Cuba has a tropical maritime climate with a pronounced wet season from May to October and a drier season from November to April. Temperatures stay warm throughout the year because the island lies in the tropics and is moderated by surrounding seas and trade winds. The country is large enough to show regional differences, especially between coasts, lowlands, and mountain areas, but it does not have a cold season in the temperate sense. For residents and expats, the main climate realities are heat, humidity, seasonal downpours, and hurricane exposure rather than temperature extremes. The country’s climate is generally comfortable for beach life and outdoor living if heat and moisture are acceptable.