Weather Lowdown
Playa Pesquero starts to heat up in February, and even though the season is still winter, average daily temperatures of 24°C will keep you feeling warm and toasty. Every day you can expect a range of temperatures depending on the time, whether or not it is raining, and the level of wind. Lows start at an average of 19°C and go up to highs of 29°C. This means you may need to check the weather forecast frequently in order to plan out your holiday with the best activities on the best days.
Rainfall is not much of a problem at this time of year, with only 47mm falling throughout the month. We are in the main dry season for Cuba right now, so it's a great time to visit without having to worry about taking your umbrella with you. The rain covers just 6 days, so it's even plausible that you may make it through a week-long or even 2-week holiday without getting wet at all. The only month with even less rainfall is March, so this is a fantastic part of the year for those who aren't fans of rain.
One thing that you will have is plenty of sunshine, with 8 hours of it every day. You can take advantage of this to explore the beautiful natural surroundings and the beach, or by heading to the nearby city to explore Cuban culture. As for swimming in the sea, you should be able to enjoy this very easily, with average temperatures of 26°C making the experience a pleasant one. It is in fact likely to be warmer in the waves than on land! It's also a good time of year to swim as you are less likely to see the warning flags for rough waves, thanks to the lower wind speeds during the dry season.
Where to Stay
Villa Solymar is one of the great Cuban houses which have been opened up to guests to allow you to get a glimpse of real local customs. Breakfast is provided by your hosts, as well as air conditioning and a friendly atmosphere. This is a great way to get in touch with the "real" Cuba.
Should you want a more traditional hotel, head to the Club Amigo Atlantico, which is perfect for families and couples. It features a huge swimming pool including bridges and islands for you to explore, so you might not ever want to leave. Then again, right next to the pool is the beach, and it's already a great temperature to explore there in February. The views are also spectacular.
Luxury can be found in the form of the Paradisus Rio de Oro Resort & Spa, which offers an all-inclusive package just for adult single travellers, particularly those who might be looking for a little romance. The hotel includes a VIP pool area, a full service spa, multiple restaurants and bars, a botanical garden, and natural architecture that makes you feel part of the environment.
Hit the Beach
If you do take lessons, you may recognise that Blanca Playa means white beach. It's a very accurate description of this beach, where you can gather on those white sands to enjoy sunbathing or a dip in the waves. An average sea temperature of 26°C makes the experience even more delightful. If you like your history, this beach also offers something extra: very close by is Cayo Bariay, where Christopher Columbus is said to have set foot on land here for the first time. You can see why this beautiful island appealed to him and his crew even before the modern developments were added!
Restaurants and Nightlife
At seafood restaurant Balcones Del Rey, you will find a view to die for. The name means Balconies of the King, and it is on the balconies that you will eat your meal. The food here is not only delicious and served with a view, but it also comes at very low prices. You can arrange transport to the restaurant from your hotel at no extra charge, and cocktails are also on the menu.
A very small restaurant with that romantic February feel is Patio-Parillada. Low lighting and a small patio area make it a night you can enjoy just together even the waiters know to leave you to yourselves when they are not needed. Cuban traditional dishes share the menu with pizza and other popular choices.
Finding the Restaurante Calle Cuba is fairly easy since you only need to look for the street called Calle Cuba itself. This is one of the few restaurants in Cuba that does not play live music, so if you want some peace and quiet, try the traditional cuisine here. It's a favourite with locals, so you can see that it is definitely high quality. They also serve lunch.
Things to Do
If you are visiting in February to celebrate Valentine's Day, you should certainly go for a walk on the beach. Strolling along the white sands and daring to dip your toes into the gentle waves at sunset is a wonderful experience, especially on the quieter beaches near to Playa Pesquero where you might get the view to yourself. This is a must-do in Cuba.
You can also take Spanish lessons to better communicate with the locals and pick up a new, useful skill. Hotels like the Brisas offer them as an optional extra during your stay. There are also Spanish schools in nearby towns like Holguin, like the Holguin Cuba Sunny Tour guide. This will help you enjoy your stay all the more with better capabilities of understanding what is going on around you.
