Matanzas, Cuba: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Matanzas, Cuba? If you're planning to go to Matanzas, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Matanzas, Cuba

Based on the climate and weather in Matanzas, Cuba, the best time to go is March. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Matanzas, Cuba

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Matanzas, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Matanzas, Cuba by month

January

If you visit Matanzas during January, you are likely to find that it is a perfect temperature and very hazy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C). Humidity is generally around 70 during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Cuba has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Matanzas. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and L. Be careful to pick the right kind. A lot of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

February

February for Matanzas is warm and very hazy. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Cuba has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Matanzas. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and L. Check that you find the right kind. A lot of adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

March

If you vacation in Matanzas during March, you may see that it is hot and very hazy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Cuba has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Matanzas. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and L. Check that you pick the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

April

Traveling to Matanzas in April, you will notice that it is hot, very hazy and dry with little rain. Expect it to rain once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Cuba has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Matanzas. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and L. Ensure that you choose the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

May

If you go to Matanzas in May, you will notice that it is extremely warm and extremely hazy. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Cuba has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Matanzas. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and L. Check that you choose the necessary kind. The majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

June

In June, Matanzas can be very hot, somewhat rainy and very hazy. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (low 30s C) and once in a while jump into the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 70s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Matanzas, with several of the days of the month having rain. In June, humidity reaches as high as 80%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Cuba has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Matanzas. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and L. Make sure to choose the necessary kind. Many adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

July

If you are traveling to Matanzas in July, you will notice that it is consistently hot and very hazy. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Cuba has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Matanzas. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and L. Check that you choose the correct kind. Many adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

August

If you go to Matanzas in August, you will notice that it is constantly hot and very hazy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Cuba has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Matanzas. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and L. Ensure that you get the right kind. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

September

If you vacation in Matanzas during September, you are likely to see that it is extremely hot, somewhat rainy and very hazy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Cuba has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Matanzas. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and L. Check that you choose the right kind. Many adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

October

October here is pretty consistently hot, somewhat rainy and very hazy. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Cuba has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Matanzas. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and L. Check that you pick the necessary kind. Most adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

November

November is extremely warm and very hazy. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Cuba has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Matanzas. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and L. Be careful to find the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently available are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

December

If you visit Matanzas during December, you will probably notice that it is warm and very hazy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Cuba has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Matanzas. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and L. Be sure to get the right type. Most adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

What to do in Matanzas, Cuba

Located in the western region of Cuba, Matanzas is a historic city that is rich in culture, art, and natural beauty. It is the capital city of the Matanzas province and is known for its stunning architecture, vibrant music scene, and beautiful landscapes that will leave any traveler captivated. Here are the top tourist attractions in Matanzas, Cuba.

1. Bellamar Caves: The Bellamar Caves are a natural wonder in Matanzas that are sure to impress visitors. Discovered in 1861, the caves are famous for their dramatic interiors filled with stalactites and stalagmites, crystal-clear pools, and underground streams. The caves also have a rich history, as they were used as a hiding place for Cuban revolutionaries in the 1900s.

2. Varadero Beach: Known as Cuba's top tourist destination, Varadero Beach is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Matanzas. The beach features 20 kilometers of pristine white sand and clear turquoise waters, and is surrounded by lush vegetation. Visitors can also enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, and jet skiing, as well as a range of water sports.

3. Yumuri Valley: The Yumuri Valley is one of the most picturesque sights in Matanzas, with a stunning bird’s-eye view of the greenery and natural wonders like the river and the hills. Visitors can take a boat ride down the river or go on a guided hike through the valley's mountains, exploring the area's fascinating flora and fauna.

4. Sauto Theatre: Considered one of the most beautiful theatres in the country, Sauto Theatre is a stunning example of Neoclassical architecture and a national monument of Cuba. The theatre is known not just for its spectacular façade and interior design, but also its history of hosting renowned musicians, famous poets, and eminent scholars throughout history.

5. Matanzas Bay: The breathtaking Matanzas Bay, also known as the Bahía de Matanzas, is surrounded by lush natural scenery with a magnificent view of the city that tourists will never forget. Visitors can enjoy fishing, diving, and swimming, or simply relax and take in the natural beauty of the bay.

Matanzas is a fascinating and vibrant city that offers countless attractions to visitors. From natural wonders to historic sites, this city has something for everyone. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or just looking to relax on the beach, Matanzas is the ideal destination to get the full Cuban experience.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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