mm (3.4 in) and 89 mm (3.5 in), respectively. August follows closely with 101 mm (4.0 in), while September sees an increase to 131 mm (5.2 in). October typically remains wet with 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, followed by a gradual decrease in precipitation during November and December. This seasonal rainfall distribution influences the region's lush landscapes and agricultural practices, supporting a diverse array of crops that thrive in the abundant moisture.
Granma, Cuba, witnesses a notable trend in sunshine duration, characterized by a gradual increase from winter through the summer months. Starting with 248 hours in January, the hours of sunlight steadily rise, peaking in July with an impressive 356 hours of sunshine. This upward trajectory reflects the transition from the cooler, drier months into the warmth of summer, where residents experience nearly 12 hours of sunshine per day. Spring continues to contribute significantly, with March and April both recording 344 hours, making these months ideal for outdoor activities as the days grow longer and warmer.
As summer wanes and autumn approaches, sunshine hours begin to taper slightly but remain relatively high. August still offers substantial illumination with 342 hours, while September sees a decrease to 322 hours, and October provides 315 hours. By November, the total drops further to 291 hours, signaling the onset of the less sunny months as winter approaches again. Despite these fluctuations, the overall pattern underscores Granma's reputation as a sun-drenched locale, making it an attractive destination for those seeking warmth and light throughout much of the year.
In Granma, Cuba, the UV Index presents a clear seasonal trend, highlighting periods of intense solar exposure that demand caution. Beginning the year, January records a moderate UV Index of 8, categorized as "very high," with a burn time of just 15 minutes. As winter transitions into spring, there’s a significant surge in UV levels, peaking in April and May with an extreme UV Index of 13, where the burn time decreases to a mere 10 minutes. This pattern signifies the approaching summer months, which are notorious for heightening sun exposure and necessitating protective measures for outdoor activities.
Throughout the summer, Granma maintains an exceptionally high UV Index, consistently at 13 from June to August, indicating a critical need for sun safety awareness. Even into the fall, UV levels start to decline slightly, yet they remain high, with 12 in September and 11 in October, all while retaining a burn time of 10 minutes. By November and December, the UV Index falls back to 9 and 8, respectively, transitioning into the very high exposure category again. This dynamic variability underscores the importance of UV protection year-round, particularly during the peak summer months when the risk of skin damage is greatest.
UV Risk Categories
In Granma, Cuba, daylight duration showcases a rhythmic pattern that ebbs and flows with the seasons, significantly influencing daily life and activity levels. The year begins with approximately 11 hours of daylight in both January and February, providing a consistent but limited amount of light during the winter months. As spring arrives in March and April, daylight extends to 12 hours, encouraging outdoor pursuits and agricultural activities as the weather warms. This trend continues into the summer, with May through July enjoying the longest days at 13 hours, marking a peak period of sunlight conducive to vibrant community life and growth.
As summer transitions to autumn, the daylight duration gradually diminishes, dropping back to 12 hours in August and September. By October, daylight shortens to 11 hours, and this decrease continues into November, reflecting the transition toward winter. December sees the shortest daylight duration at 10 hours, as Granma embraces a more subdued rhythm characterized by shorter days. This annual cycle not only shapes the region's ecological patterns but also influences social and cultural activities throughout the year, as residents adapt to changes in light and warmth.
Bayamo, Cuba, experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. Monthly average temperatures range from a low of 10°C (51°F) in January to a high of 36°C (97°F) in July, with the warmest months generally being from May to August. Rainfall is heaviest in May, with 218 mm (8.6 in), while the drier months are during January and February, receiving only 31 mm (1.2 in) and 21 mm (0.8 in), respectively. Sunshine is abundant, peaking at 357 hours in July and averaging above 300 hours in many months. For more detailed information, visit Bayamo climate.
Manzanillo, Cuba, enjoys a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round. January to March sees average highs around 24-25°C (76-78°F), while summer months like July and August peak at 36°C (97°F). The rainy season occurs from May to October, with May experiencing the highest precipitation at 196 mm (7.7 in). Sunshine is abundant, especially in July, which boasts 356 hours of sunlight. For more details, visit Manzanillo climate.
In conclusion, Granma, Cuba, exemplifies a dynamic climate characterized by distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The tropical savanna climate fosters warm summers with ample sunlight and considerable rainfall, essential for thriving agriculture and vibrant ecosystems. As the year progresses, the noticeable increases in UV exposure and longer daylight during the summer months underscore the importance of sun safety and outdoor activity. This rich interplay of climatic factors not only shapes the natural environment but also influences the cultural and social practices of Granma's residents, making it a unique and fascinating region to explore throughout the seasons.