Varadero Travel Guide

City City in Matanzas Province, Cuba with beaches

A long spit of sandy shore and resort hotels defines Varadero; travelers swim coral‑fringed waters, scuba or snorkel at reefs, explore the Cueva de Saturno freshwater cave and eat fried snapper at roadside paladares away from the hotel strip.

Costs

US$70-150 / day

Resort rates vary; all‑inclusives raise daily costs significantly.

Safety

Relatively safe, tourist-focused

Police presence in resorts; watch belongings and petty scams.

Best Time

December-April

Warm, dry weather and peak resort season.

In This Guide

Why Visit
Best Things to Do
Bucket List
Best Time to Visit
How to Get There
How to Get Around
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Local Time

4:20 PM

GMT-4

Weather

82°F

Mostly Clear

Population

20,000

Infrastructure & Convenience

Beachfront hotels, taxis and resort services; limited transit outside resorts.

Popularity

Attracts large numbers of sun-and-sand tourists and cruise passengers.

Known For

long white-sand beaches, all-inclusive resorts, water sports, coral reefs, golf courses, nightlife, dolphinarium, Cuban cigars and rum, Hicacos Peninsula

Varadero beach stretches across the Hicacos Peninsula and is among Cuba's longest continuous resort beaches, spanning roughly 20 km.

Why Visit Varadero? #

Beaches of fine white sand and warm turquoise water bring sun-and-sea travelers to Playa Varadero, a long peninsula with coral-fringed reefs ideal for snorkeling and diving. Resort-lined avenues host live salsa and son music at night, pairing Cuban rhythms with seafood such as grilled lobster and ropa vieja in beachside paladares. For quieter options, day trips to nearby nature parks and short boat rides to smaller keys offer secluded coves and birding along the Zapata Peninsula.

Best Things to Do in Varadero

All Attractions ›

Varadero Beach

Long white-sand beach and popular resort area

Beach

Varadero Bucket List

Don't Miss

Varadero Beach - Relax on Varadero Beach's long white sands and swim in warm Caribbean waters.
Parque Josone - Stroll Parque Josone's shaded paths, ponds, and riverside cafés within town center.
Varadero Dolphinarium - Swim with dolphins or watch marine shows at Varadero's Dolphinarium facility.

Hidden Gems

Varahicacos Ecological Reserve - Explore Varahicacos Ecological Reserve's trails, endemic plants, and small coastal caves.
Punta Hicacos Lighthouse - Climb to Punta Hicacos Lighthouse for ocean views and historical coastal scenery.
Calle 62 Paladares - Dine at Calle 62 paladares for homemade Cuban dishes and friendly neighborhood atmosphere.

Day Trips

Matanzas city - Take a short trip into Matanzas for Afro-Cuban rumba, colonial plazas, and museums.
Ciénaga de Zapata - Drive to Ciénaga de Zapata for birdwatching, crocodile habitats, and rural landscapes.

Best Time to Visit Varadero #

Varadero is best from November through April when it's drier, breezy, and more comfortable for beaches and snorkeling. Summer heats up with frequent rains and a real hurricane season risk.

Dry Season

November - April · 20-27°C (68-81°F)

Breezy, sunny days and lower humidity - perfect for beach time, diving, and relaxed outdoor meals.

Wet Season

May - October · 24-31°C (75-88°F)

Hotter, muggy days with frequent afternoon showers; beaches are quieter but expect sudden storms and higher humidity.

Hurricane Risk

June - November · 24-31°C (75-88°F)

Peak season for tropical storms and hurricanes; check forecasts and travel advisories before booking during these months.

Best Time to Visit Varadero #

Climate

Tropical climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 19°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1383 mm/year), wettest in June.

Best Time to Visit

MarchFebruaryDecember

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

37°

Warmest Month

12°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

84 Excellent

Comfort

23°

Feels Like Mild

23°C

Temperature

19° – 26°

72%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

39 mm

Rainfall

3.6 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.1

UV Index

High

10.7h daylight

February

February is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

88 Excellent

Comfort

23°

Feels Like Mild

23°C

Temperature

19° – 26°

70%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

35 mm

Rainfall

3.5 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.5

UV Index

Very High

11.3h daylight

March

March is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).

90 Ideal

Comfort

24°

Feels Like Mild

24°C

Temperature

20° – 27°

66%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

40 mm

Rainfall

3.7 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.0

UV Index

Very High

11.9h daylight

April

April is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm).

86 Excellent

Comfort

25°

Feels Like Warm

25°C

Temperature

22° – 28°

64%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

68 mm

Rainfall

3.8 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.3

UV Index

Extreme

12.6h daylight

May

May is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (182 mm).

78 Very Good

Comfort

26°

Feels Like Warm

26°C

Temperature

23° – 29°

67%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

182 mm

Rainfall

3.2 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.3

UV Index

Extreme

13.1h daylight

June

June is hot, feeling like 29°C due to high humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (211 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

73 Very Good

Comfort

29°

Feels Like Hot

27°C

Temperature

24° – 31°

71%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

211 mm

Rainfall

2.8 m/s

Wind

Calm

2.3

UV Index

Extreme

13.4h daylight

July

July is hot, feeling like 30°C. Significant rainfall (172 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

75 Very Good

Comfort

30°

Feels Like Hot

28°C

Temperature

24° – 31°

70%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

172 mm

Rainfall

2.8 m/s

Wind

Calm

2.4

UV Index

Extreme

13.3h daylight

August

August is the hottest month, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (175 mm).

