When Is Hurricane Season?
| Basin | Season | Peak |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic | June 1 - Nov 30 | Aug-Oct |
| Eastern Pacific | May 15 - Nov 30 | Jul-Sep |
| Western Pacific (typhoons) | Year-round | Jul-Nov |
| Indian Ocean (cyclones) | Apr-Jun, Oct-Dec | Nov |
The Risk Calculation
Peak months (August-October in the Atlantic) carry the highest risk but also the lowest prices. Shoulder periods (June, November) offer lower risk with similar savings.
The key insight: hurricanes affect a relatively small area at any given time. Most of the Caribbean, for example, has normal weather on any given day even in peak season.
How to Travel Smart
Before Booking
- Choose destinations with lower historical hurricane frequency (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, and the ABC islands are south of the hurricane belt)
- Book refundable accommodation and flexible airline tickets
- Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers hurricane disruptions
- Check airline policies on weather-related rebooking
During Your Trip
- Monitor the National Hurricane Center or equivalent for your region daily
- Know your hotel's hurricane plan
- Keep your passport and important documents in a waterproof bag
- Have enough cash for a few days (ATMs may go down)
If a Hurricane Is Approaching
- Follow official evacuation orders immediately
- Contact your airline about rebooking
- If staying: shelter in an interior room away from windows
- Stock water (4 litres per person per day), food, torch, batteries
The Savings
Hurricane season discounts are significant:
- Hotels: 30-50% off peak rates
- Flights: 20-40% cheaper
- Activities: Easier to book, often discounted
Monitor tropical weather on Weather Tomorrow.
Get tomorrow's forecast in your inbox
Free daily weather email. Choose your city, pick your time.
Subscribe — FreeRelated Articles
Picnic Weather Planning — Choose the Perfect Day and Spot
A great picnic depends on getting the weather right. Here is how to read forecasts and pick the ideal conditions.
Road Trip Weather Guide — Drive Through Any Conditions Safely
Long drives mean driving through changing weather. Here is how to prepare for anything the road throws at you.
BBQ Weather Guide — Perfect Conditions for Grilling Outdoors
The ideal BBQ day depends on more than just sunshine. Here is how wind, temperature, and humidity affect your cookout.