What to Wear in Cuba

Top style tips for Cuba

  • When in Cuba our advice would be to dress in a casual, low key fashion and leave your expensive jewelry at home.
  • In this sub-tropical climate lightweight natural fabrics such as linen and cotton work well.
  • Jeans and t-shirts also work (except in hot and humid August).
  • The island is cooled by the trade winds, so pack a light sweater or wrap for the cooler evenings.
  • Ensure you bring a versatile travel jacket. We love the SCOTTeVEST travel jacket because it has over 23 pockets, removable sleeves and RFID protection.
  • You may find that some restaurants don't allow you to wear shorts.
  • Always pack plenty of sunscreen (we love the Riemann P20 range for 10 hour protection) and insect/mosquito repellent, toiletries, feminine products and make-up – as these can all be difficult and very expensive to buy on the island.

Shoes to pack for Cuba

  • The paths are very uneven, so you'll need comfy shoes for exploring. Stylish flat shoes or sandals will work better than sneakers – try Hotter shoes for a range of lightweight styles.
  • Leave your high heels at home, and opt for pretty flats for going out. We love the Lindsay Phillips Switch Flops range – using interchangeable shoe and flip-flop bases with snap-on decorations, you can change your look from day to evening in an instant whilst still packing light.

Clothing tips for women

  • In the hotels and resorts women often dress up for dinner – a simple sundress and sandals will work well.
  • A pashmina is a versatile piece that will dress up any outfit, and some simple costume jewelry will always make a statement.
  • If you are going to visit any religious sites then be sure to cover your shoulders and bare legs – your pashmina can come in handy for this too.

Clothing tips for men

  • If you're looking for versatile and stylish beachwear, try the Madda Fella range of shirts, shorts, polos and swimwear.

Pack for the weather

  • Cuba stays hot all year at around 25 – 28C but the dry season of November, December, January, February, March and April gives way to the rainy one from May through June, July, August, September and October – so pack a travel umbrella or light raincoat if visiting then.
  • We love the Weather+ app – it gives an accurate 6 day forecast for day and night, which when you're planning from home is really helpful. You can keep all the places you've been to too – a nice way to remember your trip 🙂 Download for iPad/iPhone or Android

Other things to pack

  • This is a country where tipping is expected so be sure to carry plenty of small coins. In all-inclusive resorts the staff may not be allowed to accept money, but they will appreciate small gifts of make-up, nail polish, children's clothes etc.
  • Don't take personal DVD players with you, as they may be confiscated at customs.
  • A lightweight day sack or beach bag will come in handy to carry your sightseeing essentials.
  • Don’t drink or even brush your teeth in tap water. Consider taking a LifeStraw Filtration Water Bottle.
  • Look after your mobile phone with a phone bunjee – it protects against loss, theft and damage. A solar powered charger can be useful too as a back-up for your battery.
  • To use electrical gadgets you may need a travel adapter plug, and also a step up voltage converter if your devices are not designed for local voltage (110V) although most of the modern hotels have 220V sockets too.
  • When traveling around the country a soft-sided rucksack is more practical than a hard suitcase, and using packing cubes can help to keep your belongings tidy whilst compressing the volume too.
  • Avoid paying unexpected baggage fees – use an accurate luggage scale to ensure you keep within the weight allowance. Don't forget to leave room for souvenirs on the way home! Rum and cigars are two of the most essentially ‘Cuban' buys, but do remember any liquids will need to be packed in your checked-in luggage and you should check the customs limit of your home country before bringing back cigars.

Community photos from Cuba