The warmest season in Cuba generally runs from July to October, so it's not surprising that peak season for tourism is in the winter months. August is significant in Cuba for two reasons: It is the month when most Cubans take their vacation, and it is also the beginning of hurricane season. That means beaches are swamped, many businesses are closed and the weather can be tenuous.
August is hot in Cuba, and because it falls in the middle of rainy season it is very humid, too, which is why locals prefer to relax on the beaches and tourists generally visit from November to March.
Since tourism is a major part of Cuba's economy, there are many cultural events throughout the year that attract millions of visitors. Although August events are more geared towards locals, there are still a few highlighted events that people of other nations enjoy, such as the Art at La Rampa Crafts Fair, which features handicrafts, household goods, clothing, engravings, art, fashion shows, concerts and activities for children. In addition, the Havana International Rap Festival has become a national sensation since the 1990s.
The Contemporary Dance Company of Cuba holds its annual international dance workshop, the CubaDanza, in August. This study of Cuban dance techniques is held every year at the National Theater of Cuba and is presented by the National Council of Performing Arts. The focus is on tecnica cubana, an amalgamation of ballet, modern and African and Latin dance movements.
Cuba has also become a favorite destination of the international scientific community, and eco-friendly and "green" forums, as well as sports training seminars, have become popular too.
