Last updated: January 18, 2025
Guantánamo, Cuba, is characterized by its tropical savanna climate, classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as As and Aw. The region experiences a minimum temperature of 14°C (58°F) in January, increasing to an average temperature of 26°C (79°F) throughout the year. The warmest month, July, sees temperatures peak at a maximum of 36°C (97°F), contributing to the area's distinctive climate patterns. This combination of warm temperatures and seasonal variations highlights Guantánamo's unique climatic conditions, influencing both its ecosystems and human activities.
Temperature patterns in Guantánamo, Cuba, exhibit distinct seasonal trends throughout the year, characterized by a gradual warming as winter transitions into summer. Starting in January, temperatures are cooler, with minimums around 14°C (58°F), an average of 24°C (76°F), and maximums reaching 31°C (87°F). As February and March arrive, the minimum temperatures rise slightly, while average temperatures remain stable, showcasing a consistent warmth. By April, the heat intensifies, with maximum temperatures climbing up to 34°C (94°F). May and June further establish the summer warmth, with averages surpassing 26°C (79°F) and maximums consistently at 34°C (94°F). The peak summer month, July, sees minimums around 22°C (72°F) and maximums soaring to 36°C (97°F). As August and September continue the warm trend, temperatures slightly moderate, typical of the late summer period, before cooling gradually into autumn and winter months. Overall, the climate demonstrates a clear progression from mild winters to hot, humid summers, reflecting typical tropical savanna characteristics.
Baracoa experiences a mild climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 19°C (67°F) in January to a maximum of 32°C (90°F) in September. For more detailed information on monthly temperatures in Baracoa, visit monthly temperatures in Baracoa.
Precipitation patterns in Guantánamo, Cuba, reveal a distinct seasonal variation, with the year marked by a wet season primarily from May to November. January to April experiences relatively lower rainfall, with January reporting 56 mm (2.2 in) over approximately 10 days, while February sees even less at 32 mm (1.3 in) across 9 days. March and April see a slight increase in precipitation, measuring 63 mm (2.5 in) and 62 mm (2.4 in), respectively. The transition into May signals a dramatic surge in rainfall, peaking at 153 mm (6.0 in), a trend that marks the onset of the rainy season.
As summer approaches, precipitation continues to oscillate, with June recording 68 mm (2.7 in), followed by rising rainfall through August, which totals 95 mm (3.8 in). September reaches significant rainfall levels at 120 mm (4.7 in), immediately succeeded by 112 mm (4.4 in) in October. This period witnesses the highest number of rainy days, particularly in October with 21 days of recorded rainfall. November experiences another spike with 128 mm (5.1 in), before gradually tapering off in December to 58 mm (2.3 in), encapsulating a cycle that underscores the region's wet and dry contrasts.
In Guantánamo, Cuba, sunshine duration experiences a clear seasonal pattern, with a noticeable increase as the year progresses from winter to summer. January kicks off the year with 248 hours of sunshine, but this figure steadily climbs, reaching 305 hours in February. March marks a significant turning point, boasting 343 hours, and by April, the sunshine peaks at 346 hours. This trend continues into May and June, where the region experiences nearly consistent bright days, culminating in July, which records the highest monthly sunshine duration at 366 hours. This summer peak underscores Guantánamo’s reputation for abundant sunlight during the warmer months, providing ideal conditions for outdoor activities and agriculture.
As the summer transitions into autumn, sunshine duration begins to wane slightly, yet remains relatively robust through August with 349 hours. September and October continue the downward trend, securing 329 hours and 323 hours, respectively. Despite these reductions, the hours of sunshine remain ample compared to the winter months, such as November, which sees 290 hours. December experiences a brief resurgence with 314 hours of sunshine, illustrating the region's capacity for sunny days even in winter. Overall, the annual sunshine cycle in Guantánamo highlights the vibrant contrasts between the sun-drenched summers and the milder winter months, presenting a favorable climate for residents and visitors alike.
Guantánamo, Cuba, experiences significant fluctuations in its UV Index throughout the year, reflecting varying sun exposure risks. Starting in January, the UV Index is recorded at 9, categorizing it as very high, with a burn time of just 15 minutes. This value peaks in February, reaching 11 within the extreme exposure category, and remains elevated through March, where it reaches an impressive 12. As the months progress into April and May, the UV Index hits its maximum of 13, maintaining this extreme level through July and August. This sustained high index underscores the need for protective measures against sun exposure during the peak summer months when skin can burn in as little as 10 minutes.
As autumn rolls in, the UV Index slightly declines but remains in the extreme zone. October sees a decrease to 11, continuing the pattern, before dropping further in November to 9 and ultimately to 8 in December, both classified as very high. Despite the cooler winter months, the UV Index remains prominent, advising caution for outdoor activities. The annual variations of the UV Index in Guantánamo highlight the importance of sun safety year-round, with particular vigilance required during the more intense summer months when the risk of skin damage increases significantly.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Guantánamo, Cuba, showcases a steady and gradual progression throughout the year, with notable shifts as seasons change. Both January and February offer an equal amount of daylight, with 11 hours each month, providing a stable start to the year. As spring approaches in March and April, daylight increases to 12 hours, signaling longer days that are typical for this time of year. The peak occurs in May, June, and July, where the sun graces the region for 13 hours each day, allowing for ample time to enjoy outdoor activities during the abundant sunshine of summer.
As summer transitions into autumn, daylight duration begins to taper off slightly, with August still enjoying 12 hours, but soon falling to 11 hours in October. The decline continues into the winter months, where November also sees 11 hours of daylight, followed by a further decrease to 10 hours in December. This pattern reveals the cyclical nature of daylight in Guantánamo, reflecting a balance between the long summer days and the shorter winter months. Overall, the variation in daylight duration enhances the region’s unique climate experience, impacting both lifestyle and natural ecosystems throughout the year.
Baracoa, Cuba, enjoys a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 24°C (75°F) in January to 27°C (81°F) during the summer months, with highs often reaching up to 32°C (90°F) in September. Precipitation peaks in May and November, with May receiving an average of 177 mm (7.0 in). The area benefits from abundant sunshine, particularly from July through October, with July boasting the highest sunshine hours at 368. For more detailed information, visit Baracoa climate.
In conclusion, Guantánamo, Cuba, presents a compelling climatic profile characterized by distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight. With mild winters transitioning to hot, humid summers, the region experiences significant rainfall during the wet season from May to November, accompanied by peak sunshine hours that facilitate outdoor activities and agricultural productivity. The high UV Index throughout much of the year underscores the need for sun protection, particularly during the extreme summer months when exposure risks are elevated. Additionally, daylight duration follows a steady pattern, peaking during the summer and gradually tapering in winter, fundamentally influencing the lifestyle and ecology of the area. Collectively, these climatic elements highlight the dynamic nature of Guantánamo's environment, enhancing its appeal while necessitating awareness of the associated challenges.