Weather & Packing List

  1. Weather Overview:


The weather in Cuba doesn't vary much, averaging around 75-80 degrees between November-April and 85-90 degrees between June-August. Be prepared for hot and humid weather with a chance of brief periods of rain. Rainy season typically lasts between May-October with the occasional (often refreshing) afternoon rainfall.


  1. Packing List


Many items that are available for purchase in other destinations are difficult to find in Cuba. For that reason, it is important to pack the following no matter what part of the island you explore first:


Clothing:

  • Lightweight raincoat and/or umbrella

  • Short-sleeved shirts

  • Undergarments (enough to last the trip & extra)

  • Socks

  • Shorts / Capris

  • Pair of long pants (jeans are not recommended due to the heat)

  • Pajamas (comfortable enough for tropical weather)

  • One pair of flip flops / sandals

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Sunglasses

  • Swimsuit

  • Hat

  • One long-sleeved shirt / cardigan / scarf. *Note: We always recommend bringing a light jacket or sweater for cool evenings (and sometimes very cool air conditioned restaurants.

  • *Note: Feel free to bring some nicer clothes for the evenings when you go out on the town!


Personal:

  • Glasses / contacts / contact solution

  • Personal toiletries - Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, face wash etc.

  • Sunscreen

  • Wet Wipes / Face wipes

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Insect / bug repellent (small bottle will be sufficient)

  • Aloe Vera (if you are prone to sunburns)

  • Band-Aids and Neosporin

  • For women: Sanitary pads, tampons, contraceptives

  • Personal medication - Should be in original bottles - or - original prescription) *Note: Advil/Tylenol etc. are not available in Cuba so please bring them just in case

  • Kleenex / Tissues / Toilet Paper - *Note: We suggest bringing 1 roll just in case.



Other:

  • Books and/or magazines - For ideas check here.

  • Spanish/English dictionary

  • Watch / small alarm clock

  • Flashlight - just in case!

  • Light day bag or pack (small backpack would be ideal)

  • Personal snacks that you may need or crave (such as granola bars or power bars).

  • Camera/ phone for pictures or disposable camera / film camera.

  • Noise canceling earplugs (for light sleepers)

  • Donations - For ideas check here.

  • Face masks. *Note: while not mandatory everywhere it is recommended to bring a few and always have on hand just in case.


Must Haves:

  • Refillable water bottle: we will provide you with safe drinking water throughout your whole trip.

  • Passport: must be valid for up to 6 months after your scheduled departure date from Cuba. (We also recommend printing copies, leaving one at home and bringing another with you.)

  • Visa/Tourist Card: properly filled out.

  • Printed copy of your flight itinerary.

  • Printed copy of you Discover Corp Trip itinerary.

  • Printed copy of pages 5 & 6 of your Dropbox Sign Waiver (Document that outlines Discover Corps’ support for the Cuban People license)

  • Printed copy of negative at-home COVID-19 antigen test (24 hours prior)

  • Download app Map of Cuba Offline (internet connection is not widely available in Cuba)

  • Enough cash to last your entire trip: we recommend roughly $75 per day. *Note: This is for tips, souvenirs & snacks. You probably will not spend all of this but better safe than sorry as the U.S. issued debit cards, credit cards, ATM cards and travelers checks will not work in Cuba. You can safely bring USD and your guide can also help to exchange it into local pesos for more info see here.


Provided:

  • Linens / Blankets

  • Pillows

  • Hand soap

  • Bath towel (please feel free to bring an additional towel for bathing if you prefer, generally 1 is provided)

  • *Note: Electrical adapters are not needed as the standard electric current in Cuba is the same as in the U.S. with a two prong outlet. For more information see here.