What are the main features of Cuba’s tropical climate?

Cuba’s tropical climate is defined by several key features influenced by its geographic position and surrounding currents:

• Temperature: The country experiences a consistent annual mean temperature of 79 °F (26 °C). Seasonal variation is minimal, with January typically being the coolest month (averaging 73 °F/23 °C) and August the warmest (averaging 82 °F/28 °C).1
• Wind and Currents: The climate is moderated by the northeast trade winds and warm Gulf Stream currents along the coasts.12
• Precipitation: The year is divided into two distinct seasons: a dry season from November to April and a rainy season from May to October. Annual precipitation averages approximately 54 inches (1,380 mm).1
• Hurricanes: From June through November, the island is vulnerable to hurricanes. These storms bring strong winds and heavy rainfall, which can result in significant damage and human suffering across the country.12

The atmospheric pressure zone in the North Atlantic plays a primary role in shaping these seasonal wind patterns.1