Last updated: January 18, 2025
Matanzas, Cuba, experiences a tropical savanna climate classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Aw. This region is characterized by a temperate range that sees minimum temperatures dipping to 8°C (47°F) in February, while averaging a comfortable 25°C (78°F) throughout the year. Notably, the peak temperatures can soar to a sweltering 37°C (99°F) in April, providing a vivid example of the region's warm conditions and seasonal variations. Such climatic features underscore Matanzas' unique weather patterns, influencing both local ecosystems and human activities.
In Matanzas, Cuba, temperature patterns exhibit a clear seasonal progression, with mild winters and warm summers characteristic of its tropical savanna climate. January and February present cooler conditions, with minimum temperatures ranging from 8°C (47°F) to 9°C (49°F), while average highs steadily climb from 32°C (91°F) in January to 33°C (92°F) in February. As March ushers in spring, temperatures continue to rise, peaking at 34°C (93°F). The transition into summer months brings noticeably warmer weather, with April reaching its zenith at an impressive 37°C (99°F). From June to August, high temperatures stabilize around 36°C (97°F), while evenings remain relatively warm, with minimums hovering from 21°C (70°F) to 22°C (72°F). As fall sets in, temperatures gradually cool with averages of 26°C (80°F) in October and 24°C (76°F) in November, before returning to the winter range of 9°C (47°F) to 13°C (56°F) by December. This fluctuation illustrates the dynamic nature of Matanzas' climate throughout the year.
Varadero experiences a pleasant climate, with January temperatures ranging from a minimum of 16°C (61°F) to a maximum of 31°C (89°F) in April, making it an attractive destination for visitors seeking warm weather. For more detailed information on monthly temperatures, refer to monthly temperatures in Varadero.
Matanzas, Cuba, demonstrates a distinct precipitation pattern throughout the year, heavily influenced by its tropical climate. The early part of the year, particularly January and February, sees comparatively low rainfall, with 25 mm (1.0 in) and 18 mm (0.7 in), respectively, and limited rainy days. March records the least precipitation at 12 mm (0.5 in), marking the transition into the drier months. However, as April arrives, rainfall begins to surge, primarily due to the approaching wet season, culminating in 45 mm (1.8 in) over an average of 6 rainy days.
The wet season truly establishes itself from May to October, where Matanzas experiences its peak rainfall. May alone records a substantial 172 mm (6.8 in), with rainy days averaging around 16. This pattern continues into June and July, with precipitation levels of 131 mm (5.2 in) and 126 mm (5.0 in), respectively. September typically sees the highest rainfall at 155 mm (6.1 in), coinciding with the tropical storm season. As the year wraps up, precipitation decreases significantly in November, with 39 mm (1.6 in), and subsequently returns to the lower levels of the winter months, emphasizing a pronounced wet-dry seasonal cycle.
In Matanzas, Cuba, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, with a noticeable increase as the year progresses from winter to summer. Starting at 231 hours of sunshine in January, the days steadily brighten, reaching 285 hours in February and peaking in March with 334 hours. This upward trajectory continues into April, where sunshine hours slightly peak at 337 hours, creating an inviting atmosphere for outdoor activities. May brings a slight decrease to 322 hours, but the overall trend indicates that the region is basking in more sunlight as spring transitions into summer.
The summer months of June through August showcase remarkable sunshine, with July standing out at 346 hours, making it the month with the highest sunshine duration. This consistent brightness during summer highlights Matanzas as a prime destination for sun-seekers. As autumn approaches, sunlight begins to gradually decline, with September at 315 hours and October dropping to 304 hours. By the time December arrives, sunshine hours stabilize at around 290 hours, reflecting the seasonal shift toward shorter days. Overall, Matanzas experiences a rich tapestry of sunshine throughout the year, with notable peaks in the warmer months fostering a vibrant outdoor lifestyle.
The UV Index in Matanzas, Cuba, highlights significant variations throughout the year, reflecting the region's intense sunlight exposure. Starting in January with a UV Index of 7, categorized as high, residents and visitors should be mindful of sun protection, particularly given a burn time of just 25 minutes. As February arrives, the index jumps to 10, which is classified as very high, necessitating more vigilant sun protection strategies as burn time decreases to 15 minutes. The situation escalates dramatically in March and April, where the UV Index reaches an extreme level of 12 and 13, respectively, indicating a burn time of only 10 minutes. This trend underscores the increasing intensity of sunlight as the region moves from winter to spring.
As summer approaches, the UV Index remains steady at extreme levels of 12 or 13 for several consecutive months, from May through July. This consistency signifies that Matanzas experiences some of the highest UV exposure during these months, reinforcing the need for rigorous sun safety measures, including sunscreen application and protective clothing. As fall sets in, the UV Index begins to taper off, dropping to 10 in October and 8 in November, both categorized as very high, before returning to a high rating of 7 in December. This seasonal fluctuation emphasizes the importance of awareness regarding UV exposure, particularly during the peak months, to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
In Matanzas, Cuba, daylight duration shows a distinct seasonal pattern, beginning at approximately 10 hours in January. As the year progresses, the length of daylight gradually increases, reaching 11 hours in February and 12 hours in March. This trend towards longer days continues through April, where daylight remains steady at 12 hours. The onset of summer in May brings the maximum daylight hours of the year, peaking at 13 hours per day from May through July, inviting ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
As summer transitions into autumn, daylight hours start to decrease. August maintains 12 hours of daylight, but by October, the duration drops back to 11 hours. This pattern persists through November, before returning to 10 hours in December, mirroring the seasonal cycle experienced in January. Overall, the smooth transition of daylight duration throughout the year serves to highlight the inviting climate of Matanzas, making it a desirable location for those seeking to enjoy both sun and warmth across various seasons.
Matanzas, Cuba enjoys a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and a notable rainy season. Average temperatures range from a mild 22°C (72°F) in January to a sultry 28°C (82°F) during the summer months of July and August, with maximums peaking at 34°C (93°F) in April. Rainfall is heaviest from May to September, accumulated predominantly in May with 161 mm (6.3 in), while the remainder of the year sees significantly less precipitation. The region benefits from ample sunshine, particularly in March and April, which record over 330 hours of sun each. For more detailed climate information, visit Matanzas climate.
Varadero, Cuba, enjoys a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round. January temperatures range from 16°C (61°F) to 28°C (82°F), while summer months like July and August see averages around 28°C (83°F) with maximums reaching 31°C (88°F). Precipitation peaks in May and September, with rainfall averaging 134 mm (5.3 in) and 129 mm (5.1 in), respectively. The region basks in ample sunshine, particularly in March and April, boasting over 330 hours of sunshine each month. For detailed climate insights, visit Varadero climate.
In conclusion, Matanzas, Cuba, presents a captivating climate characterized by its tropical savanna conditions, marked by clear seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight length. The region's warm temperatures and extended summertime sunshine create an inviting atmosphere for both residents and visitors alike, while the high UV Index during peak months underscores the importance of sun safety. As daylight hours transition through the seasons, Matanzas continues to captivate with its vibrant outdoor lifestyle, offering diverse opportunities for exploration and relaxation under a sun-drenched sky. Understanding these climatic patterns enriches the appreciation of this unique locale, encouraging thoughtful engagement with its natural beauty throughout the year.