Weather Lowdown
The weather in Playa Pesquero is almost always idyllic, and September is usually no exception, so long as there are no high winds during your visit. This is the tail end of the summertime on the island, and that means high temperatures combined with the resurgence of the second rainy season of the year. Daily average temperatures stand at around 28°C, the same as they were in August, but this time the rainfall becomes a lot higher.
Around 163mm of water will fall from the sky, which means around 12 days out of the month will be affected. This isn't so bad because it does mean that most days are dry, and when the rain does come you can cross your fingers that it will be gone before long. You can also check the weather forecast before you go out of your hotel to ensure you won't get wet. One good aspect of this weather is that it will help you to cool down: the highest average point of the day is a blistering 33°C, but the coolest low of the days is normally around 23°C, allowing you a little breather from the humidity.
There are 9 hours of sunshine a day this month as the nights begin to slowly draw in for winter, but it's still a long day with plenty of time to explore before you lose the daylight. There is never really a bad time to visit Cuba, and there is no bad time to swim in the sea either. So long as you pay attention to any warning flags and avoid getting caught out at sea when the winds whip up, you will find that you can get a lot of enjoyment from the average sea temperature of 29°C. It's warmer in the water than it is on land!
Where to Stay
As the weather is a little more temperamental in September, you might want to try staying in an apartment rather than a hotel. The Casa Mirador Alturas del Ocaso is a holiday rental where your host is close by enough to provide 3 meals a day as well as a laundry service. They can even serve as your guide to the local area. You can park your car there if you choose to rent one, and will be able to watch TV or a DVD in your room.
There is a more hands-on approach at the Villa La Roca Holguinera, which is family-owned by local Cubans and invites you into the family space. This casa has English-fluent hosts who will also serve as guides if you wish as well as providing real Cuban cuisine at breakfast and dinner times. The rooms each have a private bathroom and balcony, as well as access to the garden.
If you don't need all of your meals provided, head to the Juan Bed and Breakfast. Just two furnished bedrooms are available, and while breakfast is included, the other meals of the day are not. This is a good option for the traveller who wishes to independently go out and explore everything that the island has to offer from a comfortable yet basic base.
Hit the Beach
Cuba has plenty of smaller islands surrounding it, and Cayo Saetia Island is the one that you should absolutely visit if you get the chance to do so. It used to be a hunting reserve, so lots of exotic animals from around the world were brought here to populate the island. Now that it is no longer possible to hunt there, you can instead see ostriches, zebras, and antelopes wandering around free.
A catamaran trip is the most popular way to do so, and once you arrive you can also enjoy pastimes like sunbathing on the sands, snorkelling, or even horse riding. The water temperatures, averaging 29°C, are very appealing at this time of year, and once you get tired you can retire to the beach again to eat some traditional Cuban food laid on by your guides. It's a one-off experience that you will not find anywhere else.
Restaurants and Nightlife
When in Playa Pesquero, you should of course try some traditional Cuban food. You will find it served at Delicias Cubanas, not to be confused with a Florida restaurant of the same name. They have a spacious bar and lounge area where cocktails are also served to traditional recipes.
At the Restaurante Bar Parrillada San Jose you might spend a little more money, but the menu has more options and the historical building which houses it is a lot more impressive. Large portions are served from the barbecue daily, and it gives you an impression of the colonial era when this restaurant was built.
Finally, how about visiting El Eden? This pink and white wooden building looks gorgeous from the outside, and inside is just as good. There is a garden area stocked with exotic flowers if you want to eat out in the sun, and the food is very good value. If you don't have a car, just give them a call: they will arrange a taxi to come pick you up and then take you back later at no extra charge.
Things to Do
Going shopping is always a worthwhile use of your time, and you will find lots of bargains at the Guardalavaca Flea Market. Local people come here to make small gifts and souvenirs that are perfect for taking back home. Beachwear is sold here if you need anything, and you can also get jewellery, leather goods, pottery, art, and wood carvings, among many other wares. You are encouraged to barter here, bringing the price down to something that is more acceptable to your wallet.
September is also a great time to take advantage of the hot weather and the high sea temperatures to go snorkelling. You can purchase a snorkel set whilst on the beachfront if you do not have your own, and the clear waters around Playa Pesquero hold plenty of wonders for you to discover. The black coral reefs and exotic sea life here are highly prized, so you should definitely take a look at least once. You can also book in to a snorkelling tour if you want more information about what you are seeing.