77 Very Good

Comfort

31°

Feels Like Hot

28°C

Temperature

25° – 32°

70%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

175 mm

Rainfall

2.4 m/s

Wind

Calm

2.3

UV Index

Extreme

12.8h daylight

September

September is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (190 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

75 Very Good

Comfort

30°

Feels Like Hot

28°C

Temperature

24° – 31°

73%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

190 mm

Rainfall

2.6 m/s

Wind

Calm

2.0

UV Index

Extreme

12.2h daylight

October

October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (181 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

27°

Feels Like Warm

27°C

Temperature

23° – 30°

74%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

181 mm

Rainfall

3.1 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.6

UV Index

Very High

11.5h daylight

November

November is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

84 Excellent

Comfort

25°

Feels Like Warm

25°C

Temperature

22° – 28°

72%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

60 mm

Rainfall

3.3 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.2

UV Index

High

10.9h daylight

December

December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

88 Excellent

Comfort

23°

Feels Like Mild

23°C

Temperature

20° – 27°

74%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

30 mm

Rainfall

3.4 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.0

UV Index

High

10.6h daylight

How to Get to Varadero

Varadero is served by its own international airport (VRA) located minutes from the hotel zone; Havana is the larger gateway for connections and overland travel. For convenience, many visitors use airport taxis or prebooked shuttles; Viazul coaches connect Varadero with Havana for budget travellers.

By Air

Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport (VRA): Varadero’s airport is right next to the resort area and receives many international flights. Transfer times into central Varadero hotels are typically 15-30 minutes; private taxi fares are roughly USD 20-USD 35, while shared shuttles can be about USD 8-USD 15 per person.

José Martí International Airport (HAV): Havana is the main international airport for Cuba; Varadero is about 140-170 km (3-4 hours) from Havana depending on traffic. Viazul buses from Havana to Varadero take about 3-4 hours and cost around USD 10-USD 12; private taxis are much more expensive (USD 120+).

By Train & Bus

Train: There is no practical passenger rail service to Varadero for tourists.

Bus: The state coach line Viazul and private shuttle operators run Havana↔Varadero services. Viazul is budget‑friendly (approx. USD 10-USD 12, 3-4 hours). Many tourists use hotel shuttles or prebooked private transfers from Havana or the airport for direct service into the resort.

How to Get Around Varadero #

Varadero is a long, flat resort strip that’s easy to walk along the beach and main avenues. Taxis and the distinctive coco-taxis are plentiful for short trips; many hotels provide shuttle services and organized transfers. There are also local buses linking parts of the peninsula; if you plan day trips, arrange transport through your hotel or a tour operator.

Where to Stay in Varadero #

Budget

Varadero beach strip - $50-120/night

Varadero has many all-inclusive resorts; cheap deals often come in low season. Budget means shared facilities but big resort amenities.

Meliá Varadero (budget room types) - Large resort with budget room options
Iberostar Selection Varadero - All-inclusive with affordable deals

Mid-Range

Central Varadero - $120-220/night

Many mid-range options are full-service resorts offering rooms, pools, restaurants and beach access. Expect reliable amenities and activities.

Royalton Hicacos Varadero - Adult-only, boutique-resort feel
Gran Hotel Vista al Mar - Comfortable, good location

Luxury

East Varadero resorts - $200+/night

Varadero's luxury end is well developed with large beachfront resorts offering premium rooms, spas, and water sports.

Meliá Internacional Varadero - Upscale rooms and beachfront facilities
Paradise Varadero Resort - Luxury amenities and premium suites

Where to Eat in Varadero #

Resort & Seafood Dining

Varadero combines resort dining with local paladares-expect seafood, Cuban classics and beachfront restaurants catering to visitors.

Resort restaurants - Seafood and international menus
Local paladares (private restaurants) - Homestyle Cuban plates
Seafood stalls and fish markets - Fresh catch sold near the shore

Casual Cafes & Beach Snacks

Beaches and promenades host cafés and kiosks serving snacks, empanadas and tropical drinks for a relaxed seaside appetite.

Beachfront cafes - Coffee, smoothies and light bites
Snack kiosks - Empanadas, fritters and cold drinks
Ice-cream stands - Cool treats on hot days

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Varadero's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Local

Italian

Pizza

Chicken

Coffee Shop

International

Burger

Sandwich

Seafood

Ice Cream

Japanese

Regional

Pasta

Breakfast

Caribbean

Fish

Grill

Buffet

Barbecue

Friture

Nightlife in Varadero #

Varadero offers the most nightlife of these Cuban towns, with many hotel bars, restaurant venues and occasional live music. Even so, most evenings are centered on hotel entertainment and relaxed beachfront spots rather than a large independent club scene. If you’re after late-night dancing or themed clubs, ask hotel staff for current listings and shuttle options.

Shopping in Varadero #

Varadero has a wide range of tourist-oriented shopping: souvenir stands, shops selling cigars, rum and local crafts, and several indoor markets near the resort area. Hotel gift shops and stalls on the main strip are the easiest places to buy keepsakes. For state-run or larger craft markets, check opening days and bring cash-the selection varies seasonally.