Weather Lowdown
When you visit Playa Pesquero in the summertime, you can always expect brilliant sunshine and hot weather. This is definitely the case in August, when the daily average temperatures are around 28°C and the daily highs go up as far as 33°C! This month is very hot in terms of the year's temperatures, and is second only to July in terms of being the hottest. Even overnight temperatures only drop to 23°C, which is still very warm.
Rainfall is around normal levels at this point of the year, in the small lull between two rainy seasons. Although there will be 132mm of rain coming down, it only affects 11 days out of the month, so around two thirds of the month will be dry. Showers, when they come, are often over quickly. This is one of the great facets of the climate in Cuba, as often the rain is a brief chance to cool off and feel refreshed before the sun comes back again. Keep an eye on the forecast if you want to be sure of avoiding those showers, or at least so that you know to take a waterproof or umbrella with you when going out of your hotel.
10 hours of sunshine a day helps to keep the temperatures high, but also ensures that you will have plenty of time to explore during the day. It's the perfect environment for a holiday! If you feel like going for a dip in the sea, then you are definitely in luck: the average sea temperature at this time of year is a very warm 29°C. You won't be catching a cold from swimming here!
Where to Stay
Those on a budget will get the most value for money from Hostal La Roca Holguinera. It's a basic hotel with few amenities, but the August weather is so good that you might be spending most of your time outside anyway. Hand-painted murals decorate the hallways of this welcoming home, and with only three rooms available, you can be sure that your stay will be quiet and peaceful.
Las Tunas is a great budget choice too, with fully furnished rooms just like a homestay. It is a short drive from the beach, so you are away from the tourist rush, but can still get to those main attractions when you want to.
The Cadillac is another hotel which gives you a unique experience. The Cadillac is of course one of the symbols associated with Cuba, where classic cars are abundant and the vintage feel of the name is continued throughout the property. There are nature parks and beaches close by the hotel, too, for easy access.
Hit the Beach
The beach is a must-visit during August, while the average sea temperatures of 29°C making it just heavenly to swim in the blue waters. Playa Pesquero is itself a beautiful beach, with 900 metres full of sun kissed white sand. It can get very hot at this time of year even to the point that you will want to wear flip flops or sandals before putting your feet on the sand!
The tide only comes in to the depth of 1.5 feet, so this means that you can stay on the beach all day long and ignore the waters. This is a very pleasant beach for sunbathing and also for swimming local beach monitors are tasked with putting up warning flags when the sea is rough, so you will always know whether it is safe to go swimming or not.
Restaurants and Nightlife
Walking up a short flight of wide stone steps in a rocky cliff will bring you to the restaurant known as El Ancla, which has views out over the blue waters of the sandy bay that it sits on top of. Seafood is served here along with other traditional Cuban dishes, while live musicians play during dinner. The prices are very good too.
Another traditional restaurant by the sea is La Maison Restaurant. Paella is served with Cuban twists, such as the addition of octopus. This place is known in particular for serving succulent lobster dishes, at big portion sizes and with a great level of service.
Right on the sands of the beach itself you will find Pizza Nova, which is apparently unrelated to the food chain under the same name. Walk in with your swimsuit on and you can still get served for lunch. Cheap pizza with plenty of topping options are made while you wait, making this one of the most popular pizza joints in the area.
Things to Do
If you visit the nearby town of Guardalavaca, you will be able to have a great time on a horse and buggy ride, which can be very romantic. Augustino's Horse N Buggy will give you a ride for around 45 minutes, showing you all of the local sites without having to walk around in the August heat. It's a great way to spend an afternoon.
Holguin also has a couple of very interesting attractions a sugar factory and a cigar factory, which are both very important in the history of the town. These both offer the chance for you to admire them from outside, or to head in for a tour and the guest shops. Although the sugar factor no longer operates, it's considered to be a local landmark.
