Today's weather for Cayo Coco, Cuba24th Nov 2009 16:50

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Weather Overview for Cayo Coco

Cayo Coco sits off the north coast of Cuba within the Jardines del Ray chain of islands, between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Its sub-tropical climate means a winter dry season and a summer rainy season.

Winter is seen as the best time to visit as temperatures remain in the idyllic mid to high 20s and rainfall is minimal. At night time the temperature rarely drops below 16°C and this is to be preferred to the summer’s sticky 20s. The dry season lasts from November till April and usually averages around seven hours of sunshine a day. The world’s second largest coral reef can be enjoyed all year round as the water temperature stays in the blissful vicinity of 25°C. Diving conditions are best in winter as the absence of rain and storms means calm waters and increased visibility. Sunny days can still be interrupted by the odd rain outburst, but only thirty percent of Caya Coco’s rain falls during the dry season.

Summer in Cayo Coco is extremely hot and humid with regular thunderstorms. The period, from May till October, is also prone to hurricanes. The wet season sees an average of twelve rainy days per month and each day can still expect an average of seven and a half hours of sunshine so in these months Cayo Coco is by no means out of bounds if you can stand the heat. Diving enthusiasts may find their plans upset by the unpredictable storms and generally rainy weather, but the season still offers some dive-compatible days. Temperatures in excess of 30°C are to be expected and are made less comfortable by increased humidity levels. Night time temperatures rarely drop out of the 20s. Luckily, most of the accommodation on the island is of the luxury variety and it is highly unlikely that any tourist might have to suffer a night without air-conditioning.

Cayo Coco’s climate can be attributed to its situation relatively near the equator, sharing its latitude with Mexico, and also to its massive coral reef, starting just one kilometre from the shore. The reef protects the waters around Cayo Coco, keeping them warm and calm, and also gives the island its deliciously white sandy beaches. The island is a relative newcomer to international tourism as the Jardines del Ray Airport was only built in 2005. While the island has taken quickly to the tourist trade with the opening of numerous four and five star resorts, the island remains for the most part unharmed. Ninety percent of the island is still covered in vegetation and the vast reef thrives in pristine waters; Cayo Coco remains a haven for natural diversity.

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