Cuba Travel Guide

ext">The climatic conditions in Cuba are inThe term tropical cyclone is the generic name
accordance to those existing in the subtropicalused to designate all the systems of low pressure
zones, which tends to be moderate due to thethat are formed in the oceans, in homogeneous
proximity of the island to the Tropic of Cancer.environments, generally in the tropical areas. The
Another thing in its favor is the long, narrowtropical cyclones are accompanied by an ample
shape of the island which constantly receivesarea of clouds, rains, heavy showers and
trade winds and sea breezes. Cuba has a shortlightening. Its surface circulation of winds runs
winter, a period filled with masses of cold airclockwise in the northern hemisphere, occurring all
coming from the north. Temperatures range fromthe way around in the southern hemisphere. The
20º C to 35º C during the whole year, goinglifecycle of a hurricane can last more than two
down in rare occasions to 10º C. The easternweeks above the waters of the ocean and the
part of the country enjoys warmer temperaturesatmospheric system can cover very long
than those registered in the western part, anddistances. Each year, the average number of
the variations in temperature between day andtropical storms formed is around 10 on the
night are less marked in the coastal areas thansurface of the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea,
inland. Just off the coast, the averageand the Gulf of Mexico; many of which never
temperature of the water is higher than 25º C.leave the waters of the ocean.
Due to its geographic location, Cuba is subject toTropical cyclones are classified according to the
the hurricane season, which runs from June 1st tospeed of the maximum sustained winds
November 30th. During that period, these tropical(averaged by minute) as follows:
bodies affect the island, accompanied by winds upTropical depression: maximum sustained winds
to 200km/h and very strong storms. The seasoninferior to 39 mph.
precisely coincides with the rainy season in CubaTropical storm: maximum sustained winds
(from May to October) opposite the dry seasonbetween 39 mph to 72 mph.
that goes from November to April.