Dress Code in Cuba: What Wear in Cuba, Whether it’s Day or Night

What is the dress code in Cuba? Is it the long, floaty dresses and flowery shirts that you see on Instagram and in travel brochures?

Should you dress modestly? Does the dress code vary depending upon the towns and cities you visit? Also, what should you wear to the beach in Cuba?

If any of the above questions have come to mind, don’t worry – you’re not alone in wondering exactly what to wear to Cuba.

I spent many hours carefully selecting my wardrobe for Cuba. As a predominantly Christian country, it’s modest but not overly strict.

So, the dress code in Cuba for tourists is more about comfort than anything else. Most importantly, you should feel comfortable and confident in your outfit choice.

Let’s jump into what to wear to Cuba depending upon the time of year. I’ll cover what to wear in Cuba, whether it’s the day or night, as well as what to wear when you’re visiting Havana, Varadero, Trinidad, Santiago de Cuba, the beach, the city, or a Cuban resort.

While you’re here, feel free to steal my Cuba packing list too.

What is the Traditional Wear in Cuba?

The traditional clothing in Cuba is cigar shirts (for men) and rumba dresses (for women). However, these are usually reserved for special occasions.

Rumba dresses are perhaps the best-known traditional wear in Cuba. This is likely because they are colourful and eye-catching, with ruffles around the legs and fluttery sleeves.

If you have a keen eye, you might notice some locals dressed in all-white attire too.

This is an outfit worn by those in the initiation stage of the Santeria religion, an Afro-Caribbean faith.

Should You Dress Modestly in Cuba?

Cuba is a predominantly Christian country, so you don’t need to cover your arms, shoulders, legs, or chest (unless you feel more comfortable doing so).

Throughout Cuba, I saw plenty of locals and tourists wearing shorts, skirts, dresses, vests, tank tops, and crop tops in hot weather.

When the weather dropped below 20 °C, the dress code in Cuba (for locals, at least) switches to jeans and a t-shirt. If you want to blend in, you can follow suit.

When it comes to deciding how modestly you should dress in Cuba, the biggest factor is safety.

In general, Cuba is a friendly and safe country to travel around, but catcalling is very common in the big cities, even for men.

Trinidad, Cuba. See the best things to do in Trinidad Cuba.

In Havana, I felt the need to dress more modestly because I wanted to minimise cat-calling.

However, in Trinidad, I felt comfortable wearing mini dresses because it is smaller and quite touristy.

What Not to Wear in Cuba

I chose to avoid wearing branded items or expensive jewellery in Cuba. To do so may be seen as insensitive due to the poor economical situation in Cuba.

Some restaurants, especially higher-end establishments connected to hotels, will not allow guests to wear short shorts or skirts in their restaurants too.

What is the Dress Code in Cuba?

The dress code in Cuba really boils down to the weather and your itinerary, as well as the type of activities you have planned.

If you want to visit the Parque Guanayara Waterfalls, my favourite ‘secret’ spot in Cuba, sturdy shoes are essential.

The following sections will give you a better idea of what you should wear at day or night, as well as what’s acceptable in different destinations around Cuba…

What to Wear in Cuba During the Day

Cuba is hot and humid.

Therefore, lightweight, breathable fabric such as cotton, linen, and sweat-wicking fabrics should be your go-to attire.

Walking is one of the main ways of getting around Cuba, and since there are plenty of cobbles and potholes, sturdy, practical shoes or sandals are another must-have item.

Practical outfits for men and women are shorts or skirts with a loose vest or t-shirt. A loose-fitting dress is also breathable and comfortable.

When it’s slightly cooler outside, lightweight trousers or jeans paired with a vest or t-shirt are a good combination.

Always carry a light jacket or cardigan with you, because some buildings and restaurants (if you’re lucky) have air conditioning.

A rain jacket or umbrella is also essential between May and October, which is the rainy season in Cuba.

What to Wear in Cuba At Night

The temperature drops by at least a few degrees at night, especially in northern parts of Cuba such as Havana or Varadero.

Mosquitos also appear from dusk onwards.

For these reasons, it’s a good idea to swap any shorts or short skirts for longer trousers, skirts, or jeans, and drape a lightweight cardigan or jacket over your t-shirt or vest.

If you’re keen to take some nice holiday photographs in a dress or special shirt, you can always take off your jacket once you’re inside a bar or restaurant.

