Last updated: January 18, 2025
Holguín, Cuba, is characterized by a tropical savanna climate (Koppen-Geiger class Aw), marked by distinct temperature variations throughout the year. During the coldest month, January, temperatures can drop to a minimum of 12°C (54°F), while the average annual temperature hovers around a warm 26°C (80°F). The peak of summer, specifically in August, can experience maximum temperatures soaring to 38°C (100°F), illustrating the region's responsiveness to seasonal shifts. This climate profile underscores Holguín's status as a destination with substantial warmth, driven by its geographical location and climatic classification.
The temperature patterns in Holguín, Cuba, reveal a distinct seasonal progression, characterized by warm conditions year-round. January ushers in the cooler months with minimum temperatures around 12°C (54°F) and average highs reaching 33°C (92°F). As February arrives, temperatures gradually rise, with average highs climbing to 34°C (93°F). March marks a transition, maintaining similar averages while minimums begin to increase. By April and May, Holguín experiences more pronounced warmth, with maximum temperatures stabilizing between 36°C (98°F) and 37°C (99°F). The summer months of June through August see the peak of heat, with maximums reaching up to 38°C (100°F), although minimums remain relatively warm, starting at 22°C (72°F). The arrival of September and October brings only slight cooling, as average highs hover around 36°C (98°F), while December signals a gentle return to cooler temperatures, with averages lingering around 25°C (77°F). Overall, the climate highlights a consistent warmth that predominates throughout the year.
In Gibara, temperatures range from a minimum of 14°C (57°F) in January to a maximum of 35°C (95°F) in August, similar to the climate in Holguin, which also experiences a minimum of 14°C (57°F) in January and peaks at 35°C (95°F) in August. For more detailed monthly temperatures, you can visit monthly temperatures in Gibara and monthly temperatures in Holguin.
Holguín, Cuba, exhibits a clear pattern of precipitation, with rainfall intensifying notably as the year progresses. January and February are among the driest months, receiving 43 mm (1.7 in) and 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, respectively, with only a few rainy days. However, in March, the precipitation level rises to 46 mm (1.8 in), marking the beginning of a gradual increase that peaks in May, where the region experiences a significant uptick with a rainfall total of 170 mm (6.7 in) over approximately 20 days. The early summer months of June and July continue this trend, with precipitation amounts of 67 mm (2.6 in) and 63 mm (2.5 in), respectively.
As the year progresses into the late summer and autumn months, Holguín sees further fluctuations in rainfall. August records 88 mm (3.5 in), with rain occurring on about 15 days, while September and October are characterized by higher totals, at 136 mm (5.3 in) and 129 mm (5.1 in), respectively. November continues the wet trend with 101 mm (4.0 in), before transitioning to December's drier conditions at 58 mm (2.3 in). Overall, the region's precipitation pattern demonstrates a marked shift from relatively dry early months to a peak in rainfall during the late spring and fall, aligning with the island's tropical climate characteristics.
In Holguín, Cuba, the sunshine duration exhibits a marked seasonal trend, with a gradual increase from winter into summer. January starts with 237 hours of sunshine, but this quickly climbs through February to reach 300 hours. The spring months of March and April see a further ascent, peaking at 341 hours in April, indicative of the region's transition towards the warmer months. Interestingly, May stabilizes slightly lower at 332 hours, suggesting that increasing humidity may begin to affect clear skies as summer approaches.
The summer months reveal Holguín's sunniest periods, with July boasting a remarkable 358 hours of sunshine, making it the highlight of the year for sunlight enthusiasts. This high level of sunshine persists through August, with 339 hours, before tapering off slightly in September and October, which still retain admirable totals of 324 hours and 316 hours, respectively. As the year draws to a close, November experiences a dip to 286 hours, and December sees an uptick once more with 302 hours. Overall, Holguín's sunshine patterns are characterized by a strong summer peak, ensuring residents and visitors alike enjoy abundant sunny days, particularly mid-year.
The UV Index in Holguín, Cuba, presents a significant health consideration throughout the year, particularly peaking during the warmer months. Starting in January with a UV Index of 9, sunlight exposure falls into the "very high" category, necessitating approximately 15 minutes for skin to begin burning. However, as winter transitions to spring, the UV Index escalates sharply, reaching 11 in February and climbing to a striking 13 from April through September. This prolonged period of extreme UV exposure highlights the importance of sun protection measures, as burn time decreases to 10 minutes during these months.
As the year progresses toward the end, the UV Index gradually diminishes, yet remains notable. October marks a decline to 11, and November and December yield values of 9 and 8, categorizing exposure again as "very high." The consistently high UV Index throughout the year, particularly during the summer months, signals that residents and visitors should remain vigilant about sun safety. Utilizing sunblock, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours are crucial strategies to mitigate the risks associated with such elevated UV levels in Holguín.
UV Risk Categories
In Holguín, Cuba, daylight duration exhibits a distinct seasonal rhythm that reflects the tropical climate's influence on the region. During the winter months of January and February, residents can expect approximately 11 hours of daylight, providing a relatively consistent yet shorter period of natural light. As spring arrives in March, daylight begins to increase, extending to 12 hours in both March and April, hinting at the gradual transition towards longer, sunnier days that characterize the approaching summer.
The summer months bring the most significant increase in daylight duration, with May through July offering a generous 13 hours of daylight each day. This extended period of light supports vibrant outdoor activities and fosters a lively atmosphere. As August approaches, there is a slight decrease back to 12 hours, transitioning into a consistent 11 hours from October through November. December marks the shortest daylight duration at 10 hours, signaling the onset of winter. Overall, Holguín's daylight patterns enhance the region's appeal for sun-seekers, with the longest days encouraging ample opportunities for exploration and relaxation under the sun.
Gibara, Cuba experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. Average monthly temperatures range from a mild 24°C (75°F) in January to about 28°C (83°F) in the summer months, with maximums reaching up to 35°C (95°F) in April, July, and August. Rainfall is concentrated in the late spring and early autumn, peaking in May with 171 mm (6.7 in) and again in September at 155 mm (6.1 in). Despite the precipitation, Gibara enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year, with July boasting the highest at 360 hours. For more detailed insights, visit Gibara climate.
Holguin, Cuba, enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. Average monthly temperatures range from 24°C (75°F) in January to 28°C (83°F) from June to September, peaking at a maximum of 35°C (95°F) in April and July. The region experiences significant rainfall, especially in May (171 mm) and September (155 mm), though it remains relatively dry in February with only 25 mm. Sunshine is abundant, particularly in July with 360 hours of bright days. For more details, visit Holguin climate.
In conclusion, Holguín, Cuba, offers a diverse and appealing climate characterized by warm temperatures, significant sunshine, high UV Index levels, and varied daylight duration throughout the year. The region's tropical savanna climate fosters long periods of sunlight, particularly during the summer months, which not only enriches the natural landscape but also enhances outdoor recreational opportunities. However, with elevated UV Index values necessitating careful sun protection, residents and visitors must remain vigilant regarding sun exposure. Overall, Holguín's climatic features combine to create a vibrant environment that attracts sun-lovers while underscoring the importance of health and safety in such a sun-drenched locale.