Climate
Cuba's subtropical climate is generally pleasant: temperatures average
77 degrees F. Summers can be hot, however, reaching 90 degrees F or
higher. Midwinter can be chilly, when temperatures can plummet to 50º
F. The northeastern trade winds furnish most parts of the island with
a gentle breeze all year round.
Cuba has only two distinct seasons. The dry season runs from December
to April while the rainy season falls between May and November. People
accustomed to drier climates may be uncomfortable since the humidity
averages 78%, and often creeps higher in the summer months.
Hurricanes can lash Cuba anytime from August through October, and
occur in other months on occasion. Because Cuba is so close to
southern Florida, travelers can find out what to expect by following
Miami weather reports.
Health & Inoculations
Cuba's public health system is the finest in Latin America, and in
some respects its quality exceeds that of the United States. In 1996,
Cuba had one doctor for every 200 citizens, in contrast to the United
States, which had one doctor for every 405 residents. A child born in
Havana is twice as likely to survive as a child born in Washington,
D.C. Health care is free to Cuban nationals, but tourists who require
treatment will be charged nominal fees. Please be aware that the
U.S. trade embargo has made many medicines hard to come by on the
island for emergency treatment. Also, since Cuba is not tolerant of
drugs or drug smuggling, if you take prescription medicine, please
bring it packaged in the original container with full labels on the
bottle.
Even though no inoculations are required for travel to Cuba, we urge
you to get a check-up before you depart. If you haven't had a booster
shot in a while, some of the shots you may need to bring up to date
include: polio (every 5 years), typhoid (every 3 years), and
tetanus/diphtheria (every 5-10 years). Either gamma globulin or Havrix
vaccine for hepatitis A is also recommended. Since some shots require
a time window of several months before immunity takes effect, please
look into getting shots as early as possible before you leave.
Please check with the Centers for Disease Control for the latest
health updates.
Wear mosquito repellent in rural areas. We suggest repellents that
contain at least 20% DEET (N,N-diethyl meta-toluamide). Repellents
containing more than 50% DEET are probably not any more effective than
repellents that contain 20 or 30%. Please be aware that DEET is a
toxic chemical; in concentrations over 90% it eats through
plastic. Continued use of DEET over extended periods of time could be
harmful to your health. Citronella, a natural insect repellent, does
not contain any DEET. Unfortunately, it is also not as
effective. Taking B-12 vitamins and garlic pills are also said to help
ward off mosquitoes. DEET-containing repellents can be purchased in
drugstores, hardware, backpacking or military surplus
stores. Citronella can be found in health food and outdoor activity
stores.
Water quality in Cuba is generally very good. However, people have
varying tolerances to different kinds of water, so the decision to
drink or avoid drinking tap water is ultimately up to you. As a
precautionary measure, you may want to ask the hotel management about
the water quality and fill up one or two empty bottles to take with
you for the day. As an alternative, bottled water is readily available
in all restaurants and dollar stores, with or without
carbonation. Please drink even if you're not feeling thirsty, since
it's easy to become dehydrated without knowing it.
The following websites provide a wealth of health and travel
information:
Baggage
Travel as lightly as possible. You, and the group as a whole, will
have a much easier time if you keep your baggage to a
minimum. AeroCaribe Airlines allows a maximum total weight of 20
kilograms (approximately 40 pounds) free of charge. A handbag is also
permitted. Any additional luggage will be subject to charge by the
airline (about $2-$3 per kilogram; 1 lb. = 2.2 kilograms).
Suggested Packing List
- Passport
- Two photocopies of the front page (vital statistics page) of your passport. Carry one with you in a separate place from your passport. Leave the other one at home with a trusty friend or relative with a fax machine. This will make replacing your passport much easier if it gets lost or stolen.
- Two passport-sized photos - these will also facilitate replacing your passport if something happens.
- Your yellow inoculation record, if you have one
- A money belt or passport wallet that goes under your clothing
- Money. Please bring cash only, in Euros or Canadian dollars only (not US Dollars).
- A form of identification other than your passport
- Any medication you take, packaged in its original container
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Sunhat, visor, sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Travel alarm clock
- Water bottle
- Flashlight and batteries (for unexpected blackouts)
- Small amount of laundry detergent
- Travel sewing kit
- Toilet paper or small tissue packets
- Moist towelettes
- Handkerchief
- Pepto Bismol and/or Immodium A-D
- Notebooks and pens
- Camera and film
- Contact lenses kit, glasses, and prescription
- Tampons or sanitary napkins
- Beach towel or sarong
- Extra batteries (for watch, camera, etc.)
- Book
- Mosquito repellent
- Day pack
- Bathing suit
- Earplugs (in case your roommate snores!)
- Luggage locks
- Sweater or light jacket
- Gifts for new friends
- Material aid / donations
- An empty bag to bring souvenirs back in
- Please don't bring anything you'd be heartbroken to lose!
Note: Since voltage is the same in the United States, you won't need
an adapter for Cuban outlets.