What to Wear in Havana, Cuba

In Havana, the dress code is more varied – it is the capital city, after all, so many people like to channel their personality through fashion.

Feel free to inject some colour and personality into your own outfit, as the locals are sure to appreciate it.

I foun that catcalling was quite predominant in Havana (even for men), so you might want to dress more modestly if it’ll help you to feel more comfortable.

You should also avoid wearing flashy or designer items. While pickpocketing isn’t particularly rife, you’re more likely to get pickpocketed in Havana than anywhere else in Cuba.

What to Wear in Trinidad, Cuba

Trinidad has somewhat of a ‘resort’ vibe, given that it’s such a popular tourist destination.

It’s the one place where I felt most comfortable to wear my summer mini dresses.

It also feels very safe at night.

What to Wear in Varadero, Cuba

Varadero is one the biggest tourist hotspot in the whole of Cuba.

The beaches are lined with large resorts and hotels, so the dress code is way more relaxed.

As there are so many tourists lounging around or lumbering off to the beach, it’s unlikely that you’ll look or feel out of place in beach outfits.

Out of everwyhere, this is the best place to wear your usual beach, resort, or drinks-and-dinner holiday outfits.

What to Wear in Santiago de Cuba

Santiago de Cuba, the ‘capital of the south’, is quite similar to Havana.

There are strong Afro-Cuban influences on the attire here, meaning that colourful outfits are even more commonplace.

I haven’t been there myself, but I’d suggest you keep your outfits fairly modest. Shorts and a colourful top or a loose, full-length maxi dress are some great outfit ideas.

Men might want to opt for a colourful shirt and slacks or jeans and a statement t-shirt.

Again, I would avoid wearing anything too flashy or expensive, as you might attract pickpockets.

What to Wear in a Cuba Resort

Cuban resorts are packed with tourists showing off their best summer dresses, Instagram-inspired crochet tops, beachwear, and flowery shirts, the dress code is typically very relaxed. 

Many tourists tend to dress up in the evenings for dinner at their resort, so packing a more formal shirt or dress might be a good idea.

Some resorts also have a no shorts rule in their restaurants in the evening, so plan ahead for this.

What to Wear to the Beach in Cuba

There’s no dress code for the beaches in Cuba. As I explain in my guide to the best beaches Havana, I wore a bikini on the beach without any issues.

Bikinis, swimming trunks, tankinis, and swimming costumes are all acceptable.

Obviously, the only rule is that you shouldn’t go commando or topless (if you’re a female).

Wearing a cover-up or a kimono-style jacket might make you feel more comfortable on the beach, especially since many of the restaurants are based a short walk from the beach.

Remember to wear comfortable clothes and shoes for your journey to and from the beach, especially if you’re walking there or travelling by bus.

Can I Buy Clothes in Cuba?

While you shouldn’t expect endless boutiques and high-street stores in Cuba, there are markets and flea stores in bigger towns or cities such as Havana, Varadero, Trinidad, and Santiago de Cuba.

That’s if you can find out where they are – your best bet is to ask your hotel or guesthouse for directions.

Markets typically run on selected days, although big tourist destinations may have permanent stalls selling clothes that are popular with tourists, such as dresses and hats.

Cuba Outfits: A Quick Packing List

Cuba Outfits for Women

These are the basic essentials for women travelling to Cuba:

• Skirts or shorts
• Loose mini dress
• A maxi dress, loose jeans, or loose, full-length trousers
• Rain jacket or umbrella
• Lightweight, waterproof backpack
• Swimming costume or bikini
• Beach cover-up
• Sunglasses
• Underwear and socks
• Practical trainers or walking boots
• Good sandals

Cuba Outfits For Men

These are the basic essentials for men travelling to Cuba:

• Shorts
• Full-length trousers or jeans
• Lightweight jacket or jumper
• Rain jacket or umbrella
• Lightweight, waterproof backpack
• Swimming trunks
• Underwear and socks
• Sturdy sandals
• Practical trainers or walking boots

Feel free to check out my Cuba packing list for more essential items.

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Now that you’re ready for the ‘runways’ of Cuba, cobbles included, why not get off the beaten track and visit Topes de Collantes Cuba, a national park next to Trinidad?

Suggested reading:

• Best beaches Havana + how to take the bus there!
• Getting around Cuba guide
• The best money for Cuba, summarised
• Offbeat guides – a Parque Guanayara waterfalls guide
• The best things to do in Trinidad Cuba