How to travel during hurricane season
Sources checked . Final review by Sean Williams pending.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 and the eastern Pacific season from May 15 to November 30, according to NOAA. Travel in these months is common, but protect it: buy travel insurance before a storm is named, book refundable or changeable flights where you can, and follow the National Hurricane Center.
| Atlantic season (incl. Caribbean, Gulf) | June 1 to November 30 |
|---|---|
| Eastern Pacific season (Mexico's Pacific coast) | May 15 to November 30 |
| Atlantic peak | Around September 10; most activity mid-August to mid-October |
| Eastern Pacific peak | Late August, less pronounced |
| Official forecasts | National Hurricane Center, nhc.noaa.gov |
When is hurricane season?
The Atlantic season, which covers the Caribbean, the Gulf and the U.S. East Coast, runs from June 1 to November 30. The eastern Pacific season, which affects Mexico's Pacific coast, runs from May 15 to November 30. Both dates come from NOAA's National Hurricane Center.
Which weeks carry the most risk?
In the Atlantic, activity peaks around September 10, with most storms forming between mid-August and mid-October. The eastern Pacific peaks in late August, but its activity is spread over a longer stretch.
Choose the early season (June to mid-August) or late season (late October to November) if you must travel in hurricane season. Avoid mid-August to mid-October if your dates are flexible and a storm would ruin the trip.
How do I protect a trip booked in hurricane season?
- Buy travel insurance right after your first payment, before any storm is named.
- Choose flights and hotels with flexible change terms where you can.
- For a cruise, fly in a day early.
- Enroll in the State Department's STEP program for international trips.
- Watch the National Hurricane Center forecast from about a week out.
What should I do if a storm is forecast for my trip?
Check your airline, cruise line and hotel for travel waivers, which let you change plans without a fee. Call your advisor before you cancel anything yourself, because cancelling first can cost you refunds you would otherwise get. Our help page covers hurricane changes to a cruise.
What are my rights if a flight is cancelled for weather?
Under Department of Transportation rules, if an airline cancels your flight and you do not accept the alternative offered, you are entitled to a refund, even when weather caused it. See what to do when your flight is cancelled.
Frequently asked questions
- Should I cancel my trip because of hurricane season?
- Not just because of the season. Most days in hurricane season are storm-free at any given place. Plan for the risk with insurance and flexible bookings, and watch forecasts as the trip approaches.
- Does travel insurance cover a hurricane?
- Many policies cover hurricane-related cancellations only if you bought the policy before the storm was named. Read the policy's rules on foreseen events.
- Will the airline refund me if a hurricane cancels my flight?
- Under DOT rules, if the airline cancels your flight and you choose not to travel or accept alternatives, you are entitled to a refund. Airlines also often issue travel waivers before storms.
- Is Mexico's Pacific coast in the same hurricane season?
- No. The eastern Pacific season runs from May 15 to November 30, with a peak in late August, according to NOAA.
- Where do I get reliable storm forecasts?
- From NOAA's National Hurricane Center at nhc.noaa.gov, and from local emergency management officials at your destination.
Sources
Founder, Egretline Travel ยท Tampa, Florida
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