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

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

Contents

When to go to Santiago de Cuba, Cuba

Based on the climate and weather in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, the best time to go is February. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Santiago de Cuba, Cuba

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for Santiago de Cuba, Cuba by month

January

January in Santiago de Cuba is extremely warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) to low 80s F (high 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 60s F (high 10s 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Santiago de Cuba. 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and L. It's important that you choose the correct type. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • 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 prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

February

February in Santiago de Cuba is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.

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 Santiago de Cuba. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and L. Take care to get the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

March

If you are traveling to Santiago de Cuba in March, you will notice that it is hot. 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, 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.

  • 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 Santiago de Cuba. 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

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and L. Be sure to find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

April in Santiago de Cuba is hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average 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 always losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Santiago de Cuba. 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

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and L. Make sure to pick the right kind. The majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

May

If you go to Santiago de Cuba in May, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot. 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.

  • 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 stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and L. Take care to get the necessary type. Most adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

June

June in Santiago de Cuba is consistently hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and L. It's important that you find the right kind. Most adapters available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

July

Traveling to Santiago de Cuba in July, you will notice that it can be sweltering. Daytime temperatures are in the 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you 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 protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and L. Check that you get the necessary type. Many adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

August

If you visit Santiago de Cuba during August, you may see that it can be very hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day.

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 things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: 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 Santiago de Cuba. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and L. Ensure that you pick the correct type. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

September

Traveling to Santiago de Cuba in September, you will notice that it can be very hot. Daytime temperatures are in the 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and L. Be sure to find the correct type. Most adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

October

October in Santiago de Cuba can be sweltering. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Santiago de Cuba. 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 bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • 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. It's important that you pick the correct type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

November

November here is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.

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 find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Santiago de Cuba. 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 belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • 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 neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and L. Check that you choose the right kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

December

Traveling to Santiago de Cuba in December, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot. 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.

  • 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 recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and L. Be careful to get the right kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

What to do in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba

Santiago de Cuba is a vibrant and diverse city located along the southeastern coast of Cuba. It is one of the country’s top cultural hotspots, attracting visitors from around the world who come to immerse themselves in its rich history, lively music scene, colorful architecture and beautiful beaches. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Santiago de Cuba that you must visit.

1. El Morro Castle

The El Morro Castle is a beautiful fortress that overlooks Santiago de Cuba Bay. It was built by the Spanish in the 17th century to protect the city from pirate attacks. El Morro Castle has a beautiful lighthouse which stands 18 meters tall and offers panoramic views of the city and sea. The castle is now a museum where visitors can learn about the history of the fort and the pirates who once roamed the seas.

2. Basilica del Convento de San Francisco de Asis

The Basilica del Convento de San Francisco de Asis is one of the most beautiful and historically significant churches in Cuba. It was built in the 16th century and has a beautiful baroque façade. Inside, the church is decorated with beautiful frescoes and art pieces that date back to the colonial period in Cuba.

3. Parque Cespedes

Parque Cespedes is the main public square in Santiago de Cuba, and it is surrounded by important colonial buildings and landmarks. It is named after Carlos Manuel de Cespedes, who was the leader of the Cuban War of Independence. Visitors can marvel at the neoclassical architecture and vibrant colors of the buildings, and enjoy watching the people go by.

4. Casa de la Trova

Fans of Cuban music should definitely visit the Casa de la Trova in Santiago de Cuba. This legendary venue is home to some of Cuba’s most iconic musicians, and visitors can enjoy live music performances here throughout the week. The venue has a cozy and laid-back atmosphere, and visitors can dance along to the rhythms of salsa, son and other Cuban genres.

5. Gran Piedra

Gran Piedra is a granite stone perched on the top of a mountain that towers over Santiago de Cuba. The stone is over 60 meters high, and visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of the surrounding region from its peak. The hike up to the top of Gran Piedra takes around 2 hours, and it is a wonderful opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Cuba.

Santiago de Cuba is a vibrant and colorful city that is rich in history and culture. These are just some of the many amazing attractions that the city has to offer – from the colonial buildings to the natural wonders that surround it, there is something here to please every visitor. So if you’re planning a trip to Cuba, make sure to include Santiago de Cuba on your itinerary – you won’t be disappointed.

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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